Scientific Name
Crassula pyramidalis Thunb.
Common Name(s)
Pagoda Mini Jade, Pyramid Crassula
Synonym(s)
Crassula archeri, Crassula cylindrica, Crassula pyramidalis var. ramosa, Crassula quadrangula, Purgosea pyramidalis, Tetraphyle pyramidalis, Tetraphyle pyramidalis var. archeri, Tetraphyle pyramidalis var. cylindrica, Tetraphyle pyramidalis var. quadrangula, Tetraphyle quadrangula
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Origin
This species is native to South Africa. It occurs on gravelly flats and gentle slopes, often in shallow soil from Swartruggens, Matjiesfontein to Eastern Cape.
Description
Crassula pyramidalis is a sparingly branched succulent with green to grey-green or brownish-green, very densely packed leaves on erect to decumbent stems, forming 4-angled columns. It is a variable species that slowly grows up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall. Leaves are flat, triangular-ovate with entire margins, about 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long and 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide. Flowers are tubular, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, white or cream-colored, and appear in a dense terminal rounded cluster from mid-spring to summer. Unfortunately, this plant is monocarpic, and the stems die after flowering, but new ones emerge at the base. The branching also happens higher up on the stems.
Etymology
The specific epithet "pyramidalis (peer-uh-mid-AH-liss)" is a Latin adjective meaning "pyramidal," and refers to the not quite pyramidal shape of the 4-angled columns.
How to Grow and Care for Crassula pyramidalis
Light: C. pyramidalis prefers full sun to partial shade. However, intense afternoon sun in the hottest period of summer can burn the leaves of the plant. Therefore, a place with morning sun and afternoon shade would be perfect. Indoors, place your plant in a window that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
Soil: This plant is not particular about soil pH but requires very porous soil with excellent drainage. Use commercial potting soil mixes designated for succulents, or mix your own.
Temperature: Like most Crassulas, this succulent will tolerate some amount of short-term freezing, but extremes of cold or heat will cause it to lose leaves and die. C. pyramidalis can withstand temperatures as low as 25 °F (-3.9 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: Avoid overwatering by using the "soak and dry" method, where the soil is soaked with water, slowly drained, and left to dry out before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Potted plants require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilizing: C. pyramidalis does not need much feeding but will benefit from a small amount of organic fertilizer in mid-spring when it starts actively growing.
Repotting: Repot as needed, preferably in spring, at the beginning of the period of active growth. Make sure the soil is dry before you begin repotting.
Propagation: This succulent is generally started from stem cuttings and seeds. Using stem cuttings is the fastest way to get a decent-sized plant. This process is most successful if done at the beginning of the active growth period of the plant. Sow the seeds in the spring or summer.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Crassula.
Toxicity of Crassula pyramidalis
C. 'Frosty' is nontoxic to people and pets.
Hybrids of Crassula pyramidalis
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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