Kalahari carpet (Crassula rupestris)
Care, watering, light and tips for Kalahari carpet on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Kalahari carpet
Crassula rupestris, also known as the "South African Kebab Bush," is a compact, branching succulent native to South Africa. Its fleshy, triangular leaves are stacked along the stems, developing reddish edges with sun exposure, creating a very attractive visual effect. It is ideal for rock gardens, hanging baskets, or as part of succulent arrangements, adding texture and color.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires plenty of direct sunlight to maintain its coloration and compact form, although it tolerates some partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot, and reducing it drastically in winter. Use a well-draining substrate, specifically for cacti and succulents. The most common mistake is overwatering, which can be fatal for this species.
How to save a dying Kalahari carpet
- Warning signs
- Soft, yellowing, falling leaves (overwatering); wrinkled, dry, brittle leaves (underwatering/extreme sun).
- First aid
- Check soil. If wet, stop watering, improve ventilation. If dry, water moderately. Move to partial shade if intense sun.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is the main killer. Also, gradual lack of light or intense direct sun without acclimatization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, with patience! It's a resilient succulent. Remove damaged parts, adjust water/light. Propagate healthy cuttings as a backup.