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Reference · Crops

Crassulaceae

Crassulaceae is a significant family of succulent plants widely recognized for their agricultural and ornamental value. These plants are characterized by their specialized ability to survive in arid environments, making them a preferred choice for sustainable landscaping and niche greenhouse farming.

Main sections

Sedum17 Pachyphytum8 Phedimus6 Rosularia5 Pachyphytum4 Orostachys3 Pistorinia2 Prometheum2 Orostachys1 Rhodiola rosea1
226 sections

What the section contains

Milkweed Crassula Crassula lactea Montreal stonecrop Sedum monregalense Mossy stonecrop Crassula tillaea Mountain houseleek Sempervivum montanum Mountain stonecrop Petrosedum montanum Mucizonia hispida Mucizonia hispida Mucizonia sedoides Mucizonia sedoides Narrow-petal stonecrop Sedum stenopetalum Nevada stonecrop Sedum nevadense Obtuse-leaved stonecrop Phedimus obtusifolius Oregon stonecrop Sedum oreganum Orostachys Orostachys Fisch. 1 item Orostachys Orostachys 3 items Pachyphytum Pachyphytum Link et al. 8 items Pachyphytum Pachyphytum 4 items Pale stonecrop Petrosedum ochroleucum Petrosedum amplexicaule Petrosedum amplexicaule Petrosedum erectum Petrosedum erectum Petrosedum pruinatum Petrosedum pruinatum Petrosedum tenuifolium Petrosedum tenuifolium Phedimus Phedimus Raf. 6 items Phedimus ellacombeanus Phedimus ellacombeanus Phedimus floriferus Phedimus floriferus Phedimus stellatus Phedimus stellatus Phedimus stevenianus Phedimus stevenianus Phedimus stoloniferus Phedimus stoloniferus Pink stonecrop Sedum pulchellum Pistorinia Pistorinia 2 items Poplar-leaved stonecrop Hylotelephium populifolium Prometheum Prometheum 2 items Propeller Plant Crassula falcata Red stonecrop Sedum rubens Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia Rhodiola crenulata Rhodiola crenulata Rhodiola ishidae Rhodiola ishidae Rhodiola pachyclados Rhodiola pachyclados Rhodiola rhodantha Rhodiola rhodantha Rhodiola rosea Rhodiola 1 item Rhodiola wallichiana Rhodiola wallichiana Rock stonecrop Petrosedum rupestre Rose-colored houseleek Sempervivum roseum Rosularia Rosularia 5 items Russian houseleek Sempervivum ruthenicum Sand stonecrop Sedum arenarium Sedum Sedum L. 17 items Sedum allantoides Sedum allantoides Sedum andegavense Sedum andegavense Sedum brissemoretii Sedum brissemoretii Sedum caespitosum Sedum caespitosum Sedum cepaea Sedum cepaea Sedum clavatum Sedum clavatum Sedum commixtum Sedum commixtum Sedum confusum Sedum confusum Sedum eriocarpum Sedum eriocarpum Sedum filipes Sedum filipes Sedum formosanum Sedum formosanum Sedum fragrans Sedum fragrans Sedum grisebachii Sedum grisebachii Sedum gypsicola Sedum gypsicola Sedum hybridum Sedum hybrids

Crassulaceae

The native distribution of this family spans across arid and semi-arid regions of the world, including South Africa, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. Cultivation is currently practiced globally, ranging from large-scale specialized nurseries to small-scale agricultural projects focusing on water-efficient plant production.

Botanically, Crassulaceae species possess fleshy, succulent leaves and stems. A defining physiological feature is their Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), a specialized photosynthetic pathway that allows for high water-use efficiency by opening stomata for gas exchange only during the cooler nighttime hours.

Agrotechnical requirements prioritize well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil substrates with low organic matter content. Adequate light exposure is essential for maintaining plant health, while irrigation must be strictly controlled to prevent root decay. Over-fertilization should be avoided to prevent leggy growth patterns.

Economic uses of Crassulaceae include:

  • Production of medicinal botanical ingredients.
  • Commercial ornamental horticulture for drought-resistant gardens.
  • Use in green roofs and ecological restoration in arid climates.

Major pests and diseases include root rot caused by pathogens such as Phytophthora or Pythium, usually triggered by excessive irrigation. Common insect pests include mealybugs and spider mites, which can be managed through regulated humidity levels and targeted applications of suitable pesticides or biological control agents.