Plate No. 47

Calico Kitten

Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Variegata'

"Heart-shaped leaves in pink, cream and green"

Native to

A variegated form of a Southern African species

Botanical illustration of Calico Kitten — Crassula pellucida subsp. marginalis 'Variegata' — drawn from life

Identification

Is this your plant?

Compare these reference photographs to help identify a calico kitten in your own collection.

Whole plant
A Calico Kitten shown in full — overall shape and habit.
Leaf detail
Close-up of Calico Kitten leaves — texture, color, and edges.
Flowers
Calico Kitten in bloom — flower form and color.
Growth form
Calico Kitten growing habit — stems, base, and offsets.

History

A brief account

Calico Kitten is a charming trailing crassula whose heart-shaped leaves shift between cream, pink, and green depending on the light. In stronger sun the foliage deepens to pink, while shadier conditions bring back the soft greens and creams, giving the plant a changing, almost painted look. Its trailing habit makes it especially suitable for hanging baskets, where the leaves can spill down in a gentle cascade. It is a cheerful plant that brings both colour and movement to a bright indoor space.

How to care for

Place Calico Kitten according to its light needs: Bright light with a little direct sun. For watering, every two weeks in summer; drier in winter. For the potting medium, use standard succulent mix. Good drainage is essential: let surplus water escape freely and never leave the roots standing in a wet saucer. 5–28°C. Light frost tolerable. Check the compost before watering instead of following a rigid calendar, since light, temperature, pot size and season all affect how quickly it dries. During slower growth, reduce watering and wait longer between drinks.

How to propagate

Cuttings root easily on damp mix. Propagation is most reliable during the plant's active growing season, when warmth and good light help new roots establish. Start with clean tools and healthy material, and keep the new plant in conditions appropriate for the parent. Where a cutting or division creates a wound, allow the surface to dry before planting unless the method calls for immediate rooting in water or moist mix. Once roots form and fresh growth appears, gradually move the young Calico Kitten into its normal watering routine; excess moisture is especially risky while the root system is still small.

Cultivation

Quick tips for care & planting

Light: Bright light with a little direct sun.
Water: Every two weeks in summer; drier in winter.
Soil: Standard succulent mix.
Temperature: 5–28°C. Light frost tolerable.
Propagation: Cuttings root easily on damp mix.