The Red Log Crassula, with its vibrant foliage, is a captivating succulent that adds a fiery touch to any plant collection. Its striking appearance, particularly the potential for brilliant red coloration, makes it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Understanding Red Log Crassula
The botanical name for Red Log Crassula is Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’. This name reflects its distinctive appearance, as its fleshy, propeller-shaped leaves, which start light green, can transform into bright shades of yellow, orange, and red, resembling a campfire’s flames. Native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, and northern Namibia, this succulent exhibits a sprawling growth habit, often forming mats of foliage. The signature red color is a response to specific environmental conditions.
Essential Care for Red Log Crassula
Light
Red Log Crassula requires bright light for healthy growth and to prevent leggy, stretched-out growth (etiolation). Indoors, a south-facing window providing several hours of bright, indirect or direct sun is ideal. Supplemental grow lights can maintain compact growth if natural light is insufficient.
Watering
Proper watering is important for succulents like the Red Log Crassula, which are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The “soak and dry” method is recommended: water thoroughly until excess water drains from the pot’s drainage holes, then allow the soil to dry completely before watering again. During warmer growing seasons, watering once every two to three weeks is often sufficient, with reduced frequency in cooler months. Checking the soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep can help determine if it’s time to water.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial for Red Log Crassula to prevent waterlogging and root rot. A succulent-specific potting mix or a homemade blend amended with coarse sand, pumice, or perlite is recommended. This type of mix ensures proper aeration and allows excess water to flow freely, mimicking the plant’s natural arid habitat. Containers should always have drainage holes to facilitate this process.
Temperature and Humidity
Red Log Crassula prefers warm temperatures, typically thriving in ranges from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day. While it can tolerate some cooler nights, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be problematic, and it is not frost-hardy, being damaged by temperatures below 30°F (-1°C). The plant generally prefers low to moderate humidity, typically around 30-50%.
Fertilizing
Red Log Crassula has minimal fertilization needs. During the active growing season (spring and summer), a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half or quarter strength can be applied monthly. Avoid fertilizing during dormancy or with high concentrations, as this can cause root burn or salt buildup.
Achieving Vibrant Red Color
The vibrant red coloration of Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ is a “stress color” induced by specific environmental factors. To intensify red hues, the plant requires significant light exposure; full sun for several hours daily or bright, direct sunlight is optimal. Cooler night temperatures, especially in winter with bright daytime sun, also contribute to more vivid coloration. A slight withholding of water during summer can further encourage this transformation. In low light, leaves will lose their fiery colors and revert to green.
Propagating Red Log Crassula
Red Log Crassula is easily propagated through stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, select a healthy stem, cut it cleanly a few inches long with several leaves, and allow the cut end to callus for a few days to prevent rot. Once calloused, insert the cutting about an inch deep into well-draining succulent soil, keeping it lightly moist with bright, indirect light for root development. For leaf cuttings, gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire base is intact, then allow it to callus for three to seven days. Place the calloused leaf on the surface of well-draining succulent soil, ensuring the cut end makes contact but is not buried; lightly mist the soil to keep it slightly moist, and roots should emerge from the leaf base within a few weeks.