Crassula capitella Thunb.
Campfire Crassula / Red Pagoda
Crassula capitella, known as the "campfire crassula" or "red pagoda", is a succulent native to southern South Africa that displays one of the most spectacular colour changes in the genus. The leaves are arranged in stacked rosettes resembling a rocket or pagoda, and under sun, water, or temperature stress they acquire colours ranging from bright lime green to orange, carmine red, and near-scarlet. It is a highly ornamental species particularly sought after in autumn and winter.
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© Eric Hunt
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Stacked rosette succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy-porous, very well drained, nutrient-poor |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Triangular to lanceolate leaves 2–5 cm long, arranged in densely stacked rosettes forming vertical stacks of very geometric, ordered appearance. Under stress conditions (intense sun, moderate cold, or drought) they develop intense orange to bright red tones through accumulation of anthocyanin pigments; in shade with ample watering they remain green.
ecoShort central stem with numerous lateral shoots forming dense colonies. Flowering stems elongate and lean laterally; after flowering the main shoot often dies, but plants persist through abundant offsets.
ecoTubular to star-shaped flowers white to white-pink, very small (3–5 mm), grouped in elongated terminal panicles that emerge on an erect scape. The flowering is showy for its abundance though each individual flower is small, occurring mainly in spring.
ecoShallow fibrous roots that favour lateral colonisation through offsets. Plants form dense ground-covering mats in their natural habitat. They do not tolerate compacted or waterlogged soils.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-porous, very well drained, nutrient-poor
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a stem with at least 3–4 pairs of stacked triangular leaves 6–10 cm long with sterilised scissors.
- 2 Remove the basal pair of leaves.
- 3 Allow to cure in shade for 2–3 days.
- 4 Plant in well-draining cactus mix; expose to direct sun from the start to stimulate red colouration.
- 5 Water sparingly the first week; then follow the usual dry-down cycle.
- 1 Detach a healthy triangular leaf with a gentle twisting motion.
- 2 Allow to dry for 3–4 days.
- 3 Rest on moist cactus mix.
- 4 Mist every 5 days; wait for a new rosette to form at the base.
The characteristic 'red pagoda' with sun-reddened stacked leaves requires full sun; without enough sun the leaves remain green without the expected red colouration.
Growing in shade expecting red colouration; the red colour only appears with intense direct sunlight.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring. Slow growth means it does not need frequent repotting; prioritise excellent drainage over pot size.
Fertilise once a month in spring and summer with liquid cactus fertiliser at 50% dose. No fertilisation in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mild toxicity; may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets. No serious effects reported in humans.
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"Anthocyanin accumulation in C. capitella responds to a photoprotective strategy: these pigments absorb excess UV and visible radiation, protecting the photosynthetic apparatus from oxidative damage during combined stress of high irradiance and low water availability."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.