Crassula pyramidalis × C. perfoliata var. falcata 'Buddha's Temple' - Crassula Temple de Bouddha

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple', or Buddha's Temple, is a highly prized architectural succulent plant in contemporary interiors. It forms small geometric grey-green columns with a chevron pattern. It can be placed alone in a pretty pot, like a small collector's piece, or within a mineral-themed display. It will remain surprisingly expressive throughout the seasons.

Belonging to the Crassulaceae family, this plant is a horticultural hybrid created by botanist Myron Kimnach in 1959. It results from the cross-breeding of Crassula pyramidalis and C. perfoliata var. falcata. It is also known under the synonyms Crassula cv. 'Kimnachi' or Crassula cv. 'Myron Kimnach'. These little "temples" are formed from very tightly packed fleshy leaves, stacked in tiers with slightly upturned tips. They create a four-sided column, sometimes with five or six sides depending on the specimen. At maturity, each column can reach 15-20 cm in height and 4 cm in width. The plant branches laterally to form a small clump. The grey-green foliage is covered with a fine, light powdery coating that should be avoided rubbing. In summer, clusters of small pale pink star-shaped flowers may appear. The parent species originate from the Cape regions of South Africa, where they grow in open, dry, rocky environments.

Indoors, this Crassula thrives in bright light (with possibly gentle morning sun), in a rather dry and well-ventilated room, between 15 and 25°C. It suffers below 5°C. Its cultivation is not difficult, but it is very sensitive to excess moisture and poor drainage. It is happy on a bright windowsill, in a conservatory, or a bright greenhouse. This Crassula enjoys being outdoors from spring to autumn, where it benefits from generous light. It should be brought inside before the first frosts and placed in a very bright indoor location.

Crassula 'Buddha's Temple' is used like a small plant sculpture: choose a matte ceramic or stone pot, and leave space around it to appreciate its silhouette. It pairs well with equally graphic plants with similar needs, for example Echeveria agavoides, Kalanchoe tomentosa, x Graptosedum 'Bronze' or Crassula radicans 'Small Carpet': a quartet that creates a dry, contemporary, and colourful display without cluttering your décor.