Side GardeningSide Gardening

    Get Updates and Special Offers!

    Recieve via email gardening articles, tips ,tools and more information about our solutions and events.

    What's Hot

    14 Beautiful Red Succulents cactus for a colorful garden

    October 19, 2021

    Gladiolus: The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring.

    April 11, 2022

    The Tiger Jaw Succulent (Faucaria tigrina) Plant You Need to Know About

    December 30, 2021

    The Lace Aloe “Aloe Aristata” Plant: A Unique Cactus for Your Garden or Kitchen Countertop

    May 26, 2022
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn
    Side GardeningSide Gardening
    Subscribe
    • How To
      • Indoor Plants & Gardening
    • Plants
      • Annuals
      • Perennials
      • Flowers
      • House Plants
      • Herbs
      • Succulents
      • Cactus
      • Fruits and Vegetables
    • Lawn Care
      • General Lawn Care
    • Diseases and Pest
      • Diseases & Pest
    • Composting
      • Composting Basics
    • Tools
    • Contact
    Side GardeningSide Gardening
    Succulents

    Curious Case of Crassula Capitella: Why it is the Perfect Houseplant for Your Home

    Michael KubinBy Michael KubinJune 28, 2022Updated:February 13, 2023No Comments11 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Crassula capitella
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    Crassula is a prolific perennial member of the world of succulents. They are found all over the world regardless of climate and geography. There are more than 350 species of Crassula, and out of these, crassula capitella is one of the most popular among gardeners. It is a succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. 

    A native of southern Africa, crassula capitella is highly valued for its stunning looks and versatility. Six main subspecies of crassula capitella are used to add color and vibrancy to rockeries, landscaped gardens, and indoors. Crassula capitella subsp. Capitella (cc capitella) has smooth stems and a basal rosette.

    This biennial succulent displays unbranched spiked inflorescence or flowing along the axis. Other subspecies include thyrsiflora, enantiophylla, corymbulosa, nodulosa, meyeri, and sessillicymula. You may know these plants by their popular names, such as Campfire Plant, Red Pagoda, Red Flames, and Jade Plant. 

    Crassula capitella

    This ornamental plant makes it easy to add permanent color to your garden. The luscious-looking succulent stays a bright apple-green when grown indoors or in the shade.  

    Table Of Contents show
    1 Propagation of crassula capitella plant
    2 How to grow and care for the crassula capitella plant
    3 Growing Conditions for the Crassula Capitella
    4 Pruning and maintenance
    5 Cultivars to Select.
    5.1 Crassula capitella subsp. sessilicymula
    5.2 Crassula capitella subsp. Nodulosa
    5.3 Crassula capitella subsp. Thyrsiflora (Red Pagoda, Pagoda Village, Shark’s Tooth Crassula)
    5.4 Crassula capitel subsp. meyeri
    6 Light Requirements
    7 Soil Requirements
    8 Watering
    9 Temperature and Humidity
    10 Fertilizers and Feeding
    11 Common Pests & Plant Diseases
    12 Common Problems with crassula capitella plant
    13 Managing Pests and Diseases
    14 Best Uses
    15 Conclusion
    16 Frequently Asked Questions
    16.1 How do you care for Crassula capitella?
    16.2 How much sun does a Crassula capitella need?
    16.3 Is Crassula an indoor or outdoor plant?
    16.4 How often do you water Crassula capitella?
    16.5 How can I propagate Crassula capitella?
    16.6 How long does it take to propagate Crassula?
    16.7 Why is my Campfire Crassula green?
    16.8 How do I identify a Crassula?
    16.9 Do Crassula release carbon dioxide?
    16.10 Is Crassula campfire poisonous?

    Propagation of crassula capitella plant

    As with many succulents, propagation starts with leaf cuttings, offsets, a single leaf, or by division of a well-grown plant. Crassulas are easily propagated by placing single leaves in potting mix for succulents and covering the tray or pot till sprouts appear. Excess water should never be allowed to remain. 

    How to grow and care for the crassula capitella plant

    Crassula capitella adds color and a luxurious feeling to any garden design. Most varieties do well in direct sunlight; however, Jade plants require indirect sunlight. These perennial shrublets do well in rock gardens and sandy soil. Plants are easily grown if the right conditions are present and do not need a lot of supervision. However, some varieties are borderline invasive. 

    All crassula plants have a metabolic system known as Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) that allows them to photosynthesize without losing much water through their leaves by operating at night. Therefore, these plants survive in dry regions even during drought.

    Crassula capitella

    Growing Conditions for the Crassula Capitella

    The Crassula Capitella succulent thrives in warm, dry climates. It can grow to be around 12 inches tall and has a thick stem and narrow leaves. The best climate for growing this succulent is in dry, hot weather. It prefers to be in full sun, but can also grow in partial sun conditions. In order to keep it healthy, it should be watered about once a week and fertilized every two weeks.

