Photo: Adele SLCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Princess Pine Plant Care
Crassula lycopodioides Lam.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
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.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to full sun
65–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Princess Pine?
Water Princess Pine 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 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Princess Pine Native To?
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 tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Princess Pine produces small star-shaped flowers in clusters.
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. Avoid placing Princess Pine 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 Princess Pine Prefer?
Crassula lycopodioides grows best at temperatures of 65–75°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 Often Should You Fertilize a Princess Pine?
Feed Princess Pine 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 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.
Is the Princess Pine Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Princess Pine, 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 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.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Princess Pine Need?
Princess Pine grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Princess Pine is native to South Africa and Namibia, belonging to the family Crassulaceae and to the genus Crassula. 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.
Crassula is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.
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:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crassula lycopodioides Lam., family Crassulaceae (first published in Encycl. 2: 173 (1786)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Princess Pine, 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: Adele SL, 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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