Crassula pyramidalis aka Buddha's Temple

Crassula pyramidalis is a small plant in the Crassulaceae family. It is an evergreen succulent. Other names are pyramid crassula and Pagoda Mini Jade. It comes from South Africa’s Cape regions, including the Karoo. Wild plants grow on coastal plains and dry fynbos sites. They also grow on hilltops where quartzitic sandstone lies bare. Some parts of its range get summer rain, others winter rain. LLIFLE says wild plants are widespread, with no reported decline.

This plant grows slowly in small groups of narrow columns. Each column has four sides. Garden plants reach about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] tall. RHS gives a spread of 0.33 feet [0.10 metres]. LLIFLE also records plants reaching 0.82 feet [0.25 metres]. Stems stand upright at first, then lean as they age. Each stem can split into two branches. Close-packed leaves hide the stems. Four neat rows of leaves give each column its square shape. The small, smooth leaves are green to brownish green. Strong sun can turn the top leaves purple or reddish brown. Fine hairs between the leaves can take up dew.

Mature plants bloom from mid-spring into summer. Reddish buds open into small flowers. These are white, cream, or cream-pink. Dense groups grow at stem tips or beside the leaves. The blooms have a sweet or spicy scent. RHS gives their width as about 0.03 feet [0.01 metres]. LLIFLE says plants die after they bloom. The sources give no details of the fruit. They do not show that the plant is safe to eat.

Grow it under glass in a standard cactus compost. RHS suggests bright filtered light or full sun. Use loam or sand that lets water drain well. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Give modest amounts of water from spring through autumn. Then give less water. RHS suggests a balanced liquid feed during active growth. Apply this every two to three weeks. Its H2 rating means it copes with cool but not freezing weather. Choose a site with shelter, and protect it from frost.

Its small form suits pots, patio displays, and indoor bonsai-style planting. It takes five to ten years to reach full growth. It needs no routine pruning. Sow seed in early spring at 15–18°C. Take stem or leaf cuttings in spring or early summer. RHS reports few disease problems, but pests may still occur. Check for mealybugs, vine weevil, and aphids.