Crassula aquatica — a hard houseplant, prefers partial sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Crassula aquatica

Crassula Aquatica

Updated · 5 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Crassula aquatica is a succulent plant known by the common names water pygmyweed, common pygmyweed and just pigmyweed. It is an annual plant of salt marshes, vernal pools, wetlands, and other fresh to brackish water bodies. It is at least partially aquatic, living in areas which are submersed much of the time. It also lives along muddy banks and in tidally-active areas of estuaries.

A note from PlantMom

Pigmyweed has moderate disease resistance and is more sensitive to humidity. It is vulnerable to disease in high-humidity conditions and is prone to root rot while dormant. Regarding care, Pigmyweed tolerates drought but requires more frequent watering during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during dormancy. Pigmyweed is appropriate for growers with some experience, though it can be challenging to care for, particularly during the dormant period. It is especially suitable for those who can dedicate time to its care in the winter months.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Crassula Aquatica.

Light

Pigmyweed comes from habitats with dappled light, like the understory of forests or rocky areas that offer natural shade. It prefers partial sun but is also capable of tolerating full sun.

Water

Pigmyweed originates from wet environments and thrives in consistently moist conditions, preferring damp habitats. It needs to be watered weekly and exhibits moderate drought tolerance once established. Typically grown outdoors, pigmyweed flourishes in rain gardens, where natural rainfall helps recreate its native wetland conditions.

Temperature

Although Pigmyweed can tolerate some heat, it mainly grows best in cooler seasons and becomes dormant in summer. In hot summer temperatures, provide shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to prevent root rot. Pigmyweed grows vigorously in winter and spring. If temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

Fertilizer

For Pigmyweed, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are adequate. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when the plant is dormant. Reduce fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before you begin fertilizing. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.

Pruning

Pigmyweed is a small aquatic succulent with thin, thread-like leaves. For best results, prune it between early and late spring. Use clean tools to remove any dead leaves and to trim back overgrown stems. Regular pruning helps prevent overcrowding and disease, promoting healthy growth in both natural settings and garden environments.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual
Genus
Crassula
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
2 cm to 5 cm
Mature Spread
3 cm to 8 cm
Leaf Color
Light Green, Pale Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.10 cm to 0.20 cm
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Tajikistan, Sweden, Austria, Mexico, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Belarus, China, Russia, Norway, Germany, Kazakhstan, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Japan, Mongolia, Finland, El Salvador, Ethiopia, South Korea, Latvia, Costa Rica
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Water Pygmyweed en Pigmyweed en Aquatic Pygmyweed en Common Pygmyweed en River-leek en Wrinkle-seed Pygmyweed en Common pigmyweed en Northern Water-stonecrop en Water Pigmyweed
PLATES
Crassula aquatica leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Crassula aquatica leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Crassula aquatica fruit
PLATE 03 · fruit
Crassula aquatica habit
PLATE 04 · habit
Crassula aquatica habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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