Scientific Name
Crassula capitella 'Campfire'
Accepted Scientific Name
Crassula capitella Thunb.
Common Name(s)
Campfire Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula 'Blaze', Crassula 'Campfire', Crassula 'Flame'
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
Crassula capitella 'Campfire' is most likely a form of Crassula capitella, known for its striking red foliage. The Huntington Botanical Garden first used this name; however, it is not officially recognized as a cultivar name, as there is no established description available. Additionally, this plant is sometimes listed as a cultivar of Crassula subacaulis subsp. erosula.
Description
Crassula capitella 'Campfire' is an eye-catching succulent that forms rosettes of light green, lance-shaped leaves that turn into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red when exposed to full sun. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and can spread as wide as 3 feet (90 cm). The branching stems can be either upright or trailing, typically woody, and they can root at the nodes even before making contact with the soil. Ample sunlight and occasional drought will help maintain the plant's vivid colors.
In summer and fall, Crassula capitella 'Campfire' produces clusters of white or cream-colored flowers. This plant is a monocarpic, which means the rosette dies after it flowers.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow but susceptible to mealybugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is fatal, so err on the side of too dry rather than too wet. Never let your plant sit in water. If you water from beneath by allowing the plant to sit in a saucer, ensure you pour off any excess water after a few minutes.
These succulents are generally started by division, offsets, or leaf cuttings. Crassulas can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Place leaves into a potting mix for succulents and cover the dish until they sprout.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Crassula, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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