Crassula – Red Pagoda
A low growing yet eye catching species Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora is commonly called ‘Red Pagoda’.
It is the triangular foliage, stacked on the stems and a brilliant red that make this such a desirable succulent as well as give it its common name.
We find that the foliage will emerge green to pink and in good sun quickly turn to red that is is famous for.
The growth habit is not as upright as some of the other stacked Crassulas, more of sprawling habit, bit very attractive as it spreads to fill a container.
It will eventually begin to cascade over the edge of the pot. So choose your pot colour to add contrast or complement the red foliage.
A variegated form is also available and we think this is the one to look for if you like colour. This one changes colour more dramatically than the species itself.
How To Grow Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora
- Light and Sun
For the best colour Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora does need some direct sun or very bright filtered light at least.
A good amount of boring sun is a great start, the amount afternoon sun depends on the climate and intensity of the sun.
We suggest protection from the sun during the hottest part of the day to prevent leaf burn.
To little sun will lead poor colour and also to stretching or etiolation of the leaves.
Moving your succulents to get the right amount of sun, for good colour without leaf burn is something you can quickly learn. - Temperature and Humidity
Low humidity is essential, high humidity can cause fungal problems.
Protection from frost is also essential.
Try for a temperature range between 15 and 25C daytime, with a nighttime drop to around 10C - Soil and Pots
You need to choose a pot with good sized drainage holes, and then a free draining cactus and succulent potting mix.
Do not overpot, a pot size that is small contains the roots, less excess potting mix means the soil will dry more quickly. Use a tallish pot so the plant can be allowed to cascade over the sides. - Watering
Like for most Crassulas, We use a wet/dry cycle of watering, water well and then allow the soil to dry before watering again.
DO NOT MIST SPRAY
When we repot succulents we do not water for the first 14 days, this helps prevent any root problems. - Fertiliser
A little low nitrogen fertiliser in spring should be adequate. Some growers are tending to use rock minerals with a little slow release fertiliser with succulents.
Growing Crassula capitella subsp. thyrsiflora Indoors
The right amount of light is the key.
- In the Northern Hemisphere place the plant near a south facing window. Keep an eye on the foliage, if it stagers to burn, shift the plant a little further away form the window.
- In the Southern hemisphere, a north facing window will be required.
- When you first bring your plant home, a slo introduction to direct sun is best. Most succulents are propagated and grown under cover, so acclimatisation over a few weeks should be considered.
- In mid summer, light and heat through windows can be intense. A thin curtain can be used to reduce the intensity of the sun if needed. Or shift the plant back from the window.
- In cooler climates, with lower light levels you may need to use grow lights.
Is 6 hours of morning sun a good guide?
The simple answer is, not in most climates and not for most of the year. And this applies to many succulent species
Morning sun is usually weak for at least the first few hours. So not enough sun so no foliage colour.
In many areas, you will not get 6 hours of morning sun for much of the year, simply the sun does not rise at 6am every day.
So lets change that to 6 hours of good sun a day, avoiding very hot afternoon sun….