    Pruning and maintenance

    The ideal time to prune a succulent is right after it finishes the flowering stage. It is also the time to replant. Organic compost will furnish the required fertilizer once or twice a year. Bigger clumps of the plant can be divided for better growth. Old foliage around the shrub can be removed with clean shears or a knife. This can also be the time to direct the growth area of your plant as you want. 

    Cultivars to Select.

    Crassula capitella (Campfire Plant, Red Flames, etc.)

    This eye-catching succulent grows in a mat about 3 to 4 ft wide and displays fleshy propeller-like leaves on branches that grow to around 6 inches in height. The flowers are cream or white and often tinged with pink. The mature leaves can be very colorful. They vary from bright lime-green to bright red making this a vibrant addition to your garden. 

    Crassula capitella

    Crassula capitella subsp. sessilicymula 

    The leaves of this succulent sprout from a woody base. The leaves are lance-shaped and may or may not be pointed. Tiny white flowers appear, showing patterns of inflorescence through the summer months. Thrives best in morning sun and afternoon shade. 

    Crassula capitella subsp. Nodulosa

    Nodulosa subspecies are easily recognizable from their solitary rosette and erect single-branched stem. The root is tuberous, and the leaves close to the base are egg-shaped, narrowing towards the end at the base. The leaves are smaller at the top of the stem and transform into floral bracts. Short curved hairs cover the stem, leaves, and sepals. Clusters of white flowers sprout from the leaf axils during summer.

    Crassula capitella

    Crassula capitella subsp. Thyrsiflora (Red Pagoda, Pagoda Village, Shark’s Tooth Crassula)

    This striking crassula capitella is a plant that elevates any space it grows in with its color and intriguing shape. Hence, the name Shark’s Tooth. It grows as a shrub with stems that are about 8 inches long. The shrub is reminiscent of a stacked pagoda. The purplish-pink rosettes turn to reddish color with the stems still sporting lime-green. Summer brings tiny white flowers to the spike-like inflorescences. Finally, pagoda Village comes in deep green color with rosettes tightly packed together. 

    Crassula capitel subsp. meyeri

    This is a typical crassula capitella variety. The shrub displays a decumbent form (growing along the ground with extremities turned up) with a woody base. The erect stems are glabrous or slightly hairy and sport one or several rosettes. Flowers can be seen during late summer leading to winter. This plant grows well in sandy soil as it originates from an area in southern Africa with similar conditions. 

    Crassula capitella

    Light Requirements

    Crassula capitella grows equally well in full sun and partial shade. The plant loves heat. The plant’s color is determined by the amount of sunlight it gets. The color ranges from apple green to flaming red. A minimum of 6 hours of sunshine in a partially shaded area will bring out the best color of the plant. The plant will remain olive green all year round in a well-shaded area. 

    Soil Requirements

    Moist soil is ideal for propagating crassula capitella plants. However, once the plants have new growth, the soil need not be that moist. A compost and washed river sand mixture is used to grow the plants. Drier soil is better than water-logged soil or over-moist soil. The amount of water the plant receives must be managed according to the prevailing soil conditions. 

    Crassula capitella

    Watering 

    Over-watering and under-watering are both detrimental to crassula capitella plants. They are succulents and tend to store water in their leaves. This plant uses less water because it takes advantage of the Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM), which enables it to absorb carbon dioxide at night. This minimizes the internal loss of moisture through evaporation. The plant is hardy enough to survive even under drought conditions. 

    Watering once in two or three days is sufficient. You must take care not to leave too much water at the base of the plant. Proper drainage will take care of excess water. Depending on the weather, the interval between watering can even be extended to a fortnight. Over-watering can result in fungus indicated by powdery mildew resulting in rotting stems and roots. 

    Temperature and Humidity

    The crassula capitella plant cannot withstand freezing temperatures. However, a slight level of frost can be tolerated for short periods. Frost damage is indicated by small brown spots that appear on the leaves. The best way to salvage a plant in frosty conditions is to relocate it indoors. Once indoors, humidity levels should be managed to suit the plant, and this can be done by placing a bowl of water near heaters. 

    Crassula capitella

    Fertilizers and Feeding

    Organic compost fertilizer is used to enrich depleted soil. If you think soil drainage will benefit from the addition of sand, that too can be done at this time. 

    Common Pests & Plant Diseases

    The most common affliction shown by crassula capitella plants is being attacked by mealybugs. These are found nesting on the underside of the leaves and looks like white powder. A light pesticide, including rubbing alcohol or weak soap water administered weekly, will take care of this problem.

    Overwatering the plant is another mistake some gardeners make. The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. Yellow leaves or leaves that fall off more frequently than usual indicate root rot. Withhold watering till the soil is parched. Replanting a weak or diseased plant in a new pot after washing away the old soil will help regrowth.

    Rapid shedding of leaves can be due to under-watering the crassula plant. This type of shedding is easy to identify as the leaves will wither and fall off. 

