Crassula falcata · Propeller Plant (Scarlet Paintbrush)

The plant has a visible label in the photo reading 'Family: Crassulaceae, Crassula falcata,' which corresponds directly to the specimen shown. The visual features are consistent with this identification: thick, gray-green, sickle-shaped (falcate) succulent leaves arranged in opposite decussate pairs along an ascending stem, creating a distinctive twisted/propeller-like spiral pattern. The leaves are flattened, fleshy, and slightly curved with a slightly powdery/glaucous surface, typical of Crassula falcata (also known as Crassula perfoliata var. minor in some taxonomies). The foreground pot contains a similar but slightly more compact and grayer succulent with narrower leaves, which may be a related Crassula species or a juvenile form of the same plant - this should be verified separately as it could be a different accession. No flowers are visible in this photo, which would normally show the characteristic bright red-orange clustered blooms typical of this species, but the leaf morphology and label are sufficient for confident identification of the main specimen.

Generated 2026-08-26 21:33 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).

Light

Bright direct to full sun; this succulent loves strong light and needs several hours of direct sun to maintain compact growth and flower well.

Water

Water deeply then let soil dry out completely between waterings, roughly every 2-3 weeks; cut back significantly in winter.

Nutrients

Light feeding with a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer once or twice during the growing season (spring-summer); avoid heavy feeding.

Repotting

Repot every 2-3 years or when rootbound, ideally in spring; this plant has a shallow root system and doesn't need frequent repotting.

Soil media

Cactus/succulent mix with excellent drainage; add extra perlite or pumice if the base mix retains too much moisture.

Temp & humidity

65-80F; low humidity (30-40%) - this is a desert-adapted succulent that prefers dry air and good airflow.

Temperature range

🌡️ 65-80F

Humidity range

💦 30-40%

Care group

🏷️ Bright & Dry

Toxicity

No significant toxicity reported for Crassula falcata, though as with many succulents mild GI upset is possible if ingested in quantity; generally low concern for staff and visitors.

Pests & diseases

Watch for mealybugs in leaf axils and scale; root rot is the main risk if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil.

Propagation

Very easy from leaf cuttings or stem cuttings -- let the cutting callus over for a day or two before placing on well-draining soil; roots and pups form readily.

Generated 2026-08-26 21:33 by anthropic (claude-sonnet-5).