Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus SucculentHouseplants

Crassula rupestris subsp. marnieriana

worm plant

A perennial succulent, with pairs of fleshy, rounded grey-green leaves that are fused at the base, wrapping the stem so densely that it usually can't be seen. Leaves sometimes take on a reddish tint. Clusters of tiny white flowers are produced at the tips of the stems in spring, though these are rarely seen in cultivation

Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Red
Summer Green Red
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green Red
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Crassulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Crassula can be succulent annuals, perennials, evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in a terminal cluster

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow indoors in standard cactus compost in full light. From spring to autumn, water moderately, avoiding wetting the leaves, and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by softwood or leaf cuttings in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, mealybugs and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.