Scientific Name
Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora (Thunb.) Toelken
Common Name(s)
Red Pagoda, Pagoda Village, Shark's Tooth Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula thyrsiflora, Crassula corymbulosa, Crassula rhodogyna
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora is an eye-catching succulent shrub that produces pinkish-red rosettes that become stacked in a pagoda form and turn red. The stems grow up to about 8 inches (20 cm) long. The tiny, white flowers appear at the ends of unbranched spike-like inflorescences in summer and fall.
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 mealy bugs and fungal diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be 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 letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to 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. Sprout leaves by placing them into a potting mix for succulents, then covering 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 with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Origin
This subspecies is native to Namibia and South Africa (Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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