Crassula ovata
| Light | Bright light to full sun; more sun deepens leaf colour and keeps growth compact |
|---|---|
| Water | Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out completely; reduce in winter |
| Soil | Free-draining succulent or cactus mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; happiest around 18–24 °C, USDA zones 10–11 |
| Propagation | Very easy from stem or leaf cuttings |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten |
Crassula ovata, the jade plant, is a tree-like, evergreen succulent from South Africa grown for its thick woody stems and glossy, jade-green oval leaves. Easygoing, long-lived and endlessly forgiving, it is one of the most widely grown houseplants in the world, also known as the money plant, lucky plant and friendship tree.
Description
Crassula ovata grows into a stout, branching shrub or miniature tree, reaching around 1–2 m tall over many years but usually kept far smaller in a pot. The trunk and branches are thick, fleshy and eventually corky and brown, giving old specimens the look of a natural bonsai.
The leaves are the plant's signature: smooth, spoon-shaped to oval, and richly succulent, arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. In shade they are a plain glossy green, but in strong light the leaf margins blush red and the whole plant takes on a warmer, tighter form. Under good conditions and with a cool, dry winter rest, mature plants may produce clusters of small, star-shaped white to pale-pink flowers in late autumn and winter.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, where it grows on rocky hillsides and in dry scrub. It is adapted to warm days, cool nights and long dry spells, storing water in its leaves and stems to ride out drought. This tough, sun-baked origin explains why the jade plant tolerates neglect so well and dislikes constantly wet roots.
Cultivation
Few succulents are more beginner-friendly. Grow Crassula ovata in a free-draining succulent or cactus mix in a pot with a drainage hole, and give it as much bright light as you can — a sunny windowsill indoors, or a sheltered spot outdoors in frost-free climates. Plenty of light keeps the plant compact, thickens the stems and brings out the red leaf margins; too little light causes weak, leggy growth.
Water using the "soak and dry" approach: water thoroughly, then wait until the soil has dried out completely before watering again. Err on the side of underwatering, as soggy soil quickly leads to rot. Cut watering right back in winter, when the plant is resting. Jade plants are top-heavy and appreciate a slightly heavier or wider pot to stay stable; repot only every few years, as they are happy somewhat rootbound (see Repotting). Protect from frost — bring plants indoors before temperatures approach freezing.
Propagation
Jade plants are among the easiest of all succulents to propagate. A stem cutting or even a single healthy leaf, laid on or lightly pressed into slightly moist gritty soil, will readily root and form a new plant. Allow cut surfaces to callus for a day or two first, then keep the medium barely moist until roots and new growth appear. This ease of sharing is why it is so often called the "friendship tree". See Propagation — cuttings for technique.
Cultivars
Crassula ovata has given rise to many popular selections, including ‘Hobbit’ and ‘Gollum’ (with tubular, trumpet-tipped leaves), ‘Hummel's Sunset’ (leaves edged in gold and red in strong light) and various variegated and compact forms. All are grown the same way as the species, though brightly variegated forms need especially good light to keep their colour.
Common problems
- Rot — the most common cause of loss, almost always from overwatering or a poorly draining mix; stems and leaves turn soft, translucent and brown.
- Etiolation — too little light makes the plant stretch, with weak stems and widely spaced leaves.
- Leaf drop — sudden shedding of leaves usually signals watering stress, either too much or, less often, prolonged drought.
- Pests — mealybugs (white cottony fluff in the leaf joints) are the usual offenders; scale and the occasional spider mite may also appear. See Pests and diseases.
See also
- Crassula — the genus overview
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — cuttings · Propagation — offsets · Repotting · Pests and diseases