Crassula pyramidalis, the mini jade pagoda
Humans aren't the only ones to build temples, towers and monuments. Nature, too, is a true architect. South Africa is home to Crassula pyramidalis. This fat plant of the Crassulaceae family has nothing to envy from Egyptian pyramids, Vietnamese pagodas or modern skyscrapers.
How to recognize Crassula pyramidalis, the mini jade pagoda?
Crassula pyramidalis is a succulent plant with a bushy habit. The botanical variety grows to a height of no more than 15 cm. Some cultivars, such as crassula Buddha's Temple, can reach 30 centimetres.
The branched stem is concealed by green, brown or ochre leaves. Oval or triangular, they are intertwined. They grow in a four-pointed star, forming a compact column.
In the northern hemisphere, Crassula pyramidalis flowers in spring. Cyme-shaped flowers appear at the top of the stems. The inflorescence is white in the typical species. Hybrids, however, can be tinted pink.
The mini jade pagoda has no thorns, but is toxic to animals and humans when ingested. Avoid placing it in your bedroom while in bloom. The flowers release their spicy fragrance during the night.
Our maintenance tips
Crassula pyramidalis are very slow-growing. So you won't have to take them home very often. But you will have to be patient to see new leaves appear!
Watering
Water only when the soil has completely dried out. Use room-temperature water with low calcium content, such as rainwater.
Water generously to allow the leaves to soak up the water. Make sure any excess water has drained away before replacing your Mini jade pagoda. If necessary, remove any water that has accumulated in the saucer or planter.
Spray
Crassula pyramidalis grow in arid regions and do not like humidity. No need to spray them.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Crassula pyramidalis to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Choose a pierced terracotta or plastic pot. The latter has the advantage of retaining moisture longer. Place a layer of clay balls at the bottom (about a quarter of the way up). Top up with special potting soil for cacti or fat plants. You can also mix ordinary substrate with sand or perlite.
Plant your succulent and tamp down to eliminate air pockets. Then water for the first time.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
You don't have to fertilize your plant to make it grow. However, if you want to stimulate its growth, you can give itfertilizer for cacti and succulents.
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Crassula pyramidalis love light, but dread direct sunlight, especially in the hottest hours. To ensure that your plant gets plenty of light without damaging its foliage, choose a location with half-shade or bright indirect light.
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Plant your Mini jade pagoda and backfill.
Water withoutsoaking the soil to encourage rooting.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Remove a shoot. Use a clean, sharp knife if necessary.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
Leave the young shoot to dry for 24 to 48 hours, until it has healed.
In a pierced terracotta pot, pour a bed of clay balls or gravel to optimize drainage.
Prepare a mixture of one-third potting soil, one-third garden soil and one-third sand. Pour it into your pot, on top of the drainage layer. Plant your cutting and tamp it down.
Place the pot in a room where the temperature is always above 18 degrees. The location should be bright and out of direct sunlight. You can, for example, place your cutting behind a curtained window.
To avoid drowning the roots, always check the condition of the substrate before watering: the surface must be dry.
Disease / Threat
Information
Family | Crassulaceae - Crassulaceae |
Type | Crassula - Crassula |
Species | Mini jade pagoda - Crassula pyramidalis |
Lifecycle | Perennial |
Foliage | Evergreen |
Exposure | |
Substrat | |
Planting method |
In pots |
Category | |
Tags |
Beginner Flowery Small pot Toxic |
Origin |
South Africa |
Hardiness (USDA) | 10a |
Leaf color |
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Flower colors |
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