Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’, commonly known as Copper Pinwheel, is a popular succulent. Its vibrant, fiery hues make it a visually striking addition to any plant collection. This plant is relatively undemanding to cultivate, provided its specific environmental needs are met.
Understanding Your Copper Pinwheel
The Copper Pinwheel is a striking succulent with fleshy, boat-shaped leaves arranged in opposing pairs, creating a pinwheel effect. As it matures, the plant spreads, forming a low-growing mat of vibrant foliage. Its most captivating feature is its color transformation: from soft green in shade to brilliant red, orange, and deep burgundy in ample sunlight. This dramatic change is a natural response to strong light, making the ‘Campfire’ cultivar distinctive.
Essential Care for Vibrant Color
Light Requirements
Achieving the Copper Pinwheel’s signature fiery coloration requires adequate light. This succulent thrives in full sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Direct morning sun followed by bright indirect light often yields the most intense color. Inadequate light results in leaves remaining green, losing their characteristic red and orange tones.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is fundamental for Copper Pinwheel health. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until drainage, then allow the soil to dry completely before rewatering. Overwatering commonly leads to root rot. During cooler months, the plant’s water requirements decrease, so water less frequently.
Soil Preferences
A well-draining soil mix is essential for Copper Pinwheel, preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy roots. A specialized succulent or cactus potting mix is ideal for quick drainage. Incorporating perlite or coarse sand into a standard potting mix also enhances drainage. Pots must always have drainage holes for excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
The Copper Pinwheel tolerates various temperatures but thrives in warmer conditions. It prefers temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C) during its active growing season. While it can withstand brief cooler periods, it is not frost-hardy and needs protection from freezing conditions below 30°F (-1.1°C). This succulent adapts well to average household humidity and does not require high humidity.
Fertilization
Copper Pinwheels are not heavy feeders and require minimal fertilization. If desired, apply a diluted balanced liquid succulent fertilizer once or twice during the spring and summer growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to leggy growth and diminish the plant’s vibrant coloration. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant winter months.
Propagating Copper Pinwheel
Propagating Copper Pinwheel is straightforward, primarily through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, snip a healthy segment a few inches long. Allow the cut end to dry and form a callus over a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Callusing prevents rot once the cutting is introduced to moisture.
Leaf cuttings are also successful. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the main stem, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the leaf to callus for several days before placing it on moist, well-draining soil. Both methods benefit from bright, indirect light and minimal watering until roots develop and new growth emerges.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Loss of vibrant color often indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a location with more intense sunlight, like a south-facing window or outdoors, to restore its red and orange hues. The plant’s coloration directly responds to light intensity.
Mushy or rotting stems and leaves signal overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected parts, allow the plant to dry completely, and adjust watering to ensure soil dries between waterings. Repotting into fresh, well-draining soil helps if the current mix retains too much moisture. Conversely, shriveled leaves signal underwatering; a thorough drink should plump them up within a day or two. While generally robust, Copper Pinwheels can attract common succulent pests like mealybugs. Manage these by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using an insecticidal soap specifically designed for plants.