Crassula ovata, also known as jade plant, is a common houseplant that is also known as friendship plant, money plant, or silver dollar plant. It was previously known as C. argentea, C. portulaca, and C. obliqua, and it is still sold under these older (and inaccurate) names. This species is one of about 300 in a large genus that belongs to the orpine family (Crassulaceae), with nearly half of them native to southern Africa. The term crassula means thick or fat in Latin, referring to the genus’s meaty character, and ovata means egg-shaped in Latin, referring to the shape of this species’ leaves. C. ovata is a common plant in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-valley Natal’s thicket ecology. C. arborescens, which has practically spherical blue-gray leaves with a characteristic waxy bloom and is found in the Little and Central Karoo, is extremely similar. It features pink flower heads that are small and rounded. The roots were grated and boiled and eaten with thick milk by the Khoi and other Africans. The leaves were also used for medical purposes.
The jade plant is a low-maintenance succulent with water-storing leaves, stems, and roots. It has been utilized as an interior decorative and a landscape plant in mild regions all over the world. It’s a good houseplant since it grows well in containers with little root area, is somewhat slow-growing, prefers warm, dry conditions, and tolerates neglect.
C. ovata develops into a tiny rounded evergreen shrub (to 6 feet) on dry, rocky hillsides in its native habitat. On a gnarled-looking trunk, it has many short, thick, succulent branches, implying vast age even in immature specimens. On aged plants, the bark peels in horizontal brownish strips from the trunk.
The smooth, rounded, glossy, egg-shaped leaves are 1 to 31/2 inches long and 3/4 to 11/2 inches wide, and they are borne in opposite pairs, each at right angles to the following pair. Rather than being evenly scattered along the branches, they tend to cluster near the ends. When grown in sufficient light, the green, succulent leaves should be edged or tinged with crimson. Like the leaves, new stems are green and succulent, but as they age, they become brown and woody. The lowest leaves will naturally fall off. If the leaves are burned by the sun, insecticides, or frost, the damaged leaves will die and fall off, but new leaves will emerge in their place.
Is Crassula and jade plant same?
Crassula ovata, also known as jade plant, fortunate plant, money plant, or money tree, is a succulent plant native to South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, as well as Mozambique, and is widely used as a houseplant worldwide. The jade plant’s popularity originates from its low maintenance requirements; it requires little water and may thrive in a variety of indoor environments. The money tree is a nickname for Pachira aquatica, which is also known as the money tree.
Is jade a Crassula?
One of the most widespread and well-known succulent plants is the jade plant. The Crassula family is a broad genus of succulent plants that includes jade plants. These plants are native to Mozambique and South Africa.
Their leaves are big, meaty, lustrous, and smooth, and they grow in opposite pairs. When exposed to direct or full sunshine, the leaves change color from dark jade green in the shade to crimson on the margins. With age, their branches become thicker.
Money tree, lucky plant, and friendship tree are just a few of its usual titles, but you can see why they’re so popular. The jade plant is regarded auspicious in various cultures and is widely found in storefronts, companies, and people’s homes. Plants like jade are forgiving and easy to care for.
For years, I’ve been growing jade plants, and they’re one of my favorites. They are resistant and sturdy, making them an excellent choice for a beginner or starter plant.
Are Jade Plants Indoor or Outdoor Plants?
Jade plants thrive both indoors and outdoors due to their easygoing temperament. My jade plants are grown outside, but then again, I keep all of my succulent plants outside.
Many individuals I know keep their jade plants indoors and they do just fine. The way you care for the plant is crucial.
Indoor Lighting Conditions
If the jade plant is maintained indoors, ensure sure it gets enough sunlight. The leaves of jade plants cultivated inside or in the shade preserve a rich, emerald, or dark green color. The way they grow will tell you if they aren’t getting enough sunshine.
When they don’t get enough sunlight, they will start stretching towards the sun and become long and leggy, a process known as etiolation. If kept indoors, place it in a light area. If the jade is not doing well and looks to be stretching, it should be moved to a brighter position or grow lights could be used to offer appropriate lighting.
In general, jade plants, like most succulent plants, require at least 5-6 hours of bright sunlight per day to thrive. If the leaves are kept near a window that gets a lot of direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, they may get sunburned (brown blotches) until they get used to it. Increase the amount of intense sun it receives gradually to avoid this.
