Crassula capitella aka Campfire Plant

Taxonomy

Crassula capitella, also known as red flames, red pagoda, or campfire plant, is a perennial succulent native to southern Africa. This ornamental plant is perfect for rockeries, landscape gardens, and indoor containers, adding a permanent pop of color with its unique fleshy propeller-shaped leaves that mature from light green to bright red. In the summer, clusters of white blooms rest on the leaves, making it even more stunning. These plants are incredibly diverse and come in various sizes and colors, with many native to a small region in South Africa. They are low maintenance and can handle long periods of drought, making them a great option for those who tend to forget to water their plants. Just make sure they get plenty of sunlight and are planted in a pot with a drainage hole, and they'll be happy as can be!

Common names

Campfire Plant, Red Pagoda

How to care for Campfire Plant

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Campfire Plant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Campfire Plant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

The Campfire Plant is very susceptible to soil that is too wet, so it's essential to choose a potting soil that drains well and does not retain excessive moisture. A soil mix that includes plenty of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. You can easily create this type of soil by adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store.

Lighting

Campfire Plant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Red Pagoda will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Campfire Plant is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

Campfire Plant prefers dry environments, but by misting the plant or providing extra humidity, water will linger on the leaves and create an ideal environment for fungi that could be harmful.

Fertilizer

The Campfire Plant is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Campfire Plant’s native range is South Africa.

Flower

If you provide your Campfire Plant with adequate amounts of sunlight and water, it will bloom.


More info:
Wikipedia