Propeller Plant
Crassula falcata
Crassula falcata is a succulent with a genuinely distinctive look: its thick, sickle-shaped leaves stack in pairs at an angle along the stem, resembling the propeller blades that give the plant its name. In summer it produces dense, flat-topped clusters of brilliant scarlet-red flowers with a surprising cinnamon fragrance, which is not something you typically expect from a grey-green succulent. It is slower-growing and slightly more particular about watering than jade plant, but well within reach for anyone who has successfully kept a succulent alive before.
How to grow Propeller Plant
full sun (6 or more
water thoroughly (water until it
Tolerates low humidity well.
60-85°F
Gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix.
Easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings.
Root rot from overwatering is the main concern.
Fun Facts
The farina — the powdery, frosty coating on the leaves — is not dust and cannot be cleaned off. It is a waxy substance produced by the plant itself that acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting the leaves from intense UV radiation in its high-light South African habitat. Rubbing it off permanently damages that spot.
Toxic to pets
Not specifically listed by the ASPCA; Crassula falcata does not appear on their toxic plant database. However, closely related species (Crassula argentea/ovata and Crassula arborescens) are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so caution is advisable. Treat it as potentially toxic and keep it out of reach of pets and small children until clearer information is available.
Sources
- Crassula falcata "Propeller Plant" - Succulents and Sunshine (opens in new tab)Reference
- Crassula falcata "Propeller Plant" - Succulents and Sunshine (opens in new tab)Reference
- Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant) Care and Propagation - Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
- Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant) Care and Propagation - Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
- Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant): All You Need To Know - Gardenia.net (opens in new tab)Reference
- Crassula falcata (Propeller Plant): All You Need To Know - Gardenia.net (opens in new tab)Reference
- Jade Plant (Crassula argentea) - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (related species reference) (opens in new tab)Reference
- Jade Plant (Crassula argentea) - ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants (related species reference) (opens in new tab)Reference
- Learn How To Grow And Care For Crassula Falcata The Propeller Plant - Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference
- Learn How To Grow And Care For Crassula Falcata The Propeller Plant - Plant Care Today (opens in new tab)Reference