Get ready to add some unique texture to your garden with the watch chain succulent, also known as 'Crassula muscosa lycopodioides'! With its delicate interlocking leaves resembling tight jewelers' links used for pocket watches, it's no wonder this plant is commonly known as the watch chain succulent. It also goes by Princess Pine, Clubmoss Crassula, Zipper Plant, and Rattail Crassula, which belongs to the family of Crassulaceae (succulents jade plants). The specific epithet "muscosa" is Latin for "mossy," which perfectly describes this plant's moss-like look.  

Native to South Africa and Namibia, this Crassula muscosa is an absolute stunner, growing up to 16 inches tall with a spreading habit of branching stems tightly packed with narrow, light green leaves that completely hide the stems. The stems start erect but then trail over from the weight of all those leaves creating a stunning effect. As it grows, the Crassula Muscosa watch chain adds a great " thriller " to succulent arrangements and a " spiller " when it begins to trail, making it ideal for hanging baskets or rock gardens. 

Watch chain propagation is fairly easy! And let's not forget about those small pale yellowish-green flowers that pop up along the stems in spring and mid-summer. 

Watering Needs 

Like many succulents, when it comes to watching chain plant care, they prefer the "soak and dry" technique. This involves giving your watch chain succulents a generous watering followed by allowing them to completely dry out before watering again. 

For potted and outdoor watch chains, during the growing season, that is, spring and summer, it's recommended to give them deep water soak once in 2-3 weeks when the soil is dry.  And reduce watering in autumn and winter when these princess pines are in a dormant phase. Otherwise, it can cause serious fungal diseases. 

Use a water meter or place your finger into the soil, and if it is dry an inch down then you should water your plant.  Make sure that you are also using porous sandy soil and make sure it is well-drained soil and is in a pot, then make sure there are drainage holes to avoid overwatering. In rainy seasons or cold weather, it's best to withhold watering your outdoor succulents. 

Light Requirements 

The watch chain Crassula lycopodioides needs a lot of sunshine - either full sun or partial shade. If you're starting with a new plant that you recently bought from a nursery, don't expose it to too much direct sunlight, all at once. Gradually increases its exposure to the full morning sun and afternoon sun so that it doesn't get burned by the intense rays. 

When the plant is grown in full sun and adequate humidity, the foliage of the watch chain succulents maintains its compact, bushy shape; talk about adding incredible interest to your outdoor space! If the plant does not receive sunlight, it will grow spindly and will not bloom. As opposed to being an indoor plant, Crassula lycopodioides prefers the outdoors. 

Keep an eye on your Crassula watch chain leaves - if they start looking burnt, consider investing in a sunshade or moving it somewhere shadier. And guess what? Don't leave them languishing in dim light, though - move them outdoors from time to time when natural light is scarce (like during winter). 

With proper care and attention paid to their light requirements, purple roses are sure to be statement pieces wherever they grow! 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to choosing the right soil and fertilizers for your adorable watch chain plants, you need to be extra cautious and need to use the right kind of soil with a pH of 5.6- 6.5.  Moisture can be a real killer, leading to root and stem rot in no time flat. But fear not, my fellow green thumbs! Planet Desert has got your back with our specialized succulent potting mix or well-draining soil that includes 5 natural substrates with organic mycorrhizae – perfect for promoting healthy roots and happy plants. 

100% natural fertilizers with an equal mixture of 5-10-5 (NPK) are the best choice as they last longer and keep your soil alive by adding other beneficial compounds and microbes to the soil mix that encourage plant health and nutrient absorption. So, skip that weak liquid solution and give your watch chain succulent plant some love with a good natural fertilizer! 

Hardiness Zones & More 

Crassula lycopodioides thrives in warm climates, with ideal temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. In the winter, the temperature should not drop below 50°F. The watch chain succulents struggle to survive in cold and wet conditions and oftentimes lose their color, turning mushy and yellow. 

If you live in a region with a cold climate, it is preferable to grow watch chain succulents indoors. You must, however, make sure that it gets enough sunlight. In hardiness zones 9 to 10, you can grow to watch chain plants as a ground cover or as small shrubs.  

So, whether you're looking for a small-scale ground cover or something special for your rock garden, the watch chain 'Crassula lycopodioides' will be sure to impress!