Crassula Marnieriana

Crassula Marnieriana, also known as Jade Necklace Plant and Worm Plant, is a small, slow-growing, shrublet-succulent plant.

The Jade Necklace has plump, rounded, green leaves with red edges that grow 1cm (0.40”) in diameter.

These leaves are stacked together on a slender stem similar to beads strung on a necklace. The stems can reach a height of 20cm (8”).

The Worm Plant is a popular “filler” for succulent arrangements because as it matures, the worm-shaped strings of stacked leaves spill over the edges of its container. It blooms clusters of white with hints of pink, star-shaped flowers in spring.

Crassula Marnieriana originates from the eastern cape of South Africa. It belongs to the Crassula genus from the Crassulaceae family.

General Information:

Also known as: Jade Necklace Plant and Worm Plant
Plant Family: Crassulaceae
Origin: Eastern Cape of South Africa
Height: 20cm (8”)
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Needs: Drought-resistant; use the “soak and dry” watering method
Soil Type: High compost cactus soil mixed with organic materials and gritty materials such as gravel, sand, perlite, and pumice.
Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.5

How to Grow and Care for Crassula Marnieriana

Crassula Marnieriana is very easy to care for and can be grown outdoors or indoors. Succulent growers often display Jade Necklace in hanging pots or container gardens.

These shrublet succulents are not cold-hardy and thrive best in temperatures of -3.9°C (25°F).

Sunlight

It is best to put the Crassula Marnieriana in an outdoor location where it can get 5 to 6 hours of full to partial sun.

Indoors, place your pot in an area where it can get plenty of bright light. Make sure that it gets directly exposed to morning or late afternoon sun for 5 to 6 hours.

Direct exposure to the midday sun will burn its leaves. Lack of sunlight will change the shape of its leaves as they will stretch out in the direction of sunlight.

During winter, make sure to put your Jade Necklace pot near a window facing south. If you live in a location that does not get much sunlight, consider getting a growth light for succulents.

Watering

Crassula Marnieriana is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive length water breaks. There is no need to worry about them when you are out on vacation.

Worm Plants prefer the “soak and dry” watering method. Run water over the soil until it gets completely soaked, once every 3 weeks during springtime and summertime.

To be sure, check the moisture level of the soil by inserting a stick. If the end of the stick feels dry, time to give the soil a good soaking.

When the temperature starts to drop, water your Worm Plants once a month to 6 weeks.

Before you water again, test the soil’s dryness by inserting a stick through it. Make sure that the soil is fully dry before you pour water. Overwatering will damage the roots.

Pot and Soil

Crassula Marnieriana should be planted in ceramic or terracotta pots with drainage holes. Using breathable pots will prevent moisture retention that causes roots to rot.

The ideal soil for growing Crassula Marnieriana is high-compost cactus soil. Adding a little organic material to your potting mix will help your Jade Necklace plant grow healthy.

A suitable mix would be 1 part peat moss, 1 part organic material, and 3 parts gritty materials such as sand, gravel, or pumice.

Crassula Marnieriana can benefit from adding a balanced fertilizer made for succulents every 3 to 4 months when it is actively growing.

How to Propagate Crassula Marnieriana

Crassula Marnieriana is very easy to propagate. You can multiply your Worm Plants by stem cuttings.

Method 1: Stem Cuttings

Step 1: Examine your Worm Plant and select healthy stems.

Step 2: Use a sterilized knife or pruning shears to cut the stems.

Step 3: Leave the stems in a warm and shaded area and allow them to dry and callus for 2 to 3 days.

Step 4: Put the callused stem cuttings on top of a container filled with succulent soil with gritty materials.

Step 5: Place the container in an area exposed to indirect light. Spray the soil with water 3 to 4 times a day.

Method 2: Leave Cuttings

Step 1: Choose leaves without tears or other signs of injuries.

Step 2: Gently twist off a leaf from the stem or cut a string of leaves with a sterilized knife or pruning shears.

Step 3: Put the leaves cuttings in an empty container and place them in a dry and shaded location. Leave your cuttings for 3 days and allow it to callus to prevent rot.

Step 4: Fill a pot with cactus soil and sand. Simply stick the ends of your leaves cuttings directly into the potting mix and allow it to root.

Step 5: Place your Jade Necklace plant container in an area where it gets indirect sunlight. Mist the soil 4 to 5 times a day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last Updated on June 9, 2022 by Sofia Lara