Scientific Name
Crassula pyramidalis Thunb.
Common Names
Pagoda Mini Jade, Pyramid Crassula
Synonyms
Crassula archeri, Crassula cylindrica, Purgosea pyramidalis, Tetraphyle pyramidalis, Tetraphyle quadrangula
Scientific Classification
Family: Crassulaceae
Subfamily: Crassuloideae
Genus: Crassula
Description
Crassula pyramidalis is a sparingly branched succulent with erect to decumbent stems that are hidden by green to brownish-green leaves. It slowly grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall. Leaves are tightly packed, 4-ranked, triangular-ovate, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) wide. Flowers are white to cream-pink, up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) across, and appear in dense terminal clusters in mid-spring to summer. Unfortunately, this plant is monocarpic, and the stems die after flowering, but new ones emerge at the base.
Photo via flickr.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Crassulas are easy to grow, but they are 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, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out 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
Crassula pyramidalis is native to South Africa (Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape).
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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