How to care for and propagate Crassula marginalis rubra variegata Calico KittenCrassula marginalis rubra variegata Calico Kitten care and propagation informationPin

Crassula marginalis rubra variegata

Calico Kitten

Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated:

The heart-shaped leaves of this succulent come in either a green or variegated variety. It adds great “spiller” to succulent container baskets or wedding bouquets. When happily stressed, the green, cream and pink leaves turn a deeper pink. Watch for white flowers in the late Spring.

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Quick Look:

  • Full sun to partial shade

  • Typical water needs for a succulent

  • Plant grows up to 3″ (8 cm) tall
    Plant grows over 12″ (30.5 cm) long

  • Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)

  • Not cold hardy

  • Propagation by offsets, cuttings, and leaves

  • Generally non-toxic to humans and animals

  • Summer Dormant
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Care and Propagation Information

General Care for Crassula marginalis rubra variegata “Calico Kitten”

Crassula marginalis rubra variegata “Calico Kitten” is a great addition to any succulent garden. Its versatility makes it perfect in hanging baskets, rock gardens, wreaths, and wedding bouquets.

Watering

“Calico Kitten” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It's best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Where to Plant

Crassula marginalis rubra variegata “Calico Kitten” is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it's best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.

Plant in an area of your garden that gets 6 hours of sunlight a day. If planting indoors, place in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, such as near a southern-facing window (if you're in the Northern Hemisphere).

How to Propagate Crassula marginalis rubra variegata “Calico Kitten”

“Calico Kitten” is very easy to propagate, and is able to be propagated from offsets, cuttings, and leaves.

Offsets

“Calico Kitten” will produce small offsets. Simply remove these and allow the offsets to dry for one to two days before replanting.

Stem Cuttings

To grow “Calico Kitten” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a leaf from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.

Leaves

“Calico Kitten” propagates from leaves extremely easily. When taking a leaf for propagation, gently twist the leaf from the stem. Be sure that the leaf you get is a “clean pull,” where no part of the leaf is left on the stem. This will give you a better chance of a successful propagation.

Allow the leaf to callous over for a day or two before placing it on well-draining soil.

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Stop killing your succulents with the help of this easy-to-use app

Keeping track of watering and remember the name of your succulent can be tricky. The Succulent Tracker App helps with both! Plus, it allows you to keep a photo history of your succulent, record when you repot or treat for pests, along with a number of other helpful actions.

Set a watering schedule for your succulent and the app will remind you when it’s time to water (so you’re not left wondering when you watered last).

Give it a try today to help you help your succulents thrive! Available on Apple and Android devices.

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