Unknown Jade-like hanging succulent

by Jessica
(Powassan, Ontario, Canada)

I picked this plant up at Wal-Mart. I've never seen it before but couldn't resist it. The only identification included was that it was a succulent. I think it's probably a crassula of some type based on it's growth habit but I'd like a specific identification.

Description is as follows:

Stems are pendant and freely branching with variegated leaves.

The stems are darker and form segments at each paired leaf base.

Leaves grow in pairs perpendicularly to the previous pair.

Each fleshy leaf is similar to a Jade leaf, but with a concave shape vs a convex one.

Individual leaves are quite small with mature leaves less than 1/2 inch and younger ones less than 3/8 inches across.

Leaves are light green with white edging and there is a slight sheen to them.

If you can help me out with the identification of this plant, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!!

Sorry my pictures are not more detailed. I'm one of the last few still on dial-up so had to pare down their size.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Jessica - I can relate to the dial up issue - I've now built two websites on dial up, and yes, at times it's pretty challenging to the patience factor!

Your plant could be one of several plants: the guess about Crassula is a good one, as this does resemble a jade plant a bit. However, as far as I know, there are no pendant or weeping types of Crassula.

It looks a lot like Portulacaria, which is also known as Elephants Food, and it's also similar to some of the Peperomia. The sheen on the leaf is a clue that makes me think it could be a Peperomia. There are lots of plants that look completely different from each other yet belong to this large genus.

I'm sorry I can't pin down exactly what it is, but whatever the name, it's very cute and looks as though it will thrive in bright light, with moderate watering.

If you're ever in the mood to swap some cuttings, see the succulent swap page.

Happy Succulent Gardening!
Jacki


See these pages too:

Succulent Care

Succulents

Succulent Plants