Description Crassula 'Red Pagoda' Care Guide FAQ/Common Issues Crassula Red Pagoda Shark Tooth is a drought-tolerant succulent in the Crassulaceae family, native to South Africa where it grows in rocky, sun-baked habitats with sparse rainfall and lean soils. It adapts equally well to indoor and outdoor growing. Its stacked, triangular leaves spiral tightly up each stem in a pagoda-like formation. Leaf edges flush red to deep crimson when exposed to plenty of direct sun, while the centers remain cool green, creating a two-tone contrast. It grows in an upright, clustering habit, producing dense mounds of those signature shark-tooth leaf stacks that build an almost architectural form. It needs a cool night temperature drop to trigger blooming. The foliage coloration intensifies under sun and temperature stress. Move it outside in summer where it soaks up bright direct light on a patio or deck. Keep it away from AC and heater vents, as forced air can damage the foliage. Cats and dogs should not nibble or eat it, so a high shelf keeps it safely out of reach from pets and small children. You can leave it up to ten days without water. Crassula Red Pagoda Shark Tooth grows well in bright indirect light to full direct sun, with leaf edges deepening in color as light intensity increases. Water it deeply every 10-14 days during summer, then reduce to once a month in winter, letting soil dry fully between waterings. Crassula 'Red Pagoda' grows best in a fast-draining cactus soil mixed with coarse perlite at roughly 50/50 ratio. It prefers temperatures between 65-85°F and requires protection from frost below 30°F. Crassula 'Red Pagoda' is a slow to moderate grower needing only light feeding once in spring and once in summer. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It grows outdoors year-round in California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina, plus the coastal edges of Oregon and Washington and Hawaii. Q: How much light does Crassula Red Pagoda Shark Tooth need? A: It responds to bright indirect to full direct sun with deeper red coloration on leaf edges. Rotate it regularly so all sides develop even color. Q: Is this succulent safe around pets? A: Crassula Red Pagoda Shark Tooth is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it on a high shelf out of reach from pets and small children. Q: Can Crassula 'Red Pagoda' go outside in summer? A: Yes. Moving it outdoors for summer in a bright, sheltered spot encourages stronger growth. Cover it from heavy rain to prevent waterlogged roots. Q: How do I encourage blooming on this plant? A: Crassula 'Red Pagoda' flowers in response to cool night temperatures, so position it where it experiences cooler autumn evenings and away from artificial heat sources during that season. Q: How is Crassula 'Red Pagoda' propagated? A: Stem cuttings and individual leaves root readily on dry, well-draining cactus mix. Allow cuttings to callous for one to two days before inserting them into soil. Q: What regions can this plant grow outdoors year-round? A: Crassula 'Red Pagoda' grows outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, covering California, Arizona, Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, the coastal edges of Oregon and Washington, and Hawaii.
