Crassula Buddha’s Temple is succulent, that is, it has special tissues to store water, and belongs to the Crassula family. It has 350 species, most of which are found in the tropics of Africa and on the island of Madagascar. Plants belonging to the genus Crassula can have a different appearance. Most of them are perennials. Such plants have simple opposite leaves, which are collected in a basal rosette.
The Buddha’s Temple plant is truly amazing. Its shape resembles a small (it grows up to 6 inches in height) and perfectly symmetrical Buddhist Temple that will impress even the most pretentious succulent lover. These plants bloom with small white-yellow (less often red or blue) paniculate-umbellate or racemose inflorescence.
Important: if you have pets, then make sure that they do not interact with this plant, as this succulent is toxic to animals.
Crassula Buddha’s Temple Plant Varieties
Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant has several popular varieties that are widely cultivated for their unique physical characteristics and growth patterns. Here are some of the most popular varieties of this plant:
- Crassula Ovata “Hummel’s Sunset” – This variety is characterized by its striking shades of yellow and green leaves that turn reddish-orange under bright sunlight. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Crassula Ovata “Gollum” – This variety is named after the character from “The Lord of the Rings” due to its tubular and fleshy leaves that resemble Gollum’s fingers. It has a compact and upright growth habit and can reach up to 3 feet tall.
- Crassula Ovata “Tricolor” – This variety is prized for its stunning leaves that feature a mix of green, pink, and white colors. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Crassula Ovata “Undulatifolia” – This variety has wavy and undulating leaves that can range from green to reddish-brown. It is a small and slow-growing plant that can reach up to 6 inches tall and wide.
When choosing a variety of Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant, consider your personal preferences and the specific conditions in which the plant will be grown. Some varieties may be better suited for indoor growing, while others may thrive in outdoor landscapes. Additionally, some varieties may have more specific soil, water, or light requirements, so be sure to choose a variety that is compatible with your growing environment. With proper care, any of these popular varieties of Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant can make a beautiful and unique addition to your plant collection.
Plant Characteristics
Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant is a succulent plant that is known for its unique appearance and ease of care. Here are some of the key characteristics of this plant:
Physical Description and Identification of the Plant:
- The plant has thick, fleshy leaves that grow in opposite pairs along a stem that can reach up to 3 feet in height.
- The leaves are typically a deep green color, but may have red or brown tinges at the tips or along the edges.
- In the summer, the plant may produce small clusters of star-shaped flowers in shades of white or pink.
Growth Patterns and Lifespan:
- Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant is a slow-growing plant that can take several years to reach its full size.
- The plant has a shrub-like growth habit, with a single stem that may branch out as it matures.
- With proper care, the plant can live for several decades.
Unique Features of the plant, including size, shape, and texture:
- The plant has a distinctive upright and symmetrical shape, with leaves that grow in a compact rosette formation.
- The leaves are thick and fleshy, with a waxy texture that helps the plant retain moisture.
- The plant’s stem may become woody and develop a bark-like texture as it ages.
Overall, Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant is a striking and distinctive plant that is sure to catch the eye of any plant enthusiast. Its unique growth patterns and physical characteristics make it an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor landscapes alike.
Growing Crassula Buddha’s Temple
Buddha’s Temple plant is not difficult to care for. But for the plant to feel comfortable and delight you and your loved ones for a long time with its unusual beauty, it is needed to study the nuances of its cultivation.
Soil Selection
In terms of soil, Buddha’s Temple succulents will grow better in well-drained soil. A dry, porous soil mixture with organic elements is ideal. A mixture of cactus or succulents is also great with a little peat moss.
Planting
Perhaps one of the biggest problems that Buddha’s succulent owners may face is its weak root system. Since this hybrid is man-made, it has not yet evolved to develop stable roots. To help the plant settle in the ground, you can place several stones around the stem that will hold the plant in place. It is also necessary to maintain the required humidity.
