Campfire Crassula Plant – A Colour-Changing Succulent Star

The Campfire Crassula (*Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’*) is a fast-growing, colour-shifting succulent known for its fleshy, triangular leaves that turn fiery red under sun stress. Whether grown in pots, rock gardens, or mass plantings, this show-stopping crassula is a favourite for Australian succulent lovers seeking bold, year-round colour with minimal maintenance.

Native to South Africa, the Campfire Crassula forms a low-growing, mat-like spread of tightly packed rosettes. New leaves emerge green but quickly develop vibrant red to orange tones when exposed to full sun or cooler temperatures. In ideal conditions, it produces small white flowers on upright stalks during summer, but most gardeners grow this succulent for its brilliant foliage rather than blooms.

This plant is ideal for sunny courtyards, succulent beds, balcony pots, or groundcover in frost-free zones. Its quick growth and sculptural form make it a popular filler between taller succulents or edging for garden paths. In containers, it spills beautifully over the edges and responds well to regular shaping or propagation.

How to Grow Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’ in Australia

The Campfire Crassula thrives in sunny, dry environments and handles poor soils better than soggy ones. For best colour, give it 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Too much shade will keep the foliage green rather than red. It performs best in outdoor settings with excellent drainage, such as terracotta pots, succulent trays, or raised gravel beds.

Like most crassulas, it is drought-tolerant once established, with thick leaves that store moisture. It grows well in all Australian climates except those with heavy frost. In colder zones like VIC or TAS, keep it in pots so it can be brought under cover during winter. This plant responds well to light pruning and frequent propagation, making it a vibrant, low-effort addition to any dry garden design.

276971819_2086106138231300_7110565069978381510_n (1)

276096921_454250676481710_2132888073334268063_n (1)

How to Care for Campfire Crassula in Australian Gardens

Campfire Crassula is easy to grow but rewards proper care with more vibrant colour and compact growth. As a sun-loving, drought-tolerant succulent, it needs the right balance of light, drainage, and restraint with water and fertiliser. Here’s how to help it thrive year-round:

Light: Needs at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight to achieve red or orange foliage. Indoors, place in the sunniest spot available — a north-facing window or sunroom is ideal. Outdoors, full sun to partial sun is best.
Watering: Water deeply but only when soil is completely dry. In summer, this might be every 10–14 days. In winter, reduce to once a month. Overwatering causes the base to rot and leaves to turn mushy or drop.
Soil: Use a fast-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can amend regular potting mix with coarse sand, pumice, or perlite to improve aeration. Avoid moisture-retaining soils or peat-heavy blends.
Temperature: Grows best between 18–30 °C. It does not tolerate frost. In cooler regions, keep in pots and move under cover or indoors during winter.
Humidity: Prefers dry air. Avoid placing it in overly humid rooms like bathrooms. Good airflow is essential for healthy growth.
Fertilising: Feed lightly once a month during spring and summer. Too much fertiliser leads to green, leggy growth and reduced colour. Avoid nitrogen-heavy blends.

To encourage strong colouration and compact form, restrict water slightly and increase sun exposure gradually. Campfire Crassula is also a fast spreader — it can be pruned back easily and reused in propagation trays or new pots. Its tolerance for neglect makes it perfect for beginner gardeners or busy landscapers looking to add impact without extra maintenance.

463310559_418510017712777_2975626762298480911_n (1)

38691872_441231836396509_4502390001371185152_n (1)

How to Propagate Campfire Crassula + Colour Problems & FAQ

This is one of the easiest succulents to propagate. Whether you’re trimming overgrown edges or rescuing a broken stem, Crassula capitella roots quickly from cuttings — ideal for filling out pots or giving as gifts.

Stem Propagation Steps

Cut a 5–10 cm stem with at least a few sets of leaves. Use clean scissors or snips.
Remove the lower leaves and allow the stem to callous for 1–2 days.
Place the cutting in dry cactus soil and do not water for 3–5 days.
Once roots form (in 2–3 weeks), water lightly and keep in bright light.

Why Is My Campfire Crassula Green?

Not enough sunlight: Red colour fades in shade or indoors. Move to a sunnier spot or gradually increase direct light.
Too much fertiliser: High nitrogen encourages green, leafy growth at the expense of colour. Cut back on feeding.
Overwatering: Constantly moist soil will cause leaf softness and loss of colour saturation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow Campfire Crassula indoors? Yes, but it must be near a bright window. Colour will be more green unless supplemented with grow lights.
Does it flower? Yes, small white flowers may appear in summer, but the foliage is the main appeal.
Is it toxic to pets? While Crassulas are mildly toxic if ingested, they are generally low-risk. Keep out of reach of pets that chew.

To promote vivid colour and healthy growth, feed your Campfire Crassula monthly in spring and summer with CompleteGrow Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (NPK 2-7-7). Use at half strength and apply only to moist soil. Avoid fertilising in winter or low-light conditions.