How to Care for Crassula Multicava ‘Bleeding Heart’

The Crassula multicava ‘Bleeding Heart’, also known as Fairy Crassula, is an attractive succulent appreciated for its distinctive foliage and delicate flowers. This cultivar should not be confused with the common perennial bleeding heart, Dicentra spectabilis, which is an entirely different plant. Its visual appeal and ease of care make it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor container gardens.

Identifying Characteristics

This succulent is recognized by its glossy, spade-shaped green leaves that may show pitted dots on the upper surface. While the tops are vibrant green, the undersides can have a reddish or purplish hue. The plant has a low-growing, spreading habit with soft branches that form a dense mat, making it an effective ground cover in suitable climates.

The ‘Bleeding Heart’ name comes from its delicate, star-shaped flowers. These small, pinkish-white blossoms appear in clusters on long, slender stalks, called racemes, that rise above the foliage. The flowers bloom from late winter into early spring, and this flowering habit distinguishes it from other Crassula varieties.

Care and Growing Conditions

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It tolerates lower light conditions, making it suitable for growing indoors near a sunny window. If grown outdoors, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch from intense direct sun.

Soil

Crassula multicava requires a porous soil mix with excellent drainage. A commercial potting mix for succulents or cacti works well. You can also create a mix by combining standard potting soil with mineral grit like perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve aeration.

Water

This plant is drought-tolerant, and overwatering is a primary danger. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains from the pot, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. Reduce watering during the winter months.

Temperature and Humidity

Crassula multicava is not cold-hardy, tolerating minimum temperatures of 25°F to 30°F (-3.9°C to -1.1°C). It is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9b through 11. In colder climates, grow it in a container that can be moved indoors to protect it from frost. The plant adapts well to average household humidity.

Fertilizer

This succulent does not require heavy feeding, but fertilizer can encourage more vigorous growth. During the active growing season in spring, you can use a balanced succulent fertilizer diluted to half-strength. This helps avoid burning the roots.

Propagation Methods

Propagating this plant is most commonly done through stem cuttings. Use a clean, sharp tool to cut a healthy stem from the parent plant. Allow the cutting to sit for a few days in a dry place so the cut end can form a callus, which prevents rot when planted.

Once callused, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist to encourage root development, which occurs within a few weeks. This plant also self-propagates by producing tiny plantlets on its flower stalks that can fall off and root in the soil below.

Common Problems and Solutions

Root rot from overwatering and poor drainage is a common issue. If leaves become yellow and mushy, reduce watering and ensure the pot has adequate drainage. Leggy or stretched growth (etiolation) occurs when the plant does not receive enough light, so move it to a brighter location to promote compact growth.

Pests like mealybugs can be an issue. These small, white, cottony insects can be removed by dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Inspect the plant regularly to catch pest issues early.