Watering
In the wild, all succulents tolerate drought well, therefore, it is not necessary to water the plant often. And given the susceptibility of these plants to root rot, do it as the soil dries up. Over-watering can kill the plant. It is better to water the succulent in the evening, using settled water at room temperature. During flowering, you can water the plant once or twice a week, off-season, once or twice every two weeks. But in the cold season, in particular, in winter, watering should be reduced to one or two times a month.
Lighting
Crassula Buddha’s Temple loves good lighting, but with a limited duration of direct sunlight. It is advisable to place the pot on the west or east window. It is categorically not recommended to place a plant on a windowsill facing north, its leaves will be deformed and weak. But if there is no other choice, then illuminate the plant with a lamp.
Temperature Conditions
This flower loves warmth and fresh air, but intense heat is contraindicated for it. The ideal summer temperature is 73-78 °F during the day with a sharp drop to 50 °F degrees at night. This model is close to the natural growing conditions of this plant. During the warmer months of the year, you can place the pot on your balcony or terrace. In winter, keep the temperature at 53-60 °F, not allowing hot air streams from heating to fall on the plant.
Air Humidity
Humidity is not particularly important for succulents. But the plant should sometimes be sprayed and the leaves should be wiped.
Topdressing with Fertilizers
During the period of active growth (from spring to late summer), once a month, it is recommended to feed Crassula with ready-made fertilizers for cacti and succulents. They should be applied to damp ground immediately after the watering process to avoid scalding the roots. In the autumn-winter period, it is not required to feed the plant.
Transplanting
It is necessary to transplant a plant no more than once every 2-3 years. The new pot should be just a couple of inches wider than the old one. Shallow planting is recommended since the roots of the Crassula are located superficially. The soil is made according to the same scheme as when planting a plant, with a mandatory procedure for disinfecting the soil. Immediately after transplanting, the pot is placed in a shaded place, do not water the plant for 3-4 days. Then the plant is returned to its original place, and it is looked after as usual.
Reproduction
You can propagate a succulent with lateral shoots and leaves. In the first method, the shoots are cut with a sharpened knife and dried for 7-10 days, placing them vertically. After that, the cuttings should be placed in the soil at a shallow depth and fixed with stones for stability. In the second method, it is necessary to cut off the top of any shoot and separate the leaf plates from it, then they should be dried for 1-2 days and planted in prepared soil.
You can also grow Buddha Crassula from seeds. But we recommend that you only do this if you haven’t found a plant to buy or if you live in a cool climate. The fact is that it is a rather slow-growing succulent, and growing from seeds will take a long time. But still, if you want to propagate the plant in this way, then it is enough to simply sow the seeds in spring or summer in well-drained soil for succulents and water as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant easy to care for?
Yes, this plant is known for its ease of care. It requires minimal watering and can tolerate a range of light conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.
How often should I water my Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant?
This plant prefers to be kept on the drier side, so it’s best to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. In general, this may be once every 2-3 weeks, depending on the climate and humidity in your area.
Can I grow Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant indoors?
Yes, this plant can thrive in indoor environments, as long as it is placed in a sunny location near a window.
Does Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant require fertilizer?
This plant can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season, but it is not strictly necessary. If you do choose to fertilize, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it to half strength before applying.
What are some common pests or diseases that affect Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant?
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are some of the most common pests that can affect this plant. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Can I propagate my Crassula Buddha’s Temple plant?
Yes, this plant is easy to propagate through stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. Simply remove a stem or leaf and allow it to callus over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
In Conclusion
This is a truly unique and unpretentious evergreen that will be a wonderful decoration not only in your room but will also perfectly fit into your garden. Please note that this living sculpture is capable of withstanding moderate frosts, but freezing temperatures should be avoided. It is best to keep it in a warm place full of indirect sunlight. Following all the above rules will help you grow a beautiful and healthy plant that will delight you with its interesting appearance. And most importantly: keep your pets away from the Buddha Temple, as the plant is toxic to animals.