Crassula barklyi
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (3) · fruit (0) · bark (0) · habit (2) · other (0)

Crassula barklyi

Bandaged finger · Rattlesnake buttons · Rattlesnake tail

Tier 2 Difficulty: hard Water: high Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
33
Observations
58

Description

Source: leafsnap

Rattlesnake tail (Crassula barklyi) is a perennial succulent plant native to Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Eswatini.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Crassula is perfect for succulent beginners because it is super low-maintenance. It retains plenty of moisture in its leaves. The sign that it needs to water is only when the soil is dried out completely.

☀️ Light Full sun

Native to dry regions, Bandaged finger thrives in full sun, its native habitat marked by intense sunlight and scarce shade. It also tolerates partial sun, providing some flexibility in its growth.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Although Bandaged finger can tolerate some heat, it prefers and grows best in cooler seasons and goes dormant during summer. In hot summer conditions, provide shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should be cut back or stopped during the hottest part of the year to prevent root rot. Bandaged finger grows vigorously in winter and spring, and it will continue to grow steadily so long as temperatures do not fall too low.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For Bandaged finger, small amounts of fertilizer given once or twice a year during the growing season are adequate. Do not fertilize in winter or summer while it is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for recently repotted plants and wait a few months after repotting before feeding. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages flowering.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 2 years

When repotting Bandaged finger, pick a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a well-draining, gritty succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and set it in at the same depth. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall, and place it in a brightly lit spot.

Suggested frequency: Every 2 years
✂️ Pruning

Spring or summer is the best time for Crassulas to be pruned but they can also be pruned year-round. If you want the plant to branch out early, you can start pruning the plant even when they’re small.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

The Crassula genus is considered toxic to animals and humans. If ingested, this plant may cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination. All parts of the plants are considered poisonous as the toxic component of the plant is still unknown. It is advised to keep pets and children away from this possible harmful plant.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Crassula
Family
Crassulaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
10 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 20 cm
Leaf Color
Brown, Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Fall
Native Area
South Africa

Tags (6)

Common Names (3)

en Bandaged finger
en Rattlesnake buttons
en Rattlesnake tail