Origin
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken, commonly known as red pagoda or campfire plant, is a plant species belonging to the family Crassulaceae. This plant is believed to have originated in South Africa, where it grows abundantly from the Cape Peninsula to Bredasdorp and eastward to Port Elizabeth.
Common Names
The common name of this plant, red pagoda, is derived from the bright red or orange color of the stacked leaves, which form a pagoda-like structure. The plant is also commonly known as campfire plant, for its resemblance to the embers of a dying campfire.
Uses
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its distinct and striking appearance. It is often used in rock gardens, containers, or as a groundcover. This plant is low maintenance and requires a well-draining soil and regular watering schedule. In some cultures, this plant holds a significance for prosperity and good fortune.
General Appearance
The red pagoda plant grows in rosettes, producing tightly packed leaves that are green at the base and bright red or orange at the tips. The leaves are triangular and pointed and grow up to 2 inches in length. As the plant matures, it forms dense clusters or mats up to 1 foot in width. In the spring, the plant produces small, white, star-shaped flowers on slender stems that rise up from the center of the rosettes. It is these unique and attractive features that make the red pagoda plant a popular choice in gardens and homes around the world.
Light Requirements
The Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken is best grown in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight for up to 6 hours per day but may require shading during the hottest part of the day in summer. When grown indoors, a south-facing window with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60-85°F (16-29°C). It is susceptible to frost damage, so it's best to keep it indoors during the winter in areas with temperatures below freezing. If grown indoors, it should be placed in a room with a temperature that is comfortable for humans.
Soil Requirements
The Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken thrives in well-draining, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0-8.0. A cactus or succulent soil mix is a good option as it provides adequate drainage. When planting, be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot.
Cultivation
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken, commonly known as Red Pagoda or Campfire plant, is a popular houseplant that originated from South Africa. For best growth, it should be planted in well-draining soil or a mixture of cactus and succulent soil. It thrives in bright light, preferably direct or partial sunlight, and should be shielded from harsh afternoon sunlight.
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F. It can tolerate lower temperatures to a certain extent but could suffer damage at temperatures below 40°F. Crassula capitella can grow up to 4 inches tall and about 6 inches wide, but it is generally a slow grower.
Watering Needs
It is important to give your Red Pagoda plant a thorough watering but allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to plant death. Watering should be reduced during winter when the plant goes dormant and does not require as much moisture as it does during the growing season.
Fertilization
To encourage growth, you can add a succulent or cacti fertilizer to the soil at the beginning of the growing season. Fertilization should be done monthly or every few months at quarter strength.
Pruning
To maintain a neat appearance, you can prune the plant by removing any dry or damaged leaves and removing stems that are longer or growing in the wrong direction. Pruning can be done any time of the year.
Propagation of Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken
Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken can be propagated by four main methods:
1. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is the easiest and most successful method for propagating Crassula capitella. Take a cutting of stem with 2-3 leaves from a healthy plant. Let it dry and callus over for a few days before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Water minimally and keep the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight until new growth appears.
2. Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings can also be successful for propagating this plant. Select a healthy leaf and gently twist it off the stem. Allow the leaf to dry for a day so that the cut end is calloused over. Place the cutting on top of a well-draining soil mix and lightly water. Keep the cutting in bright, indirect sunlight until new growth appears.
3. Division
If the plant has grown too large and you want to propagate it, dividing it into smaller sections can be a useful propagation method. First, remove the plant from its container and gently brush off the dirt from the roots. Cut the plant into sections with a sharp, clean knife and ensure that each division has a healthy root system. Plant each section in its container with well-draining soil mix, water minimally, and keep in bright, indirect sunlight.
4. Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a more complex method and requires patience, but can still be successful for Crassula capitella. Collect seeds from a healthy plant and plant them in a seed-starting tray filled with well-draining soil mix. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and keep moist. Ensure the tray is kept in a warm, bright location and watered regularly. It can take 2-8 weeks for the seeds to germinate, depending on the environmental conditions.
Disease Management
The Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken is generally a tough and hardy plant. However, it can still be affected by several diseases that can weaken its growth and even cause death. Here are some common diseases that might affect this plant:
- Root rot
- Leaf spots
- Mildew
- Bacterial soft rot
- Virus
To prevent diseases, it is important to make sure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil, watered properly, and not over-fertilized. Here are some strategies to manage diseases:
- Remove infected leaves and stems immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
- Avoid spraying water directly on plants and water only when the soil is dry.
- Eradicate infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Pest Management
The Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken can also be affected by several pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant:
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Thrips
- Aphids
To manage pest infestations effectively, you can use a combination of the following methods:
- Remove any damaged parts of the plant immediately.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected parts of the plant.
- Use sticky traps to catch flying insects like thrips and whiteflies.
- Apply a systemic pesticide to control more extensive infestations.
Regularly inspecting your plant and taking proactive measures will help prevent both diseases and pest infestations, ensuring that your Crassula capitella Thunb. subsp. sessilicymula (Mogg) Toelken remains healthy and beautiful.
