The “spaghetti plant” is commonly known as Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ or ‘Campfire Crassula’. It is a popular succulent recognized for its striking, propeller-like leaves that stack along its stems, resembling a pagoda. These fleshy leaves transform from a vibrant lime green to brilliant shades of red and orange, especially when exposed to ample sunlight.
Understanding Your Spaghetti Plant
The Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is a succulent native to Southern Africa, including regions of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Its natural habitat, characterized by dry and sunny conditions, has shaped its ability to store water in its thick, fleshy leaves and stems, allowing it to endure periods of drought. The unique growth habit involves elongated leaves tightly arranged in an alternating pattern, creating a distinctive four-edged appearance. While typically green, the leaves develop their fiery red to orange coloration in response to bright, direct sun exposure and cool temperatures.
Spaghetti Plant Care Essentials
Light
Sufficient light is important for the Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ to maintain vibrant coloration and compact growth. This plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight, ideally receiving at least 4-6 hours daily. Placing it in a south-facing window indoors or a full sun location outdoors encourages intense red and orange hues. Inadequate light leads to leggy growth, where stems stretch and leaves become less colorful.
Watering
Water the Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ using a “soak and dry” method to prevent overwatering and root rot. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. During warmer growing seasons (spring and summer), water once or twice a week. In winter, reduce watering to about twice a month due to slower moisture loss. Good drainage is important to prevent the plant from sitting in excess moisture.
Soil and Potting
The Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root issues. A succulent or cactus mix is suitable, often containing a high proportion of mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite (50-70%). This type of soil promotes aeration and rapid drainage. Pots must have drainage holes. Repotting is generally infrequent, usually every one to two years in spring, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound.
Temperature and Humidity
The Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ prefers warm, dry conditions, ideally between 64-77°F (18-25°C). While it can tolerate warmer temperatures, growth may slow above 95°F (35°C), and it is sensitive to frost. Temperatures below 30°F (-1.1°C) can cause damage, so bring plants indoors during cold periods. Humidity is generally not a concern; this succulent thrives in low to average household humidity, reflecting its arid native environment.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is not always necessary, as these succulents can thrive even in less fertile conditions. If desired, a dilute liquid fertilizer can be applied minimally during its active growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilization, particularly with nitrogen-rich products, can promote excessive green growth and diminish vibrant red coloration. Avoid fertilizing during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Propagating Spaghetti Plant
Propagating Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is straightforward, with stem cuttings being the most common and effective method. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to take a stem section. Allow the cutting to dry and form a callus for several days to two weeks in a shaded area; this helps prevent rot.
Once callused, plant it in a well-draining succulent or cactus soil mix. Water sparingly until roots develop, which typically occurs within a month. Leaf cuttings can also be used, though they may take longer to establish. Remove a healthy leaf, allow it to callus, and then partially bury it in slightly moist soil.
Common Challenges and Solutions
A common concern with Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is the loss of its vibrant red and orange coloration, often indicating insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with more direct sunlight will encourage the leaves to regain their fiery hues. Etiolation, or leggy growth with stretched stems and sparse leaves, also signals inadequate light; prune stretched stems and increase light for a more compact form.
Mushy or rotting leaves and stems usually result from overwatering and poor drainage. If the soil remains consistently wet, the roots can suffocate and rot. To address this, reduce watering frequency, ensure the pot has drainage holes, and confirm the soil mix is well-draining. In severe cases, the plant may need to be removed from its pot, allowed to dry, and repotted in fresh, dry soil.
Pests like mealybugs and aphids can occasionally infest the plant, often appearing as white, cotton-like masses. These can be managed by gently wiping them off with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab or by spraying the affected areas with water.