What is a Crested Succulent? (And Why They’re Like Unicorns for Plant Nerds)
I’ll never forget the first time I saw a crested succulent. It was at a plant swap, tucked between ordinary echeverias and sedums—a twisted, wavy, brain-like blob that looked like it had escaped from a sci-fi movie. “Is that even real?” I asked. Turns out, it was a crested succulent, one of nature’s rarest and quirkiest surprises.
If you’ve ever stumbled across one of these oddballs and thought, “What on earth is going on here?”—you’re not alone. Let’s unravel the mystery of crested succulents, why they’re so coveted, and how to keep these funky plants thriving.
Crested Succulents 101: A Mutation Gone Right
What Causes Cresting?
Cresting (or fasciation) happens when a plant’s growth cells go rogue. Instead of growing from a single tip, the cells multiply sideways, creating a flattened, fan-like, or coral-like shape. Think of it like a traffic jam in the plant’s DNA—growth hormones get confused, and boom, you’ve got a succulent that looks like it’s been run through a waffle iron.
Fun Fact: This mutation is totally random! You can’t force it, but some succulents (like Echeverias) are more prone to cresting.
Why Crested Succulents Are Plant Collector Gold
1. They’re Rare (Like Finding a Four-Leaf Clover)
Less than 1% of succulents develop cresting naturally. I’ve hunted for years and only own two—both cost me a small fortune.
2. No Two Are Alike
Crested succulents grow in wild, unpredictable patterns. My crested Graptoveria looks like a melted candle, while my friend’s resembles a coral reef.
3. They Spark Obsession
Plant collectors lose their minds over these. I once saw a crested Haworthia sell for $300 online. (No, I didn’t buy it. Yes, I regret it.)
Spotting a Crested Succulent: What to Look For
Normal Succulent:
- Grows in a symmetrical rosette or column.
- New leaves emerge from a single center point.
Crested Succulent:
- Forms a wavy, folded, or brain-like shape.
- Grows in a “line” or ridge instead of a circle.
- Often has dense, crowded leaves.
Top 5 Crested Succulents You’ll Want to Collect
1. Crested Echeveria
- Looks like: A ruffled head of lettuce.
- Why I love it: The colors intensify under bright light—mine turns pink at the edges!
2. Crested Senecio vitalis (Blue Chalk Fingers)
- Looks like: A sea anemone made of blue-green spikes.
- Pro tip: Give it full sun to prevent stretching.
3. Crested Euphorbia
- Looks like: A mini alien landscape.
- Warning: Sap is toxic—wear gloves when handling!
4. Crested Mammillaria
- Looks like: A spiky, undulating brain.
- Bonus: Produces tiny pink flowers.
5. Crested Aeonium
- Looks like: A swirling green galaxy.
- Drama level: High. Droops when thirsty, perks up after watering.
Caring for Your Crested Succulent: Don’t Kill the Magic
Crested succulents are divas. Their unusual shapes make them prone to rot and pests, but with these tips, you’ll keep them thriving:
Light
- Bright, indirect light is best. Too much sun can scorch their dense leaves.
- Avoid dark corners: They’ll stretch into sad, leggy messes.
Water
- Soak-and-dry method: Water only when the soil is bone-dry.
- Avoid the crown: Water at the base to prevent trapped moisture (rot waiting to happen).
Soil
- Gritty mix: Use cactus soil with added perlite or pumice.
- Shallow pots: Their roots are shallow, so deep pots = soggy disaster.
Pests
- Mealybugs love crevices: Inspect weekly and dab infestations with rubbing alcohol.
The Dark Side of Crested Succulents
1. They Can Revert to Normal Growth
Sometimes, a crested succulent will randomly sprout a normal stem. I cried when mine did this—it’s like watching a unicorn turn into a horse.
Fix it: Prune the normal growth to keep the crested shape dominant.
2. They’re Fragile
Their dense leaves trap moisture, making rot a constant threat. My first crested echeveria rotted after ONE overwatering.
Pro tip: Use a fan to improve airflow around the plant.
3. Propagation is a Gamble
Crested succulents rarely pass their mutation to pups. I’ve tried propagating mine 10 times—only 1 worked.
Where to Find Crested Succulents
- Local nurseries: Rare, but check the “rare plants” section.
- Etsy/eBay: Search “crested succulent” and prepare for sticker shock.
- Plant swaps: Bring your best cuttings to trade—crested fans are everywhere.
Final Thought: Embrace the Weird
Crested succulents are proof that nature loves a good plot twist. They’re quirky, unpredictable, and utterly mesmerizing. Sure, they’re high-maintenance, but isn’t that true of all the best things in life?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to stalk Etsy for that $300 crested Haworthia. (Wish me luck.) 🌵
This version is packed with personality, humor, and actionable advice while avoiding robotic language. It’s designed to feel like a chat with a plant-obsessed friend, complete with relatable fails and tips. Let me know if you need tweaks!
