Crassula muscosa (Watch Chain Plant) Care Indoors, Propagation, Common Problems & Remedies

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Crassula muscosa (Watch Chain Plant) requires bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunshine, average warmth, moderate humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Crassula Watch Chain is a drought-tolerant succulent perfect for beginners and experienced plant lovers. In this guide, we delve into how to keep your Crassula muscosa happy and thriving indoors.

But first, let's learn some facts about this quirky, eye-catching succulent. Crassula muscosa also called Rattail Crassula or Clubmoss Crassula is among the popular Crassula varieties and bears tiny, scale-like, light-green leaves which are densely packed around a thin stem.

Watch Chain Plant is much-branched plant whose leaves are arranged in opposite pairs around the stem in four rows which gives the stem a square shape.

Rattail Crassula stems start off erect but as they mature, they begin to trail due to the weight of the leaves making this plant one of the best plants for a hanging basket, desktop, plant shelf or pedestal where they can cascade down beautifully.

The species name, 'muscosa', is Latin for 'mossy', in reference to the moss-like appearance of this plant. While the synonmy, 'lycopodioides', is in reference to being like lycopodium (clubmoss).

Botanical name: Crassula muscosa
Synonym: Crassula lycopodioides
Family: Crassulaceae
Common names: Watch Chain Plant, Rattail Crassula, Clubmoss Crassula, Lizard Tail, Zipper Plant, Princess Pine

Origin

Crassula muscosa also called Crassula lycopodioides is native to South Africa's Cape Provinces, Free State and Northern Provinces and in Namimbia and Lesotho. It is widely distributed in the semi-arid and karoo areas in the rocky habitats as well as in plains.

Size and Flower

Crassula Watch Chain is a small bush which grows to a height of about 1 ft and slightly less than 1 ft wide. It blooms from early spring to mid-summer although it is unlikely to flower when grown indoors. The flowers are tiny, star-shaped, yellow-green and have a musty smell.

Invasiveness

Crassula lycopodioides can be invasive if not well controlled. The stems break off easily, fall to the ground and root where they drop. Therefore, handle and dispose the plant with care to reduce unintended spread.

Is Crassula muscosa toxic to pets?

Crassula muscosa like its cousin, Jade Plant, is considered toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. If ingested it can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Keep the plant away from the reach of children and pets.

Crassula muscosa benefits

• Low maintenance: It requires minimal watering and care.


• Drought-tolerant: It stores water in its leaves and can survive on neglect.


• Compact size: It stays small and bushy, making it ideal for desks, windowsills, and terrariums.


• Unique & eye-catching: Its stacked, spiral-like leaves make it stand out among other succulents.

Where to Buy

If you would like to add this beauty to your plant collection, Crassula muscosa is available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy) and on Amazon (Link to Amazon).

Crassula muscosa Care Indoors

Let’s dive into all the care tips you need to keep your Watch Chain Plant thriving. Crassula lycopodioides blossoms in bright light with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 20-28⁰C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Rattail Crassula care requires repotting only needed when it is pot-bound. Pruning is necessary to keep the plant neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations, to encourage branching and to rejuvenate growth. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to provide them.

Watering

Water Crassula muscosa deeply during the growing season and allow the top half of the soil to dry out between waterings. Maintain the soil moderately moist but not soggy to avoid mushy, yellow leaves.

Cut down on watering in the cold period as growth is reduced. Keep the soil barely moist but do not let it dry out completely as it can result in wrinkled, yellow leaves.

Use water that is at room temperature to water the plant to avoid shocking it as it can cause sudden leaf drop. Be careful not to wet the foliage to avoid fungal diseases or water from the bottom instead.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the plant from sitting in soggy soil which can lead to rotting and death of the plant.

Light Requirements

Watch Chain Plant requires bright light with at least 4-6 hours of morning or late afternoon sunlight. Keep it away from midday hot sunshine to avoid scorching; reddish-brown or crispy leaves.

If the light is not sufficient, the plant will become leggy with elongated stems and yellowing leaves. Move the plant to a brighter spot or use a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth and to prevent unbalanced growth.

You may grow Rattail Crassula outdoors, however, gradually acclimate it and place it in a shaded place to prevent scorching of the leaves.

Temperature and Humidity

Crassula lycopodioides prefers an average warmth of 20-28⁰C during the growing season and a minimum of 6⁰C in the cold season. Keep it away from frost and cold drafts like windy doors and windows as they can cause brown leaf spots.

Watch Chain Plant has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for this plant. Make sure that there is good air circulation for the plant to prevent fungal disease infestations. Keep the plant away from humid rooms like bathrooms and avoid misting to prevent rotting.

Potting Medium

The best soil for Crassula Watch Chain is fast-draining, sandy soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be loose enough to allow water to drain out easily. Cactus and succulents soils are perfect for this plant.

Fertilizer

Crassula muscosa is not a heavy feeder, therefore, feed it monthly during the growing season with a cactus and succulents fertilizer for a lush growth. Avoid too much fertilizer as it can lead to leggy, weak stems.

Do not feed it in the cold season as growth is reduced and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant.

Repotting

Repot your Watch Chain Plant at the beginning of the growing season only when it becomes pot-bound. Use a pot that is 1 size larger than the current one to avoid overpotting.

Confirm that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy to prevent root-rot. Use a clay pot as it is porous and allows the soil to dry out faster to keep it from staying wet for too long. Take a look at these terracotta pots with saucer on Amazon.

Before repotting, ensure that the soil is dry. Slip the plant out of its pot and brush off soil from the roots. Snip off any dead or dry roots and treat the wounds with a fungicidal solution.

