Crassulaceae (Stonecrop / Succulent Family)

Crassulaceae is the iconic succulent family, home to Echeveria, Crassula (Jade Plant), Kalanchoe, Sempervivum, and Sedum. Known for their plump, water-storing leaves and striking rosette forms, these plants are beloved worldwide for their low-maintenance nature, architectural beauty, and astonishing variety of shapes, colours, and textures.

Maximum light is the most common need — most Crassulaceae need bright sun to maintain compact form.

Etiolation (stretching toward light) is the biggest indoor problem — place near the brightest window.

The soak-and-dry method is the gold standard: water thoroughly, then allow to fully dry.

Terracotta pots allow better evaporation and dramatically reduce root rot risk.

Avoid watering on the rosette — water at soil level to prevent rot.

Reduce watering dramatically in winter; once a month is often sufficient.

A gritty, fast-draining soil is non-negotiable for this family.

Most Crassulaceae change colour under stress (drought, temperature swings) — this is normal and often beautiful.

Propagate effortlessly from single leaves or offsets.

Jade Plants (Crassula ovata) can live for decades and become impressive, tree-like specimens.

Soak completely until water drains from the bottom, then wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again. In summer, this may be every 1–2 weeks; in winter, once a month or even less.

10–27°C is comfortable for most. Echeverias tolerate cool winters but dislike frost. Kalanchoes prefer 15–25°C. Sempervivums are frost-hardy and can overwinter outdoors in Nepal's Kathmandu winters.

Low humidity is preferred , 20–40%. The dry air in most homes is actually ideal. Never mist.

Every 2–3 years or when the plant clearly outgrows its pot. Repot in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, gritty mix. Allow the plant to rest for a week without watering after repotting.

Dedicated succulent/cactus mix, or blend: 50% potting soil + 30% coarse perlite + 20% coarse sand or pumice. The mix should dry out within 1–2 days of watering.

Once in spring with a diluted balanced fertiliser or a specialist succulent feed. Over-feeding causes lush but weak, rot-prone growth. Do not fertilise in autumn or winter

As much bright light as possible. Ideally 4–6 hours of direct sun daily. A south-facing window is ideal. Without adequate light, rosettes stretch and lose their compact, attractive form — a phenomenon called etiolation.

Leaf propagation: gently twist a healthy leaf, allow the cut end to callous for 2–3 days, place on top of dry succulent mix (do not bury), and mist lightly every few days. Tiny rosettes emerge in 2–6 weeks. Stem cuttings root readily when calloused and placed in soil.

Mealybugs — the most common succulent pest; treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Root mealybugs — white woolly insects on roots; difficult to detect; unpot, wash roots, repot.

Fungus gnats — attracted to moist soil; allow soil to dry completely between waterings.

Overwatering rot — not a pest, but the primary killer of Crassulaceae; treat by removing rotten tissue and repotting in dry, fresh mix.