Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple Red’ is a distinctive succulent known for its unique architectural form. Its tightly stacked, triangular leaves create a column resembling a pagoda or temple. This striking appearance, often enhanced by reddish hues, makes it a popular choice for indoor cultivation due to its compact size and straightforward care.
About Crassula Buddha’s Temple Red
Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ is a hybrid succulent, a cross between Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata var. minor (Crassula falcata). Myron Kimnach first hybridized this plant in 1959. Its thick, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves form a square column, growing up to 12 inches tall and 1.6 inches wide.
The foliage is typically powdery, glossy green or silvery-grey. The “red” in its name refers to a reddish-brown flush on the leaf edges, a stress response triggered by bright light or cooler temperatures. This coloration indicates the plant is thriving under specific conditions, not its default hue.
Crassula Buddha’s Temple Red Care
Light Needs
Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A south or west-facing windowsill provides ample light without harsh direct exposure. While it tolerates some direct morning sun, intense afternoon sun, especially during hotter periods, can cause sunburn, appearing as brown or yellow patches. To encourage the plant’s distinctive red edges, strong light exposure is beneficial. If the red coloration becomes too intense or covers most of the leaf, it indicates excessive sun exposure, and the plant needs a slightly shadier location.
Watering
Proper watering is important for this succulent, as it is prone to root rot from overwatering. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.
During the active growing season (spring and summer), watering every 1-2 weeks is sufficient. In dormant winter months, reduce watering significantly to once every 3-4 weeks or less. Water the soil directly at the plant’s base, avoiding wetting the leaves, which can lead to leaf rot and wash away the protective powdery coating.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining soil mix is essential for Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’. A specialized succulent or cactus mix provides aeration and drainage. Enhance drainage by incorporating materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water accumulation at the roots.
Temperature and Humidity
Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It tolerates temperatures as low as 25°F (-3.9°C) but is sensitive to frost. If temperatures drop significantly, bring the plant indoors or provide protection. This succulent is adapted to arid conditions and tolerates low humidity. High humidity, especially with cooler temperatures, can increase the risk of fungal diseases; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
This succulent has minimal fertilization needs. During its active growing season (spring and summer), apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents once a year or every 4-6 weeks. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can harm the plant. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during the dormant winter period.
Propagating Crassula Buddha’s Temple Red
Propagating Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ is done through stem cuttings or offsets. To take a stem cutting, select a healthy section and use clean, sharp scissors to cut just below a leaf node. Allow the cutting to dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus; this prevents rot.
Once callused, plant the cutting in a well-draining succulent soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light to encourage root development. New roots and growth appear within a few weeks. Propagation is most successful during the plant’s active growing season, typically spring or early summer.
Common Challenges
Crassula ‘Buddha’s Temple’ may face issues, often from improper care. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, mushy yellow leaves, or leaf drop. Ensure the soil completely dries out between waterings.
Insufficient light causes the plant to stretch and become leggy (etiolation), losing its compact stacking and fading in color. Move the plant to a brighter location, though existing stretched growth will not revert. Direct, intense sunlight can result in sunburn, appearing as brown or yellow scorch marks. Adjust the plant’s position to receive bright, indirect light to mitigate this.
Pests like mealybugs and aphids can infest the plant. Manage them by wiping with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab or applying insecticidal soap. Leaf drop can also occur due to sudden or extreme temperature changes.