Plant Description:
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella, also known as the red pagoda or the Campfire plant, is a popular succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is native to South Africa and can be found in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
General Appearance:
The Campfire plant is a low-growing succulent that forms a mat-like structure. The leaves grow in a rosette pattern and are triangular in shape with pointed tips. They are green at the base and turn a vibrant red at the tips, giving the plant its striking appearance. The plant can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and has a spread of about 12 inches (30 cm).
Uses:
The Campfire plant is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in rock gardens, succulent arrangements, and as ground cover. It is easy to grow and requires minimal care, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. The plant is also believed to have medicinal uses and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Care:
The Campfire plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. It should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. The plant can tolerate both partial and full sun and can thrive in a range of temperatures. It is a slow-growing plant and can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.
Light Requirements
Crassula capitella subsp. capitella prefers bright, direct sunlight for at least four hours a day for optimal growth. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will make the plant leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa, so it prefers warm temperatures between 65-80 F. It can tolerate temperature drops as low as 50 F, but extended periods of cold temperatures can lead to damage and even death.
Soil Requirements
Crassula capitella subsp. capitella prefers well-draining soil that is light and porous. A soil mixture that is rich in perlite, sand, or pumice is ideal for this plant. The soil pH level should be between 6.0 to 7.0. Avoid using heavy, clay-like soil as it retains moisture, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in pots or containers, or in the ground if the climate is suitable. This plant is suited to a wide range of soil types, but it prefers a well-draining mixture that is rich in organic matter.
When growing this plant in a container, it is essential to choose a pot with sufficient drainage holes. This is because Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella doesn't like sitting in standing water, which can cause root rot.
Watering Needs for Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella is a drought-tolerant plant that can go for weeks without water. However, it appreciates occasional watering during the growing season, particularly when grown in a container.
The most appropriate way to water this plant is to wait until the soil is dry to the touch before watering it. When watering, make sure to apply water thoroughly, wetting the entire root ball. Avoid getting water on the leaves or stem as this can cause rotting.
Fertilization for Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella doesn't require frequent fertilization. However, occasional feeding during the growing season can help boost growth and promote blooming. Fertilize the plant once every three to four weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
Fertilization should be stopped during winter when the plant is dormant. Over-fertilizing can lead to an excess buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots.
Pruning for Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Pruning Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella is optional as it doesn't require regular shaping or trimming. However, it can help encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess.
The best time to prune this plant is in spring when new growth starts to emerge. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node.
When cutting, avoid removing too much of the plant as this can cause shock and even kill it. Only remove weak or dead growth and any leggy stems.
Propagation of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella can be propagated through several methods:
1. Stem cuttings:
This method involves cutting a healthy stem with a sharp, sterilized blade. The cutting should be at least 3-4 cm long and must have at least two to three nodes. After removing the lower leaves, the cutting is then allowed to callus for a day or two and then placed in a well-draining potting medium. The cutting should be watered sparingly until new growth appears.
2. Leaf cuttings:
This method involves taking a healthy leaf and cutting it into several smaller pieces, ensuring that each piece has at least a small part of the stem attached to it. The cuttings are then allowed to callus for a day or two before they are placed on the surface of a well-draining potting medium. Make sure the cuttings are not buried in the soil. The cuttings should be watered sparingly and new growth should appear in a few weeks.
3. Division:
This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections. This can be done by gently pulling apart the individual offsets, ensuring each section has its own roots. Each section can then be potted up separately in a well-draining potting medium. Water sparingly until new growth appears.
4. Seed propagation:
This method involves collecting the seeds of the parent plant when they are mature. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-draining potting medium and gently pressed down. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright location without direct sunlight. Germination should occur in a couple of weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
Overview of Disease and Pest Management for Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella, also known as red pagoda or Calico kitten, is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It is a low-growing perennial that can reach up to 15 cm in height and spread up to 30 cm in width. This plant is popular among gardeners and succulent enthusiasts because of its attractive foliage, which features reddish-bronze leaves with bright green edges.
Common Diseases of Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
Like any other plant, Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella is susceptible to various diseases. The most common diseases that might afflict this plant include:
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that can cause orange, yellow, or brown spots on the leaves of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella. A severe infestation of rust can lead to defoliation, which can weaken the plant and reduce its aesthetic appeal. To manage rust, remove infected leaves and avoid overwatering the plant.
Mushroom root rot
Mushroom root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the roots of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella to rot. This disease can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow or brown, and eventually die. To prevent mushroom root rot, ensure that the plant is not kept in a waterlogged area and avoid overwatering.
Bacterial soft rot
Bacterial soft rot is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella to become mushy and slimy. This disease can spread quickly and cause the plant to die within a few days. To manage bacterial soft rot, remove affected leaves and avoid overwatering the plant.
Common Pests of Crassula Capitella Thunb. Subsp. Capitella
In addition to diseases, Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella is also vulnerable to pest infestations. The most common pests that might attack this plant include:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that can cause significant damage to Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella. They can suck on the sap of the plant, causing deformation, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella and cause a whitish webbing on the leaves. This pest can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with neem oil.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can damage the leaves of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella. They can suck on the sap of the plant, causing deformation, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, remove the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap.
By following the above suggestions, you can effectively manage diseases and pests affecting Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. capitella and keep your plant healthy and thriving. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are essential to prevent the spread of diseases and pests and keep your plant looking green and vibrant.
