Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

The Crassula Red Pagoda succulent is a stunning and eye-catching plant that is sure to add interest and color to any garden or collection of houseplants. With its striking red and green leaves arranged in a pagoda-like shape, this plant is a unique and beautiful addition to any space. Originally from South Africa, the Crassula Red Pagoda is a notable member of the Crassula family and is closely related to other popular succulents such as jade plants and sedums.

In this article, we will explore the care and cultivation of the Crassula Red Pagoda, including tips for watering, light and temperature requirements, and potential pests and diseases to watch out for. Whether you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner looking to add some interest to your space, the Crassula Red Pagoda is a must-have succulent.

About Crassula Red Pagoda

Crassula capitella Red Pagoda is an easy-to-grow succulent with densely arranged fleshy triangular leaves and beautiful pinkish-red tips that are arranged on the stem at nodes.

Native to South Africa, this plant is an incredible addition to the winter garden. In fact, the red tinge on the tips of the leaves is brightest when the plant is exposed to cool temperatures and bright lights.

The Crassula capitella Red Pagoda can reach a height of 6 inches and a spread of about 12 inches when mature.

This stunning plant offers bright colors throughout the year and is perfect for rock gardens, containers, or even paving stones in a water-wise garden.

Botanical Name	Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’
Common Name	Crassula Red Pagoda
Family	Crassula
Plant Type	Succulent
Origin	South Africa
Maintenance	Low
Height	10 feet
Width	2-3 feet
Light	Full sun, Partial Shade
Bloom season	Summer
Water needs	Low
Soil	Well-Drained, Loamy
Tolerant	Drought
Toxicity	Toxic
Hardiness (USDA)	9-12

Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ Care

Caring for this succulent is easy. The Red Pagoda is tolerant of both low- and high-light conditions, so it’s a good option for those who are just beginning their journey with indoor gardening. The plant also requires little maintenance and pruning; once established, the Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ will grow slowly but steadily year after year.

Light

Bright light is best for this plant. The Red Pagoda can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from full sun to shade, but it will perform best when given at least a few hours of direct sunlight daily.

To get the most color out of your Red Pagoda, you will want to give your plant plenty of light during the milder parts of the day.

Soil

A well-drained, sandy soil is the best option for this plant. You can use a standard potting mix or create your own by combining equal parts peat moss and perlite or adding sand and compost to your existing potting mix.

Water

The Crassula Red Pagoda is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can tolerate periods of drought, but you will still want to ensure that it receives enough water during the growing season. This means watering your plant at least once per week or whenever its soil feels dry.

Avoid overwatering to prevent the risk of running root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for the Crassula Red Pagoda is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures up to 95 degrees, but it will need more frequent watering in warmer environments. The humidity should be kept around 50%.

Fertilizer

The Crassula Red Pagoda is a slow-growing plant and does not require much fertilizer. However, you can use a balanced fertilizer every three weeks during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

Pruning

The Crassula Red Pagoda will tolerate pruning, but it is best to wait until the plant is at least one year old before you begin. You can also prune your plant to control its size or shape. Cut back the tips of each stem by 1⁄3 and trim off any leaves that have brown spots on them.

Potting and Repotting Crassula Red Pagoda

The Red Pagoda is a slow-growing plant that can live in the same pot for many years. When repotting your Crassula Red Pagoda, use a well-draining soil mix that contains plenty of organic material. Plant the plant, so there is at least one to two inches between its root ball and the rim of the container.

Prepare

How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

1. Remove the plant from its current container by gently pulling on the base of each leaf until it comes out of the soil.
2. Cut off any dead roots with pruning shears or a sharp knife and discard them; clean away any remaining dirt from around the roots and leave them exposed when repotting so they can absorb moisture more easily in their new home.
3. Place the plant in its new container, making sure to keep it at the same level that it was previously grown.
4. Fill in around the roots with well-draining potting soil and lightly pack down with your fingers or a trowel.
5. Water thoroughly so that water comes out of the bottom of the pot; let drain completely before placing back in direct sunlight.

Propagating Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ by Offsets (Step-by-Step)

1. Use a sharp knife to cut off an offset from the mother plant, making sure that it has at least two leaves on it.
2. If you have several offsets available, select one that is healthy and has no signs of stress or disease.
3. Fill a container or pot with a sterile, well-draining medium.
4. Place the offset on top of the potting mix, making sure that it sits above the soil line by at least one inch (2.5cm).
5. Water thoroughly and place in direct sunlight or under artificial light.

Propagating Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)

1. Use a sharp knife and sterilized cutting tool to cut off a healthy stem from your Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ plant, ensuring that it has at least one leaf on it.
2. Fill a container or pot with a well-draining potting medium.
3. Place the cutting into the potting mix and cover it with another layer of the medium.
4. Water well and place in direct sunlight or under artificial light.
5. Keep the cutting moist but not soggy; you should see roots forming in 2 to 3 weeks.
6. Once your cutting has rooted, transplant it into a larger container or repot with fresh potting mix.

Propagating Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ by Division (Step-by-Step)

When repotting, you can opt to separate the naturally forming colonies of the Red Pagoda via division and get yourself multiple plants for the price of one.

1. Remove the Crassula from its pot and use a sharp knife or scissors to cut away approximately 1/3 of the root ball.
2. Place this portion of your Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ into some fresh potting mix in another container, cover with more medium, and water well.
3. Keep your new cutting in bright, indirect light until new leaves appear and you can tell it is established.

Blooms

Flowers typically appear in the late summer and early fall. The flowers are small, starry, and white, with a hint of pink around the edges. They appear in clusters.

Toxicity

Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda’ is toxic. It is considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep away from pets and children.

NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

Common Pests

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are typically found on the underside of leaves, and their presence is indicated by the white cottony material they leave behind as they feed on your plant’s sap. Mealybugs often cluster together in groups, making them easier to spot than other pests such as scales or spider mites.

Vine Weevil

The vine weevil is a common pest of Crassula capitella ‘Red Pagoda. They are small, brown beetles that can be recognized by the rectangular holes they leave behind as they burrow through leaves and stems. The larvae of this pest also feed on the plant and cause damage to its roots.

Aphids

Aphids are small, pear-shaped green insects with long legs and antennae. They suck the juices from plants and cause yellow spots on their leaves. Aphids can be controlled with the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Common Problems

FAQ