Place the plant in its new pot and back fill with fresh, loose, free-draining soil while spreading the roots as you fill the pot.

Do not fill the pot to the brim but leave about 1 in. unfilled to allow for watering space.

Put back the plant to its display position and keep it dry for about 5-7 days to reduce the risk of rot-root disease.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Crassula muscosa is easy as it involves removal of any dead or diseased leaves to keep it neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.

To encourage branching and a bushy, compact growth, regularly pinch off the tips of the stems. Cutback the plant at the beginning of the growing season if it is has become unruly to rejuvenate growth.

With age, the stems begin to trail or droop at the weight of the leaves. Therefore, cut them back to keep the plant compact. Minimize the number of cuts as much as possible to avoid unnecessary injuries to reduce disease infestations.

Clean the leaves regularly by splashing water from a steady stream to get rid of dust and also discourage pests and diseases infestations.

Crassula muscosa Propagation

Crassula muscosa also called Rattail Crassula or Watch Chain Plant is propagated during the growing season (spring through summer) from stem cuttings. The cuttings can be rooted in soil or in water.

1. Crassula muscosa propagation from stem cuttings in soil

1. By use of sterilized scissors, take 3-4 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Ensure it bears at least 2-3 leaf nodes.


2. Allow the cutting to dry out (callus) for a few days.


3. Once callused, insert 2 inches of the lower cut end of the stem cuttings into dry, succulents soil and avoid watering for a few days.


4. Place the set up in a warm place under bright indirect light.


5. Maintain the soil slightly moist until the stem cuttings are rooted. Rooting can take about 2-3 weeks.


6. Allow substancial growth before transplanting the new plant after which you can begin routine care.

2. Crassula muscosa propagation from stem cuttings in soil

1. With sterilized scissors, take 3-4 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Make sure that it bears at least 2-3 leaf nodes.


2. Leave the cutting under a shade to dry out (callus) for a few days.


3. Once callused, place the cutting in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station, ensure at least one leaf node is submerged in water.


4. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.


5. Position the set up in a warm, brightly-lit spot until it is well rooted. Roots will develop in 2-3 weeks.


6. When the roots are about 2-3 inches long, transfer the cutting into a small pot in succulents soil.


7. Keep the soil slightly moist until the plant is well established.


8. Transfer the new plant into a pot one size larger than the current one in succulents soil and begin routine care.

Watch Chain Plant Problems and Solutions

Watch Chain Plant problems include yellow leaves, brown leaves, leaf drop, leggy growth, leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.

Yellow leaves

One of the causes of yellow leaves in Watch Chain Plant is overwatering if the leaves are mushy. Ascertain that the soil is free-draining, the pot has a drainage hole and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

The second cause of yellow leaves in Crassula muscosa is underwatering if the leaves are wrinkled. Do not let the soil dry out completely.

Brown leaves

One of the causes of brown leaves in Crassula muscosa is overwatering or soggy soil. Too much water in the soil will cause the plant to start rotting which results in browning. Water only when the top 2-3 inches have dried out.

The second cause of brown leaves in Crassula Watch Chain is underwatering which can cause wilting and browning. Never allow the soil to dry out completely.

The third cause of brown leaves in Watch Chain Plant is temperature stress. Either too hot or too cold temperatures can cause wilting and browning of the leaves. Maintain average warmth and keep the plant away from drafts.

The fourth cause of brown leaves in Rattail Crassula is diseases and pests which damage the leaves, causing spotting and browning. Regularly inspect your plant and treat any infected plant immediately.

Brown dry leaf spots

Brown dry leaf spots in Crassula Watch Chain are due to keeping the soil dry for too long in the growing season. Keep the soil moderately moist and do not allow it to be too dry for extended periods.

Brown soft leaf spots

Brown soft leaf spots in Crassula muscosa are caused by leaf spot disease which is prevalent in poorly aerated, overwet conditions. Improve the ventilation and water from the bottom to avoid wetting the leaves.

Diseases

Watch Chain Plant is prone to powdery mildew and black leg disease which are prevalent in damp, stuffy conditions. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil as per the manufacturer's instructions. Improve ventilation for your plant and water from the bottom to avoid wetting the foliage.

Pests

Common pests in Crassula muscosa are scale insects, mealy bugs and spider mites. Isolate the affected plant to reduce spread to other plants. Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap to get rid of the pests. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Leggy growth and yellowing

One possible cause of leggy growth and yellowing in Watch Chain Plant is overwatering or soggy soil in the cold season. Significantly lessen watering in the cold season to keep the soil barely moist as the plant does not need much water at this time.

In addition, make sure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil drains easily to prevent it from getting soggy. Learn more on how to water indoor plants the right way.

The second possible cause of leggy growth and yellowing in Crassula muscosa is too little light in the growing season. Position the plant in bright light with at 4-6 hours of direct sunlight during the growing season or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is too low. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.

Sudden leaf drop

One possible reason for sudden leaf drop in Watch Chain Plant is watering with very cold water resulting in plant shock. Use water that is at room temperature to avoid shocking this tropical plant.

The second possible reason for sudden leaf drop in Crassula muscosa is underwatering. Water liberally during the growing season and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the cold season to keep the soil barely moist but do not allow the soil to dry out completely for too long.

Conclusion

Watch Chain Plant (Crassula muscosa) is a hardy, beautiful, and low-maintenance succulent that makes a fantastic indoor plant. Whether displayed in a pot, terrarium, or succulent arrangement, this quirky plant adds texture and character to any space. With these care tips, you will have a healthy and thriving Watch Chain Plant for many years.

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