Outdoor Sunlight Conditions
Although jade plants prefer a lot of sunlight, direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can burn the plant’s leaves. When this happens, you’ll notice burnt marks (brown dots) on the leaves. To avoid this, relocate the plant to a position where it will receive plenty of bright early sun rather than afternoon solar.
Most succulents like morning sun because it is less powerful than afternoon sun. If you can’t move the plant and it gets full afternoon sun, provide some cover until it adjusts to the harsh light. This can be accomplished by planting it next to a taller plant or tree, or by placing a piece of furniture, such as a table or chair, close to the plant to give shade.
Because of the full sun, the leaves of this jade plant have taken a reddish colour, especially around the margins.
To avoid sun damage, gradually increase your sun exposure. It should be able to tolerate the high afternoon heat once acclimated to full sun. However, even an acclimated adult jade plant might get sunburned during a heatwave or when the weather is really hot throughout the summer.
When this happens, it is usually not harmful to the plant, and it recovers without difficulty. As new leaves grow, the sunburned leaves will eventually fall off. The leaves of jade plants exposed to bright afternoon sun will acquire a reddish hue, especially at the edges.
Potting Medium
Fast-draining potting soil is ideal for jade plants. They dislike sitting in moist soil for long periods of time. The plant becomes subject to fungus, infections, and root rot if the soil is consistently damp.
Use a potting mix that drains effectively. Pumice or perlite can be added to the potting or cactus mix to supplement the potting mix. I normally use a professional cactus mix with an equal amount of perlite (1:1 ).
To improve drainage, add coarse sand, pumice, or perlite to your own cactus potting mix. For ingredients and suggestions on how to make your own succulent potting mix, please click on “Best Soil and Fertilizers for Succulents.”
Watering
The optimum potting mix goes hand in hand with proper watering practices. Jade plants do not like to sit in water or wet soil for lengthy periods of time, just as the soil must drain quickly. For the plant to thrive, it needs the correct potting mix and watering practices.
Water jade plants just when the top inch of the soil is dry to the touch as a rule of thumb. Between waterings, allow the soil to dry out. This is mostly determined by the climate and weather where you reside.
I live in a dry climate, and because my jade plants get a lot of hot afternoon light, I only water them once every 7-10 days throughout the summer, and more frequently during heat waves. During the cooler months, I only water once every 10-14 days or so.
If you reside in a humid and cooler area, you’ll need to water differently. Your jade plant would require less watering. When watering, I feel it’s best to err on the side of caution, especially if you’re a rookie.
Plants like jade are incredibly forgiving. They can go for a long period without water because they store water in their leaves and trunks, especially mature jade plants. I frequently forget to water my plants, and I notice that their leaves flatten, indicating that their water stores are running low.
They perk right up once I give them a good drink. They also seem to enjoy rainwater, which I’ve discovered. Rainwater makes them very happy, so I try to gather it whenever it rains, which isn’t very frequently around here.
Because the temperature and light are better controlled indoors, watering differs slightly from watering outdoors. However, the same guideline applies: water only until the top inch of soil feels dry. Because the sunshine is not as bright indoors, you may not need to water as much.
Fertilize
It’s important to remember that jade plants aren’t fussy. They are one of the most hardy succulent plants, in my opinion. Fertilizing is rarely necessary if the potting mix is new.
You’ll need to restore the nutrients that the plant would ordinarily acquire from fresh soil after it’s been sitting in the same potting mix for a number of years without being repotted. You can fertilize your houseplants with a basic balanced fertilizer or a specific fertilizer for succulents and cacti. Dilute the fertilizer to 1/4 or 1/2 strength as directed on the packaging.
Jade plants aren’t heavy feeders and don’t require a lot of food, so don’t overfeed them. Feeding is best done throughout the growing season, which is spring, summer, and fall. During the growing season, fertilizing once a month is a wonderful place to start. During the active growing season, you can fertilize as frequently as every watering, using a 1/4 or 1/2 strength fertilizer.
Fertilize less as the growth season draws to a close around mid-fall. Click on “Best Soil and Fertilizers for Succulents” to learn more about succulent fertilizers.
