Crassulla muscosa in pot

Crassula muscosa, also known as Watch Chain, Princess Pine, or Zipper Plant, is a fascinating, miniature succulent with a highly textured, almost moss-like appearance. Its tiny, tightly packed leaves grow along slender stems, creating a look that resembles a chain or braided zipper.

Here’s what you should know if you’re looking for or caring for Crassula muscosa in a pot:

🌿 About Crassula muscosa (Watch Chain):

• Appearance:

  • Thin, upright or trailing stems densely covered with small, triangular, scale-like leaves.

  • Bright green color; turns reddish or bronze when stressed by sun or drought.

  • Grows in a compact, somewhat bushy form, though stems can sprawl or trail over pot edges.

• Size: Typically grows 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall but can spread wider if allowed to trail.

🪴 Pot Setup:

• Pot size: A 3–4 inch pot works well for a small plant or cutting. As the plant grows and spreads, you can shift it to a 5–6 inch pot or even a shallow dish planter.

• Pot type: Use terra cotta, ceramic, or plastic pots with drainage holes. Terra cotta is especially good since it allows soil to dry faster.

• Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Adding extra pumice or perlite will help prevent water retention.

☀️ Care Tips:
✅ Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or partial sun. Indoors, place it near a south- or west-facing window. Outdoors, it can handle morning sun but needs protection from harsh afternoon sun.
✅ Watering: Water deeply but only when the soil is completely dry. Overwatering is the biggest danger — the stems are prone to rot if they stay wet for too long.
✅ Temperature: Best in warm temperatures (60–80°F / 16–27°C); protect from frost.
✅ Propagation: Easy to propagate from stem cuttings — simply snip and plant in dry, well-draining soil.