Princess Pine (Crassula lycopodioides)

(c) Adele SL, some rights reserved (CC BY)

iNaturalist

Princess Pine Plant Care

Crassula lycopodioides Lam.

This succulent plant is recognized by its unique trailing stems covered in small, overlapping leaves resembling scales. Originating from South Africa, Crassula lycopodioides is prized by collectors for its compact growth habit and ability to cascade beautifully over the edges of containers or hanging baskets.

ðŸŠīHouseplantsðŸŒĩSucculents
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect to full sun

Temp

65–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Is the Princess Pine?

Princess Pine (Crassula lycopodioides) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Crassula genus. Princess Pine is native to South Africa and Namibia, belonging to the family Crassulaceae and to the genus Crassula. Princess Pine is also known as Club-leaf Crassula, Watch Chain Plant, Chinese Pagoda Plant.

Princess Pine displays a compact, branching succulent growth habit, reaching up to 0 inches tall with a spread of approximately 1 inches. Princess Pine produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 0 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Princess Pine?

Crassula lycopodioides 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 Princess Pine Need?

Princess Pine thrives in bright indirect to full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 0–0 lux. Avoid placing Princess Pine in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to full sun

0–0 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Princess Pine Prefer?

Crassula lycopodioides grows best at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. Princess Pine prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

65–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Princess Pine?

Well-draining succulent mix with perlite and coarse sand. Good drainage is essential for Princess Pine to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Do You Repot a Princess Pine?

Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Princess Pine?

Princess Pine can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calico kitten plant care, which shares the same genus.

Fertilizing

Every 1 month

During the growing season

Is the Princess Pine Toxic to Pets and Children?

Non-Toxic

Non-toxic to humans and pets

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Princess Pine?

Princess Pine is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Princess Pine Need?

Princess Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. Native to South Africa and Namibia, belonging to the family Crassulaceae and to the genus Crassula, Princess Pine is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Princess Pine as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9b – 11b

Keep exploring plants

Princess Pine 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 Crassula genus — compare its care with other Crassula species on PlantoScan.

Princess Pine thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Crassula Species

Other Crassula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

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