Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is a hybrid cultivar resulting from the crossbreeding of Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata var. minor. Due to the genetic traits inherited from its parent, Crassula pyramidalis, Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' leaves are stacked on thin stems. This layered arrangement resembles the appearance of a pagoda in a temple, which likely inspired the name "temple." 

Additionally, the plant exhibits attributes inherited from Crassula perfoliata var. minor, notably a fine, silvery-white powder covering the leaves. Crassula 'Buddha's temple' can grow up to 15 cm in height, and new branches may grow between each layer of leaves to form clusters. During the spring and summer, the plant produces aesthetically pleasing clusters of pink and white flowers at its apex, enhancing its ornamental value.

To truly appreciate and maintain the allure of this unique succulent plant, it's essential to understand its care requirements. I will delve into how to properly care for this succulent, covering everything from watering and light conditions to soil and temperature needs.

Sunlight

Crassula, 'Buddha's Temple,' prefers a sunny, well-ventilated, relatively dry growing environment. Prolonged exposure to insufficient sunlight may cause the plant to stretch out, and the space between the leaves increases, resulting in a fallen-over appearance, compromising the plant's aesthetic appeal and ornamental value.

Unlike some delicate jelly echeveria succulents, Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' may only show slight hints of bright yellow and pink along the edges of its leaves, even under stress. Most of the time, the leaf color remains predominantly gray-green or silver-gray.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' can be grown outdoors year-round at suitable temperatures. Placing the succulent near a bright, sunny window or under a grow light can help it maintain its temple shape.

Watering

To ensure proper care for Crassula 'Buddha's Temple,' it is essential to water the succulent only when the potting soil has thoroughly dried out between waterings. Soil moisture can be assessed by inserting a chopstick into the potting mix. Alternatively, you can use a professional soil moisture meter to determine when to water.

Summer and Winter Watering:

Crassula, 'Buddha's Temple,' cannot store as much water as other succulent varieties, requiring more frequent watering. To ensure the succulent stays healthy, water the soil when you notice the leaves starting to wrinkle. Moreover, it is preferable to water the plant during the evening hours. It is also imperative to ensure adequate air circulation during the summer months, as this practice prevents the succulents from remaining in excessively moist soil, thereby reducing the risk of root rot.

In winter, extending the duration between waterings when temperatures range from 41 to 59°F (5 to 15°C) is essential. If the temperature drops below 41°F (5°C), stop watering the succulents until the following spring. If the succulents exhibit signs of significant thirst, a small amount of water may be administered by directing it along the inner wall of the planter, ensuring it is positioned away from the root ball. Be sure not to soak the soil thoroughly. Furthermore, if succulents receive grow lights during the winter, they will remain active and require watering akin to their needs in the spring and autumn.

You may wonder: How to Care for Succulents with Artificial Lights

Soil and Planter Pot

Like most live succulents, Crassula's Buddha's Temple thrives in loose, well-draining cactus soil. You can mix your succulent soil by combining regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, sand, and gritty rocks. If you prefer a ready-to-use option, consider our professional cacti soil, specially formulated by our gardener in collaboration with Dutch horticultural specialists. This soil provides excellent drainage for succulents and contains low fertilizer levels, which can feed the plant for up to three months. Repotting succulents in the spring using this soil mix can help them develop stronger roots and ensure they have sufficient nutrients to withstand the harsh summer conditions.

You may wonder: How can you DIY your succulent soil?

When selecting a planter for Crassula 'Buddha's Temple,' it is advisable to choose red clay pots due to their superior water permeability. Additionally, the rich green hues of Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' will create a striking contrast with the red clay, enhancing the arrangement's overall aesthetic appeal.

Pruning and Propagation

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' grows faster than many other succulents. However, its root system remains relatively underdeveloped. The plant is likely to topple over as it reaches a certain height. To prevent this issue, it is advisable to provide support by using stones or wooden stakes. Additionally, pruning can help the plant maintain a good shape. As mentioned earlier, Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is prone to forming buds between its layered leaves. You can remove these buds or trim the heavier heads to promote better growth.

These buds or clippings can be used for propagation; this is the fastest and most effective method to propagate Crassula 'Buddha's Temple.'

What to prepare when propagating Crassula 'Buddha's Temple':

Alcohol cotton pads, blades or scissors, soil, perlite, vermiculite, flower pots with bottom holes, spray bottles, and water.

Specific steps to propagate Crassula 'Buddha's Temple':

1. Disinfect the blades or scissors with alcoholic cotton pads
2. Cut off the buds or do beheading
3. Pull off the bottom two layers of leaves of the clippings
4. Put them in a clean and bright place and wait for 24 hours for the wound to heal
5. Prepare a rooting soil for propagation (mix soil, perlite, and vermiculite in a ratio of 2:1:1)
6. Use a spray bottle to moisten the rooting soil slightly
7. Pour rooting soil into the flowerpot, then insert the clippings.

Place the pots near a bright window and mist the soil every 2-3 days for two weeks. Once the roots grow, water thoroughly when the potting mix dries out. During this time, they gradually increase their exposure to sunlight.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' can be propagated through seeds and leaves, although propagating by seeds is challenging and requires a longer time. As for leaf propagation, I've found it nearly impossible. I've made numerous attempts but have ultimately failed. The thin, fragile leaves lack the energy to establish new shoots and roots. So far, I've only witnessed a successful case of leaf propagation during a visit to a nursery in San Diego, which felt very magical.

Temperature

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' primarily grows during spring, autumn, and early winter. When summer temperatures exceed 35°C (95°F), this plant will enter a brief dormancy phase. It is advisable to provide adequate shading or position the succulent plant in a cool, well-ventilated environment to mitigate the effects of excessive heat during this time.

In regions with colder climates, it is crucial to relocate the plant indoors or to a greenhouse when winter temperatures fall to approximately 5°C (41°F) to ensure its survival throughout the winter months.

Fertilizer

The optimal periods for fertilizing Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' are spring and autumn. During the repotting process, adding the professional-grade cacti slow-release fertilizer into the fresh soil mixture or applying it directly to the potting mix is advisable. Diluting liquid fertilizer according to the provided guidelines is essential. It is sufficient to feed the succulent once or twice during its active growing season.

Rust Fungus

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is susceptible to rust fungus. If not treated promptly, the rust can spread and damage the entire plant. To combat this issue, apply a generic copper-based antifungal as directed. Start by cutting off any infected areas of the plant.

Next, prepare a solution by diluting mancozeb powder with water at a ratio of 1:1000. Soak the succulent in this solution for 2 to 3 minutes. After soaking, allow the plant to dry in a well-ventilated area for 2 to 3 days.

Once the wound has healed, replant the succulent in fresh soil. To aid its recovery, spray the diluted solution onto any infected plant areas twice weekly for 2 to 3 weeks. Slightly infected leaves may gradually recover, while severely affected leaves may fall off.

Conclusion

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is such a charming succulent! It adds a unique touch whether you place it in your yard or by a sunny window. Planting several 'Buddha's Temple' together in a shallow pot can create a delightful scene that looks like a mini building complex! This variety is also super easy to care for, making it perfect for those starting with succulent plants. Plus, it is non-toxic, so you do not need to worry if you have pets. Enjoy adding this lovely plant to your collection!