Red Pagoda (Crassula capitella)

Red Pagoda

Crassula capitella

Its stacked leaves glow like embers in sun, a fiery succulent star. Evergreen succulent shrub; common names: Red Pagoda, Campfire Crassula.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial sun; intense direct sun enhances red leaf pigmentation, avoid prolonged midday sun in extreme heat
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce frequency significantly in winter
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Temperature Thrives at 15–25°C; tolerates brief light frosts above 5°C, avoid temperatures below 0°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Stacked triangular fleshy leaves; bright green in shade, turning red-orange in full sun, arranged in opposite pairs
  • Flower: Tiny star-shaped white blooms in dense terminal clusters
  • Stem: Slender, upright or trailing; woody at base with mature growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Water thoroughly when soil is fully dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Fertilization

Diluted succulent feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus feed to promote compact growth and blooms

Eggshell powder topdress:Grind dried eggshells to fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface, avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent burning
Pruning
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to encourage bushier, compact growth
  • Remove dead or yellowed leaves at the base to maintain tidy appearance
  • Propagate healthy trimmed stem cuttings in well-drained soil for new plants
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxic effects on cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes warmth and drought resilience; popular in succulent arrangement displays

Usage: Ornamental xeriscaping plant, container succulent, and rock garden specimen