Photo: Ryan van HuyssteenCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Crassula cristata Plant Care
Adromischus cristatus (Haw.) Lem.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Adromischus cristatus, also known as the Crinkle-Leaf Plant, is a unique succulent with leaves that have distinctive wavy edges resembling crinkled paper. This plant is native to South Africa and is popular among plant enthusiasts for its unusual leaf shape and easy care requirements.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Crassula cristata?
Water Crassula cristata every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Crassula cristata Native To?
What Is the Crassula cristata?
Crassula cristata (Adromischus cristatus) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Adromischus genus. Crassula cristata is native to the eastern cape of South Africa. Crassula cristata is also known as Paddles.
Crassula cristata displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Crassula cristata produces small tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crassula cristata?
Adromischus cristatus requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Crassula cristata Need?
Crassula cristata thrives in bright indirect to full sun. Avoid placing Crassula cristata in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Crassula cristata Prefer?
Adromischus cristatus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Crassula cristata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Crassula cristata?
Well-draining succulent mix with sand and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Crassula cristata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crassula cristata?
Feed Crassula cristata every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Crassula cristata?
Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Crassula cristata?
Crassula cristata can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pygmy flame plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Crassula cristata Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crassula cristata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Crassula cristata?
Crassula cristata is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Crassula cristata Need?
Crassula cristata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Crassula cristata is native to the eastern cape of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Crassula cristata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Crassula cristata is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Adromischus genus — compare its care with other Adromischus species on PlantoScan.
Adromischus is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
Crassula cristata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Adromischus Species
Other Adromischus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Adromischus cristatus (Haw.) Lem., family Crassulaceae (first published in Jard. FIeur. 2(Misc.): 60 (1852)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crassula cristata, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ryan van Huyssteen, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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