Campfire Plant, Red Flats

crassula capitella

Also known as: ["Crassula 'Campfire'","Crassula capitella 'Campfire'"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Crassula Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A succulent species known for its vibrant red and green foliage that changes color with light exposure.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Botanical Name: Crassula capitella

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright light or outdoor rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining mix like cactus or succulent soil with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours; tolerates some direct sun but prefers filtered light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; adjust indoor placement for light intensity.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid prolonged direct sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid wetting leaves.

Soil

well-draining succulent mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Use gritty mix; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid overwatering.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–90°F (10–32°C); prefers cooler winters.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from frost; keep away from heat sources.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Let it callus.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; protect from direct sun.

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil or perlite and peat moss.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Let cuttings dry for a day; use bottom heat for faster rooting; keep soil lightly moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy stems, dead leaves, and encourage bushier growth; maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged parts; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it’s not too big to avoid water retention.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents root-bound issues.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the base until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration; stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or discoloration; susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pots; avoid cold drafts; protect from frost.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration; may drop leaves to conserve water.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently; ensure good airflow.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Crassula capitella may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations. In this species, yellowing is often a sign of root rot due to excessive moisture.

Wilting in Crassula capitella can result from both underwatering and overwatering. Underwatering causes dehydration, while overwatering leads to root rot, both of which disrupt water transport and cause wilting.

Leaf spots on Crassula capitella are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, often due to high humidity or water splashing on leaves. These spots can lead to leaf necrosis and premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root and stem rot, is common in Crassula capitella when grown in poorly drained soil or overwatered conditions. This leads to a mushy, discolored base and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Crassula capitella can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant contains compounds that may lead to mild discomfort but are not life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Crassula capitella by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort in pets.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of pets and consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Crassula capitella contains small amounts of irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort when ingested by humans. The plant is generally considered non-toxic but may elicit a mild reaction in sensitive individuals.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort mild skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion and wash hands after handling the plant to prevent accidental contact with mucous membranes.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Crassula capitella?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent root rot.

Q: Does Crassula capitella need full sun?

A: It thrives in bright light but can tolerate partial shade; direct sunlight enhances its red coloration.

Q: Is Crassula capitella toxic to pets?

A: It is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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