Getting Your Jade to Bloom
While getting your jade plant to bloom isn’t a priority, seeing cheerful blooms blooming from it is certainly a treat. Every year, I have a large jade plant that blooms. How to encourage them to blossom isn’t a precise science.
In general, if you maintain your plant healthy and happy by giving it the care and nutrition it needs, it will bloom naturally when the time comes. The plants must be kept in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat in order to blossom. In the winter, this can be accomplished by keeping them cool and dry.
Reduce the amount of water you give the plant and only water when the soil is dry but not bone dry. During the winter, keep the temperature between 35 and 440 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5-70C). I leave mine outside all year, but the weather in my area is warm, and these plants can take a few minor frosts.
Other care articles specific for Jade Plants
Wrinkled Jade Plant Leaves Falling Jade Plants Yellowing Jade Plant Leaves Shriveling/Drooping Jade Plant Branches/Leaves Jade Plant Care, Propagation, and Types
How To Propagate Jade Plants:
Propagation is the process of making new plants from old ones, usually through leaf or stem cuttings, beheadings, or seed harvesting. One of the easiest plants to cultivate and propagate is jade.
Step 1: Cut a stem or a leaf from the plant. If you don’t take the entire leaf, including the base, the leaf will die.
Step 2-Leave the clippings to dry for at least a day or until the cut is totally healed. (Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone if desired.)
Step 3-Place the cuttings in a potting mix that drains well. Cactus soil mixed with perlite or pumice can be used (1:1). Some folks like to use coarse sand to help with drainage. Leave the leaf cuttings in the soil or lay them flat on the soil.
Step 4: Stay out of direct sunshine. Every few days or when the soil becomes dry, spray or water it.
Step 5-After around two weeks, you’ll notice roots begin to form. In around 6-8 weeks, the stem cuttings will be fully rooted. If the stems do not easily pull free from the earth when tugged, they have rooted.
Because you have to wait for a new plant to develop and grow larger, leaf cuttings take longer. From the time the leaves are propagated, the entire process can take anything from 8 weeks to a few months.
Step 6-Once the plants have established themselves, increase the amount of sunlight they receive. Once the plants are mature, reduce watering to once every ten days or so.
I’ve propagated jade plants using a variety of methods, including leaves, stem cuttings, and even water propagation. All of these worked for jade plants, however stem cuttings are my favorite way of propagation because it is the simplest and has the highest success rate.
In several blogs, I have a lot of useful information and ideas on how to propagate jade plants. To understand more about propagation, please click on the following links:
There are numerous varieties of Jade Plants. These are some of the most common and popular varieties:
The most common and popular type of jade plant. They are recognized for their thick, meaty, shiny, smooth leaves that grow in opposing pairs and are native to South Africa and Mozambique. When exposed to direct or full sunshine, the leaves change color from dark jade green in the shade to crimson on the margins.
The leaves of this type have a lovely golden yellow-green colour to them. The typical green jade plant requires similar care.
Crassula Arborescens is a South African plant that is also known as Silver Jade, Chinese Jade, and Money Plant. Their’silver dollar’ leaves, which are circular and silvery-green in hue with reddish edges, are distinctive.
In comparison to the other jade kinds, this one develops slowly and stays little. The care of this jade plant is identical to that of other jade plants. The leaves and branches of dwarf jade are smaller. Their leaves are yellow-green in hue and turn scarlet when exposed to direct sunlight, especially on the edges.
This is my dwarf jade plant, which I’ve had for years in this pot. When compared to the more common jade plant, it grows slowly. The leaves and branches are miniature replicas of the other plant, as you can see. Because of the complete light exposure, the leaves have become red, especially on the edges.
If you’re a fan of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ character Gollum,’ then the name of this jade plant will bring a grin to your face. The other common names for this plant (Hobbit, Ogre Ears) indicate that it has odd morphological characteristics. Gollum Jades feature finger-like tubular leaves with concave tips, unlike other jade plants that grow flat, heart-shaped leaves.
The tubular leaves are light to dark green in color, with a reddish tinge at the tips. Sun exposure and lower temperatures increase the scarlet tint on the tips.
