Hi Stephen,

Your plant sounds like a Crassula Capitella  “Red Pagoda.” Here is a picture of one. What do you think?

Crassula capitello
Photographed at Strybing Arboretum, San Francisco

Care Tips:

These are Succulent PlantLearn the definition of a succulent plant and why they are called a "fat plant."s that like very bright lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light. and some morning sun. Afternoon sun burns the beautiful leaves.

Use a cactus soil or a loose sandy soil that drains quickly.

Water when the soil is completely dry. Water deeply until the excess water comes out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot. Never let the plant sit in the excess water. Keeping the plant is a small pot helps the soil dry out quickly and prevents root rot. This plant needs even less water in the winter.

Feed with a liquid fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small.   diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Do not feed from October to March when the plant is resting. Fertilize every 2 weeks from the last week in June to the end of August. Fertilize monthly from April through June. I like to use a plant food designed for Succulent PlantLearn the definition of a succulent plant and why they are called a "fat plant."s or fish emulsion. Never feed a crassula plant when the soil is dry or the fertilizerPlants need fertilizer only when they are actively growing. Slow growing plants in low light require very little plant food. Too much fertilizer is worse than not enough. Most plants prefer a water soluble plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Plants that are in bloom or dormant should not be fertilized. Houseplant food contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A fertilizer containing these elements in equal proportion is considered a balanced plant food. Nitrogen helps in photosynthesis and encourages the growth of leaves and stems. Potassium and phosphorus also help in photosynthesis and aid in root and flower development. Most fertilizers have trace elements of other minerals that are lacking in the soil but are necessary for good plant growth. Fertilizers have a high salt content. If a plant is not producing new leaves and doesn’t absorb the fertilizer, salts build up in the soil. These salts can burn the roots, discolor the leaves, and cause new growth to be small.   will burn the roots. Wet the soil with plain water first and then use the water containing plant food.

All crassula plants prefer warm temperatures  between 75°-80°F (24°-27°C) during the day and about 15° cooler at night. These plants are able to handle temperatures as low as 45° to 55° F (7.2°-12.8°C) in the winter; but if the  temperatures drops below 45°F (7° C), leaf damage occurs.