    Crassula capitella

    Common Problems with crassula capitella plant

    Crassula capitella plants do not have significant problems and will grow easily given the minimum required conditions. If, however, there are unsuitable conditions, the plant will show distress. Over-watering and under-watering lead to the loss of leaves. Mealy bugs and fungus seem to be commonly found problems afflicting crassula capitella. 

    Managing Pests and Diseases

    Always keep an eye out for pests and diseases. The quicker you address the problem, the better your plant will fare. The pests that attack the plant are mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids that tend to suck the sap from the plant. These are found on the underside of the leaf and look like a white powder coating.

    First, wash off the area with a jet of water. After that, you can rub with alcohol or spray with a light pesticide. In the case of fungus, a fungicide can be administered. Spraying light soap water and neem oil will also help. Regular checking of the underside of leaves and the root bases will help minimize damage to plants from pests and diseases. 

    Crassula capitella campfire

    Best Uses

    Crassulacean plants are used to highlight color and texture in garden designs. They are grown for foliage and their evergreen quality. It adds lusciousness to any landscape. They also provide ground cover and enhance rock garden designs. These plants are also ideal as gifts and indoor plants. Some of these plants also bring a sense of calm to your home or environment.  

    Conclusion

    Crassula capitella plants bring a lot of color and joy to the interested gardener. They tend to stand out among drab winter colors. Another reason to grow them is their hardiness. Caring for them is routine and effortless. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you care for Crassula capitella? 

    Crassula capitella plants are easy to care for. In the garden, an area of partial sunlight is best suited to bring out the colors of the plants. Once or twice a year, plants can be cleaned, fertilizer added, and repotted if required. 

    How much sun does a Crassula capitella need?

    At least 6 hours of indirect sunlight or partial shade is recommended for ideal growth and color variation. The plant’s color changes according to the amount of sunlight ranging from bright apple green to flaming red in the sun. 

    Crassula capitella

    Is Crassula an indoor or outdoor plant? 

    It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, the plant will remain green in color and give out a vibrant vibe to the surroundings. In the outdoors, it is often used in rockeries, landscaping, boundaries, and edgings. 

    How often do you water Crassula capitella? 

    As often as is needed to keep the soil slightly moist or nearly dry. This means it can be watered in small amounts once or twice a week. While the watering must be consistent, care should be taken not to over-water. 

    How can I propagate Crassula capitella? 

    Stem cuttings and leaves are used to propagate the plant. It can also be done by dividing a plant into smaller plants. The easiest is to use stem cuttings. The cuttings can be introduced straight into the soil, or water can be used as a medium for rooting. Once roots appear, the stems can be planted in soil. 

    How long does it take to propagate Crassula? 

    The new plant will lay down roots in four to six weeks. New growth can be seen at this time. 

    Crassula capitella

    Why is my Campfire Crassula green?

    The amount of sunlight received by the plant determines its color. Regular exposure to the sun for about 6 hours per day will help to bring out the flaming red color of the plant. 

    How do I identify a Crassula? 

    Identifying a Crassula is done by the way the leaves grow. If the succulent has leaves that grow in pairs and symmetrically, it is a Crassula. The leaves are generally fleshy with triangle shapes. Some types have oblong rounded leaves. 

    Do Crassula release carbon dioxide? 

    Crassula does not release carbon dioxide at night. They continue to produce oxygen. 

    Is Crassula campfire poisonous? 

    Parts of this plant can be poisonous to humans and animals. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets. 

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Michael Kubin
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • LinkedIn

    Michael is an author and entrepreneur that specializes in content production and marketing. I love helping authors and entrepreneurs succeed. My life experiences have given me a unique worldview, which I've used to write compelling material for my audience. Thank You

    Related Posts

    The Complete Guide to Kalanchoe Fedtschenkoi, a Rare Flower with Stunning Colors

    November 18, 2022

    The Complete Guide to Crested Succulent Plants, Maintenance and Care Tips

    November 16, 2022

    Aeonium Sunburst: A Fascinating, Varied Houseplant That Requires Very Little Maintenance

    November 5, 2022

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Join Our Newsletter

    Get daily tips and tricks for making your best garden.

    Latest Posts

    Cucumber Tree ‘Magnolia Acuminata’: All You Need to Know About the Cucumber Tree

    March 2, 2023

    Weeping Alaskan Cedar: The Majestic Evergreen Tree You Need in Your Garden

    February 26, 2023

    The Hottest Peppers in the World: A Guide to the Ghost Pepper and Beyond in Hot Sauce

    February 20, 2023

    Heirloom African-American Fish Pepper: The Pepper Hot addition to Your Garden

    February 16, 2023

    Dinosaur Kale (Lacinato): Grow it and enjoy hearty versatile greens

    February 12, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Tumblr LinkedIn
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Sitemap
    • About Us
    • Contact
    Copyright © 2023 | All rights reserved - Side Gardening LLC.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.