A velvety micro-surface
Dense fine hairs diffuse light and give the leaves a silver, almost frosted appearance.
3
Crassula 'tenelli' 12cm
Normal price
€7,50
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Crassula 'tenelli'
It chose fuzz because spines were far too mainstream
- Crassulaceae
- Velvety leaves
- Succulent
- Very bright position
- Infrequent watering
Crassula 'tenelli' forms a small branching succulent with narrow fleshy leaves covered in fine white hairs, like a soft silver frost over green.
The velvety surface and upright stems add texture without bulk, while gradual lignification at the base creates a miniature shrubby landscape.
What makes it distinctive
Fine fuzz, water storage and a tiny tree-like line create a succulent worth viewing at close range.
Fleshy leaves with reserves
Each narrow blade stores water and helps the plant tolerate clear dry cycles.
A small shrubby silhouette
Stems branch and become woody low down, gradually creating a compact architectural form.
Why you will love it: it combines the geometry of a tiny shrub with an unexpectedly soft surface that changes in side light.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Place it on a very bright sill or low stand near a window, alone or among contrasting xeric silhouettes. Terracotta, sand and matte charcoal emphasise the silver fuzz.
Plants that set it off
Pair it with succulents of contrasting geometry that enjoy the same bright light and fast drying cycle.
- Haworthiopsis attenuata — a rigid rosette and white cross-banding against the velvety surface.
- Senecio rowleyanus — spherical leaves and trailing movement that soften the upright line.
- Echeveria elegans — a symmetrical rosette and cool palette for a coherent xeric composition.
Care at a glance
Light
A very bright position. Gentle morning or late-afternoon sun is welcome only after gradual acclimation.
Water
Deeply but infrequently. Let the mix dry almost completely before watering again.
Atmosphere
Keep at 18–26°C with good airflow and protection below 15°C. High humidity is unnecessary.
Pets
Reliable pet-safety documentation is insufficient. Keep it out of reach as a precaution.
Selected for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, watering, humidity, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and acclimation
Provide as much clear light as possible near an east-, west- or very bright south-facing window. Increase direct sun gradually over several days, because a plant grown under cover can scorch after a sudden change.
Watering cycle
Water evenly until excess drains, then let almost the entire mix dry before repeating. A calendar is not a safe guide: temperature, light and season substantially change water use.
Humidity and airflow
Average household humidity is sufficient. Prioritise moving air around the foliage and succulent stem rather than frequent misting that keeps surfaces wet.
Temperature and seasonality
Keep it ideally at 18–26°C and above 15°C. In lower light or a rest phase it may shed leaves and use far less water; adjust watering to active tissue rather than its previous appearance.
Substrate and pot
Use a highly aerated, mineral-rich succulent mix in a pot with unobstructed drainage holes. Do not bury the neck or fleshy stem deeper than it was growing before.
Nutrition and repotting
HB-101 is a plant biostimulant/vitalizer, not a complete NPK fertilizer. Use it as a complementary product at the label rate for gentle support after stress or repotting. It does not replace balanced base nutrition during active growth.
Botanical identityOrigin & taxonomic identityThe species, origin and cultivated selection
A corrected botanical name
The accepted spelling is Crassula mesembryanthoides. The cultivated selection ‘Tenelli’ is recognised horticulturally for its compact, hairy form.
South African origin
The species belongs to the South African flora of Crassulaceae, a family containing many succulents adapted to seasonally limited water.
A name describing resemblance
The epithet mesembryanthoides means “resembling Mesembryanthemum” and refers to the appearance of its fleshy leaves.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical detail for anyone who likes to look beyond the surface
Hairs alter the leaf microclimate
Fine hairs reflect part of incoming radiation and hold still air near the surface, reducing direct heat and drying load.
Crassulaceae is linked with water economy
Many members use CAM photosynthesis, opening stomata mainly at night to reduce water loss.
Leaves are opposite
Successive pairs of fleshy leaves organise along the stem and create the characteristic dense rhythm of the crown.
A stem can regenerate roots
Healthy stem sections can root after the cut has healed briefly, provided the mix is airy and never permanently wet.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about behaviour, common signs and correct care for this plant.
01 Why are stems becoming long and sparse?
The most likely cause is insufficient light. Move it gradually into a brighter position and turn the pot so new growth becomes more compact.
02 When exactly should I water?
Lift the pot and check the mix at depth. Water when it is almost dry and the pot feels noticeably light, not simply because the surface has dried. Then let all excess water drain away.
03 Can I mist the velvety leaves?
It is unnecessary. Water held among the hairs extends surface wetness. Water the mix instead and maintain good airflow around foliage.
04 Can it take direct sun?
Yes, especially gentle morning or late-afternoon sun, but only after gradual acclimation. Sudden midday sun on leaves grown in a nursery or indoors can cause scorch.
05 Why is the stem becoming soft?
Soft, dark tissue near the base warns of excess moisture or rot and calls for an immediate root check. A slightly wrinkled but firm stem may simply show that the plant has used some stored water.
06 Is it safe for pets?
There is not enough reliable documentation to call it definitively safe for cats or dogs. The prudent choice is to keep it out of reach and seek veterinary advice if it has been chewed or swallowed.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.