Pagoda Mini Jade Crassula pyramidalis
ABOUT
Crassula pyramidalis, often known simply as its genus name, is an intriguing succulent boasting a unique stacked, geometric appearance. Its leaves grow in a tightly compact manner, forming a pyramidal or triangular shape. The leaves themselves are small, thick, and fleshy, characteristic of succulents due to their water retention capabilities. Their color is typically a bright green, which may display reddish tinges on the edges when the plant is stressed or exposed to bright sunlight, providing a beautiful contrast. Its pattern of growth is organized, with four to six rows of overlapping leaves that create a staircase or pagoda-like effect, with new leaves forming at the tip of the stem. This kind of leaf arrangement is a clear visual identifier for Crassula pyramidalis. The plant may produce small, star-shaped flowers, which are generally white or pale pink, and they bloom in clusters. The overall aesthetic of Crassula pyramidalis is a miniature, orderly, and sculptural tower, making it a distinctive and attractive choice for succulent enthusiasts or as a decorative houseplant.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pyramid Crassula, Pagoda Mini Jade
Common names
Crassula pyramidalis, Crassula thyrsiflora, Crassula perforata var. kougaensis, Crassula columnaris, Crassula pyramidalis var. obliqua, Tillaea thyrsiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
Crassula pyramidalis, commonly known as the pyramid crassula, is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any non-food plant, ingesting it is not advisable. If parts of the plant are ingested in large amounts, it may cause discomfort, including nausea or upset stomach due to the unusual plant compounds. It is always best to keep plants out of the reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant material.
To pets
Crassula pyramidalis, known as the pyramid crassula, is not generally listed as a toxic plant to pets. That being said, ingestion could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Although it's not considered highly toxic, animals react differently to certain plants and their compounds, so it's wise to prevent pets from nibbling on this plant. If your pet displays any symptoms after ingesting plant material, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Succulent
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Low Maintenance: Crassula pyramidalis, commonly known as the Pagoda mini jade, is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal watering and no complex pruning or fertilizing routines.
- Drought Tolerant: It is highly resilient in dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its unique, stacked appearance, the Pagoda mini jade adds a sculptural element to any indoor or outdoor space.
- Suitable for Containers: Its compact size makes it perfect for growing in pots, allowing for flexibility in placement and easy incorporation into container gardens.
- Propagation Ease: The plant can be easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their collection or share with friends.
- Long-lived: As a slow-growing succulent, Pagoda mini jade can live for many years with proper care, providing long-term enjoyment.
- Attracts Pollinators: When in bloom, the flowers can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Gardening: Crassula pyramidalis, also known as the Pyramid Crassula, is often used in miniature gardening due to its small size and unique pyramid-like structure.
- Photography Props: The geometric forms of Pyramid Crassula make it a favorite among photographers looking for interesting natural subjects.
- Education Tools: Botany teachers use Pyramid Crassula to explain plant geometry and patterns in nature, making it a practical educational tool.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use Pyramid Crassula as a real-life model to draw inspiration for patterns and designs in their artwork.
- Feng Shui Practice: Some Feng Shui practitioners include Pyramid Crassula in arrangements to attract positive energy, believing its structured appearance symbolizes stability.
- Fashion Accessories: Dry or live pieces of Pyramid Crassula could be incorporated into fashion accessories like brooches or hairpins for a natural touch.
- Special Event Decorations: The unique shape of Pyramid Crassula makes it suitable for table decorations at weddings or special events for a green, natural theme.
- Macro Photography: The intricate details of Pyramid Crassula make it an interesting subject for macro photography enthusiasts focusing on plant textures and patterns.
- Bonsai Art: Some bonsai enthusiasts may use Pyramid Crassula as part of a bonsai arrangement, taking advantage of its tree-like appearance in miniature form.
- Theme Gardens: Pyramid Crassula can be included in theme gardens, such as rock or desert gardens, to add structure and complement other succulents.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crassula plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crassula plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Crassula pyramidalis, commonly known as the Chinese Money Plant, is a succulent that is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive with minimal water and care, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in challenging conditions.
- Luck and Prosperity: As the common name suggests, the Chinese Money Plant is often associated with wealth and good fortune. Its coin-shaped leaves represent prosperity and are believed to attract monetary gain.
- Friendship: The ease at which the plant can be propagated from cuttings, which are often shared among friends, embodies the bond of friendship and the idea of sharing growth and prosperity with others.
- Balance: In the context of Feng Shui, the rounded leaves are thought to create a sense of balance and harmony within a space, contributing to a peaceful and balanced environment.
WaterFor the Pagoda Village plant, it's crucial to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Typically, watering roughly once every two to three weeks should suffice, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. When you do water, ensure thorough saturation, which may equate to approximately 8-16 ounces for a small to medium-sized pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. During winter months, reduce the frequency of watering as the plant goes into dormancy.
LightThe Pagoda Village plant thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window that receives several hours of direct sunlight, especially in the morning, followed by indirect light the rest of the day, is ideal. Avoid overly harsh midday sun, which could scorch the leaves, but ensure it gets enough light to maintain its compact shape and vibrant colors.
TemperatureThe Pagoda Village plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep it away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents where sudden temperature drops can occur. It's not frost-tolerant, so if you live in an area with cold winters, make sure it's kept indoors during colder months.
PruningPruning the Pagoda Village plant is mostly done to remove dead or damaged leaves, which will encourage healthy new growth. Prune sparingly, ideally during the growing season in spring or early summer, to maintain its natural compact form. Using clean, sharp scissors, snip off any unwanted foliage, and be careful not to cut healthy parts of the plant. It's generally not necessary to prune this plant often; sometimes once a year is enough.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pyramid Crassula prefers a well-draining cactus or succulent mix with coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. The ideal soil pH should be around 6.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Regular potting soil should be avoided as it may retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot.
RepottingThe Pyramid Crassula should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its container. Ensure that the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one and has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity & MistingPyramid Crassula tolerates a range of humidity levels but prefers dry air over high humidity. Aim for humidity levels between 40% to 50% for optimal growth, as too much humidity can promote fungal diseases.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pyramid Crassula in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant Pyramid Crassula in a sunny spot with light shade.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA.
Life cycleCrassula pyramidalis, commonly known as the Pyramid Crassula, begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedling phase involves the growth of a small rosette of fleshy, succulent leaves close to the soil surface. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage where it forms its characteristic pyramidal shape through tightly packed leaves that stack upon each other. The Pyramid Crassula may produce small, inconspicuous flowers on a tall inflorescence during its flowering stage, followed by the development of seed capsules if pollination occurs. Once the seeds are dispersed, the parent plant continues to grow and the cycle can be repeated if conditions are favorable. Over time, the plant may reach the end of its lifespan and die back, leaving seeds as its legacy for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Crassula pyramidalis, commonly known as the "Pagoda Village", is usually propagated through leaf cuttings. The ideal time for propagation is during its active growth period, which is in the spring and summer. To do so, a healthy leaf is selected and gently twisted off the plant. It is important to ensure that the leaf comes away with a clean 'snap', which indicates a good cutting. The leaf is then left to dry for a couple of days until the cut end forms a callous. After that, the leaf is placed on top of a well-draining cactus or succulent mix, and gently watered whenever the soil begins to dry out. Roots and a new plant will begin to grow from the base of the cutting after several weeks, at which point it can be potted on its own.