Variegated Jade plants, commonly called as ‘Lemon & Lime,’ have striped leaves that are light green, pale yellow, and ivory in hue. When exposed to direct sunlight, Variegated Jade plants’ leaves can turn pinkish red at the tips, similar to many other jade kinds. These plants grow quickly and branch out as they mature. The flowers are white and star-shaped.
Despite their resemblance to jade plants, they are unrelated. This plant was included since it is frequently misidentified as a jade plant. In the past, I’ve made the same error.
They are endemic to South Africa and can grow up to 20 feet tall, serving as food for elephants in their natural habitat. They have glossy green leaves and develop from a small bush to a large tree-like structure. Growing and propagating these plants is a breeze. They’re also known as Dwarf Jade, and they’re a popular bonsai tree.
I made a separate piece about the Elephant Bush, Portulacaria Afra. This plant is discussed in further depth.
Are Jade Plants Lucky?
Jade plants are regarded fortunate in Feng Shui and are known as a ‘lucky plant’ in various cultures. The bright green leaves mimic the mineral jade, which has traditionally been associated with wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui. Healing, balance, and harmony are all connected with the mineral jade.
The heart-shaped leaves and deep green color of jade are highly prized in Feng Shui and are said to attract money and riches. Jade plants are also known as ‘friendship trees,’ and are frequently presented as housewarming gifts to friends and family. If you own one or more of these stunning pieces, consider yourself quite fortunate.
Are Jade Plants Toxic?
Cats and dogs are somewhat poisoned by jade plants. What component in jade plants causes toxicity is unknown. When eaten, symptoms include nausea, vomiting, depression, incoordination, and lethargy.
The ASPCA’s (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website has a wealth of information and a complete list of dangerous and harmless plants for cats, dogs, and other household pets.
If you think you’ve been poisoned, call your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 right away.
How to care for crassula ovata
When plants are growing (April to September), water moderately, but sparingly (once or twice a month) when they are dormant (autumn and winter). Before watering again, let the soil dry out a little. Crassula ovata is a succulent that can go without water for a long period, yet it thrives when given water.
Feed 2 or 3 times during the growing season, from late spring to late summer, with a balanced liquid feed.
Is succulent same as jade plant?
Jade plants are succulent houseplants, which makes them fairly hardy and easy to cultivate indoorsplus, with proper care, they may live for a very long time! Find out how to take care of your jade plant.
About Jade Plants
Jade plants have a small tree-like look with strong, woody stems and oval-shaped leaves, making them ideal for use as a decorative houseplant. When cultivated indoors, they can reach heights of three feet or more and are frequently passed down from generation to generation.
The warm, dry conditions found in most homes are ideal for jade plants. During the growing season (spring and summer), maintain the plant well-watered, and during the dormant season, keep it drier (fall, winter). Even throughout the growing season, however, the soil should be let to dry completely between waterings because jade is prone to rot.
In locations with a mild, dry environment, jade plants can be grown year-round as landscape plants (typically Zone 10 and warmer). Because they are sensitive to cold, it’s better to grow jade in containers and bring them indoors when the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).
How do I identify a Crassula plant?
The fleshy, spoon-shaped, lustrous dark green leaves that cluster on the wooden-like branches of a Crassula Ovata’s stem make it easy to identify. The leaves are thick and oval at the margins, and when exposed to direct sunshine, they can assume a scarlet colour.
Level of Care
Because the Jade Plant is a tough succulent, it can survive being forgotten or neglected for long periods of time!
If you have trouble keeping your plants healthy, this is the one for you. Only a few crucial techniques should be learned first. Then you won’t have to put in much work or time to care for your succulent.
Size and Growth
Jade Plants disperse naturally with the help of the wind and animals. However, they are mainly produced for commercial reasons by cuttings of leaves or stems.
The Jade Plant has a sturdy stem with short branches that carry the leaves. If not pruned regularly and carefully, the stem can reach a height of 1 meter or even more.
Where is Crassula ovata from?
Crassula ovata, sometimes known as jade plant, is a South African native. It’s a popular branching succulent shrub that can reach a height of 6 feet. It’s a popular indoor plant in St. Louis that grows 18-30″ tall.
Is Crassula poisonous to humans?
