Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

Crassula capitella 'Campfire' key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; flowered stems decline and are best cut back and renewed

Size

About 15 cm tall, spreading 60–90 cm

Watering

Modest; a little compost or slow-release fertiliser about twice a year

Light & Placement

Grows in sun to part shade. Good winter sun is needed for red colour; in hot inland areas give some shade in midsummer.

Watering

Fairly drought tolerant; water when the soil is dry, roughly every two weeks. Overwatering and poor drainage invite powdery mildew and stem or root rot.

Temperature & Overwintering

Tolerates light frost but is damaged below about -1°C; frost shows as small brown spots. In cold areas keep it in a pot and protect it in winter.

Soil & Repotting

Use a free-draining mix. Sudden changes in moisture can cause oedema (blistered leaves), so keep watering regular.

Propagation

Roots easily from stem or leaf cuttings; stems that have lain down and rooted at the nodes can simply be cut off and potted.

Pests & Cautions

Plants deteriorate after flowering, so cut back and renew them. It is not a registered variety, so propagation is unrestricted.

About Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

Beginner-friendly Crassula capitella 'Campfire' shifts from lime green in summer to fiery red in winter. About 15 cm tall, spreading 60 to 90 cm. Learn placement, watering and pruning tips.

7 things to know before growing Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

1. 1Sun Sets the Color

   The red foliage of Himatsuri comes from a mix of strong sun and cool weather. In a bright outdoor spot or sunny window the plant stays compact and colors well, while in dim places it stays greener and stretches out.

2. 2Water When Dry

   This succulent stores water in its leaves, so let the soil surface dry out, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Constantly wet soil can damage the roots and stems, so always empty any water left in the saucer.

3. 3Free-Draining Soil

   A ready-made cactus and succulent mix, or a free-draining blend with plenty of akadama or pumice, suits it well. Because it spreads by creeping, a wide, shallow pot fits its habit better than a deep one.

4. 4Beat Summer Stuffiness

   The rainy season and midsummer are when clumps are most likely to suffer from trapped humidity. Keep the plant somewhere airy, shelter it from long rain, and water sparingly. If the stems grow dense and the inside turns stuffy, trim them back to let air through.

5. 5Protect from Frost

   Cool weather brings out the red color, but frost and freezing can damage the leaves and stems. In cold areas or on chilly nights, move the plant under eaves or to a bright indoor spot, and water lightly through winter.

6. 6Repotting and Pruning

   It grows quickly, so when the roots fill the pot, move it to a slightly larger one. Stems that have flowered tend to decline, so cutting them back after bloom encourages new shoots and renews the plant. The trimmed stems can also be used as cuttings.

7. 7Choosing a Healthy Plant

   Look for firm leaves set closely together on stems that have not grown thin and leggy. Avoid plants that are shedding many lower leaves or have stems that are dark and soft. Leaf color changes with the season, so a green plant is not necessarily an unhealthy one.

Frequently asked questions about Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

Q.Can beginners grow Himatsuri?

A.Yes, it is rated beginner-friendly. Give it plenty of light and well-drained soil, and water only after the soil dries, and it grows sturdily. It also grows fast, so you can enjoy watching it fill out.

Q.Why does mine stay green in winter?

A.The usual causes are too little sun or too little exposure to cool weather. Place it in a bright spot and let it feel the seasonal chill, but keep it clear of frost and freezing.

Q.How big does it get?

A.It reaches about 15 cm in height and creeps outward to 60 to 90 cm wide. Since it spreads sideways, choose a roomy pot or planting spot.

Q.What should I do after it flowers?

A.Stems that have flowered tend to decline, so cut them back after bloom to renew the plant. The trimmed stems can also be used as cuttings to make more plants.

Q.Can I grow it indoors?

A.A bright windowsill can work, but with too little light the stems stretch and the leaf color turns dull. Choose the sunniest window you have and keep the air moving around the plant.

Handy Growing Tools for Crassula capitella 'Campfire'

Learn more about Crassula capitella 'Campfire' in the encyclopedia

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