Description
Crassula Buddha's Temple, also known as Crassula ovata 'Buddha's Temple,' is a cultivar of the popular succulent plant Crassula ovata, commonly referred to as the Jade Plant or Money Plant. As a succulent, Crassula ovata is known for its ease of care, attractive appearance, and symbolic significance in some cultures as a bringer of good luck and prosperity.
The Buddha's Temple variety is distinguished by its unique foliage. The leaves are thick and fleshy, like most succulents, and have a distinct appearance resembling miniature pagodas or temples. The leaf edges often have a reddish or maroon coloration, providing a beautiful contrast to the green or gray-green surface.
Like other Jade Plant varieties, Crassula Buddha's Temple is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright light and well-draining soil. It is native to South Africa, where it can grow up to 3 feet (approximately 91 centimeters) in height in its natural habitat. However, when grown indoors as a houseplant, it typically stays more compact.
How to grow Crassula Buddha's Temple
One of the biggest issues with this plant is its weak, fibrous, root system. Because it is a man-made hybrid, it hasn’t had a lot of evolutionary time to establish itself. As the plant keeps getting bigger and bigger, the root system will struggle to keep up and supply appropriate moisture. So it turns out Buddha’s Temple doesn’t have such a strong foundation and might need a little bit of engineering help to anchor it into the soil. If your Temple is wobbly, you can use some large stones placed around the stem to keep it in place.
Both outdoor and indoor Crassula Buddha’s Temple plants like well-draining soil. A porous, dry potting mix that also has some organic material is ideal. You can use a cactus/succulent mix and add some extra peat moss to it. Outdoors, they will do just fine in sandy, rocky soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. However, extreme pH levels are unlikely to kill the plant.
You can repot your Crassula Buddha’s Temple right after you’ve purchased it if it’s not in bloom. Considering its shallow root system, the pot it comes in should be enough for another year or two before becoming too tight. Repotting every 2-3 years is recommended for young plants and every 4-5 years for mature plants. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes and empty the tray after each watering. Fertilize once per year in mid-spring when the plant starts actively growing.
How to care for Crassula Buddha's Temple
Light: Place the plant in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. It enjoys sunlight but can be prone to leaf burn if exposed to harsh, direct sunlight for extended periods.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Overwatering can be detrimental to succulents, so it's better to underwater than to keep the soil consistently moist.
Temperature: Jade Plants prefer average to warm temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures.
Humidity: They are adapted to low humidity environments and don't require additional misting or humidification.
Pruning: If needed, you can prune the plant to maintain its shape and remove any dead or unhealthy growth.
Propagation: Jade Plants can be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings.
Fertilizer: During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to support healthy growth.
As with any plant, it's essential to observe your Crassula Buddha's Temple and adjust its care according to its specific needs and the environment it is placed in. With proper care, this unique succulent can make a stunning addition to your indoor plant collection.