Crassula 'Buddha's Temple'
Crassula 'Buddha's Temple is a striking hybrid succulent whose tightly stacked, folded leaves form neat, four-sided columnar towers reminiscent of a pagoda or temple. The grey-green to silvery leaves are folded upward and packed so closely along the stem that the plant grows as a series of near-perfect four-sided columns, giving it one of the most architectural silhouettes in the whole genus. It was raised by crossing two South African species in the Crassula group of stacking succulents, and its care follows that of its parents.
Because it is a cultivated hybrid rather than a wild species, care for 'Buddha's Temple' follows the general requirements of its parent species in the genus Crassula; see that page for background on the group.
Description
The defining feature of 'Buddha's Temple' is its leaf arrangement. The triangular leaves are pressed flat against one another in four vertical ranks, their edges folding up and inward so that each tier appears to seal shut like a lid. Stacked one above the next, they build slender square columns that can reach roughly 10–15 cm tall before the weight of the tower causes it to lean or topple. The foliage is a soft grey-green, often carrying a fine powdery farina and a faint reddish edge in strong light.
In time a mature column produces a flattened head of small, pale flowers at its tip. Flowering frequently marks the end of that particular column's growth, after which the plant tends to branch and offset from lower down, gradually forming a small cluster of towers.
Cultivation
Grow 'Buddha's Temple' as for its parent species — see Crassula for the general approach. It wants bright light, which keeps the columns tight, compact and well-coloured; in too little light the stacking loosens, the leaves space out and the neat pagoda form is lost. A spot with plenty of direct sun (with a little shielding from the fiercest summer afternoon glare) suits it well.
Plant it in a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix and water only when the soil has dried out, easing right back in the cooler months. Like most Crassula, it resents standing wet and is far more forgiving of drought than of overwatering. A snug pot and good airflow help keep the compact habit and reduce the risk of rot. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Tall columns become top-heavy and can snap or lean; many growers simply let this happen, as a broken tower roots easily and the parent bushes out. This is a slow-growing, undemanding plant that rewards restraint with water.
Propagation
'Buddha's Temple' is very easily propagated vegetatively, which is how the cultivar is maintained true to form. Whole columns or offsets can be removed, allowed to callus for a few days, and set on a barely-moist mineral mix to root. Individual leaves may also strike, though stem and offset cuttings are quicker and more reliable. See Propagation — cuttings and Propagation — offsets for full walkthroughs.
Common problems
- Loss of form — insufficient light is the usual cause; the leaves space apart and the columns lose their crisp, square, stacked look. Move the plant somewhere much brighter.
- Rot — from overwatering or a slow-draining mix; the base or a column softens and browns. Keep the mix lean and let it dry fully between waterings.
- Toppling — tall columns naturally become unstable; either stake, or let them break and re-root the pieces.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff tucked between the tightly packed leaves, where they are easily hidden) and the occasional root mealybug are the most common. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Crassula — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Repotting