Some of your indoor plants aren’t safe if you have dogs or small children, which is a sad but inevitable revelation in the road of plant parenthood. Many common houseplant genera are toxic in some form or another, whether mildly or seriously. Others, far worse, can irritate the skin if handled too much.
The good news is that with a little forethought, you can figure out which hazardous houseplants to avoid, assess the risk to your pets and family, and yet have a lively and beautiful indoor plant collection.
Here are ten toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. But first, a word of caution: “toxic” is a relative term, and the intensity of a reaction will depend on the degree of exposure (amount consumed), the plant species, and your pet’s specific characteristics. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-term symptoms (such as vomiting). Others irritate the skin, while others might have more serious, life-threatening consequences if swallowed in large quantities. This is by no means an entire list, and we strongly advise you to conduct additional study (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
Starting with one of the biggest names, Philodendron is a vast genus of tropical plants with a wide range of growing habits, leaf forms, and colors that make it ideal for indoor use. Plants in this genus are somewhat harmful to humans, as well as to dogs and cats. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing are all symptoms of exposure.
Because of the shape of the leaves, members of this genus, which is linked to the philodendron, are commonly referred to as Arrow-head vine. The symptoms of exposure are identical to those stated above for Philodendrons, despite the fact that it is only mildly poisonous.
The Zamioculcas Zamifolia, sometimes known as the ZZ Plant, is one of those “tough as nails” houseplants that can thrive in a variety of conditions, including low light. It also happens to be on the list of deadly houseplants, and all parts of the plant are poisonous to people and pets.
Sansevieria (also known as Snake Plant) is another toxic beauty that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea when consumed.
Pets and youngsters looking for a flowery snack should avoid this tropical stunner with huge paddle-shaped leaves and colorful, exotic flowers. Fortunately, the poisonous parts are largely the flower and fruit, and the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness are minor.
Despite being in the Asparagus genus (yes, like the vegetable! ), this plant is not edible. Although there are other species that go by the name Asparagus Fern, the ones typically used as indoor plants are poisonous, and contact with the plant can cause skin irritation.
The Schefflera genus contains some magnificent forms that make excellent medium-light floor trees. However, keep children and dogs away because ingestion can cause severe mouth irritation, profuse drooling, and vomiting.
Euphorbia, oh, Euphorbia. Members of this diverse genus (some plants resemble cactus, while others are herbaceous and hardy in the outdoors!) contain a white sap that causes severe skin irritation (itchy rash!) even after a brief contact. Internal irritation is caused by ingestion in a similar way.
If consumed, this typical Crassula genus member is toxic to dogs, cats, and people, producing vomiting, depression, and incoordination.
It may seem unusual that Aloe, which is widely appreciated and used for its therapeutic and skin-healing powers, is classified among dangerous houseplants. While the gel is edible, other portions of the plant can cause vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea if consumed.
Even if it’s tempting to leave the aforementioned specimens out of your indoor plant collection, it’s necessary to think about your risk factors. Do you have little toddlers who might eat your plants on the floor? Is your cat fond of playing with and chewing on plants? Will your dog chew on the tree’s trunk? You might be able to lessen your risk by employing some excellent spatial planning, depending on your home, your creatures, and whatever plants you have.
- Hang hazardous houseplants out of reach of your pets and children with a plant hanger.
- Consult our list of pet-friendly indoor plants for ideas on which floor plants will be the most accessible to pets and children.
- Make use of your furniture: bookshelves, cabinets, and even the top of the refrigerator can be used to house plants that your dog or children can’t reach. Keep in mind that cats have the ability to reach even the most remote locations.
- Consider getting a mounted plant to keep them out of reach of pets and children.
Do you have any more plant-safety recommendations for pets and kids to share? Do you have any questions concerning your collection? Let us know in the comments!
Is Crassula an indoor plant?
Crassula is a succulent plant family that has a startling amount of evergreen foliage. It can be found in an increasing number of places due to its fashionable ornamental value.
How big do Crassula grow?
It’s a clumping plant that can reach a height of 4 to 8 inches and a width of 2 feet. Crassula pellucida variegata: This plant has a flowing mass of pink, green, and creamy yellow variegated heart-shaped leaves.