Crassula Marnieriana Hanging Basket
$34.99
6” Hanging Basket
Crassula marnieriana (frequently sold under the cultivar name 'Hottentot'), is an unusual, eye-catching trailing succulent native to South Africa. Widely known as the Jade Necklace Vine, Baby Necklace, or Worm Plant, it is celebrated for its distinctive geometric structure featuring thick, plump green leaves tightly stacked along slender stems like living beads.
Essential Care Guide
| Care Attribute | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Light | Prefers bright, indirect light to a few hours of direct morning sun. Higher light levels trigger a gorgeous color shift, causing the leaf margins to blush with pink, red, or dark maroon edges. |
| Watering | Follow the "soak and dry" rule. Water thoroughly only when the soil is 100% dry. Significantly reduce watering during the autumn and winter dormant periods. |
| Soil & Potting | Requires a fast-draining cactus or succulent compost mix. Always use a pot featuring functional drainage holes to prevent standing water and root rot. Terracotta planters are highly recommended. |
| Temperature | Thrives in warm household conditions ranging between 18–27°C (65–80°F). It is highly frost-sensitive and must be brought indoors during winter in cooler climates. |
| Feeding | Feed monthly or fortnightly during the active spring and summer growing season using a balanced liquid succulent fertilizer. Stop feeding entirely in winter. |
| Toxicity | This plant is mildly toxic to pets. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or lethargy. |
Growth Habit & Propagation
As the vine matures, its upright stems eventually spill over the sides of the container, making it a spectacular candidate for hanging pots or high shelves where it can trail elegantly. Under proper seasonal lighting conditions, it will produce tiny, delicate, star-shaped white or pink flowers during the winter months.
Note on handling: The stacked leaves can be somewhat brittle and may snap off if bumped. However, this plant is exceptionally easy to propagate; any broken stems can simply be dried for a few days until calloused and pushed back into well-draining soil to quickly establish new roots.
Nomenclature Note
While commonly labeled as Crassula 'Hottentot' in retail settings, the term "Hottentot" is an antiquated, derogatory colonial label historically used against the indigenous Khoikhoi people of Southern Africa. To move away from offensive phrasing, modern botanists, growers, and enthusiasts prefer using its accurate botanical name, Crassula marnieriana, or the common names Jade Necklace Vine and Worm Plant