Crassula arborescens comes from the rocky, sun-drenched scrubland of South Africa, and every feature of its constitution reflects those origins. The rounded, blue-gray leaves are thick with stored water, edged in maroon and marked with fine reddish speckling on the upper surface — an ornamental leaf that earns its place without ever needing to bloom. Multiple thick stems branch to form a compact, tree-like shrub that can reach four feet indoors given time and good conditions. When it does flower, the clusters of pale pink to white star-shaped blooms appear in spring or summer, though in most home environments they remain a pleasant surprise rather than a reliable annual event.

A clay pot with several drainage holes and a cactus-mix soil are the starting conditions it needs. Place in full sun to light shade with good airflow, and water with restraint — waiting until the soil has dried thoroughly between waterings is the single most important factor in keeping it healthy. Mealybugs and fungal disease from overwatering are the two main problems to guard against. In zones 9 to 11 it can spend summers outdoors; elsewhere it belongs at the sunniest window in the house.