How-to Guide for Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) Care and Maintenance
Jade plants, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, are a popular choice for indoor gardening due to their drought-tolerant nature and slow growth. These plants are often referred to as the "money plant" or "money tree" in Asian cultures, symbolising good luck and success.
Jade plants are easy to care for, requiring well-draining soil, some sun, and occasional watering. They thrive best in a consistent temperature between 60° to 75°F, away from heaters or air conditioners, and those in cold-winter locations should move jade plants away from windows. Using cactus/succulent soil or ordinary potting soil with perlite or sand for extra drainage is suitable for jade plants.
Mature jade plants resemble little trees with fleshy green leaves and woody stems, growing up to about 8 feet tall. The common jade plant features medium green oval leaves that sometimes have reddish edges when exposed to bright light. Some common cultivars of the jade plant include the Variegated Jade, Crosby’s Compact Jade, ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade, Silver Jade, Hummel’s Sunset, Gollum, Hobbit, and Tricolor, each offering unique leaf shapes or color variegations.
Overwatering a jade plant can lead to deadly root rot, and the soil in the jade plant container should be dry before watering again, typically every 2-3 weeks. When repotting a jade plant, it should be done when roots are protruding from the container's drain holes, and the plant should be transferred to a slightly larger pot with an inch or so more space.
Jade plants can live for over a century and are toxic to dogs and cats. Fertilizing jade plants is not necessary, but if desired, a balanced liquid fertiliser can be used once or twice during the growing season. Jade plants are slow-growing and are not reliable bloomers indoors, producing white star-shaped flowers.
In summary, these cultivars vary mainly by leaf size, shape, color variegation, growth habit (dwarf vs. tree-like), and adaptations such as tolerance to light levels or suitability for bonsai. The common jade plant is a versatile succulent known for its thick fleshy leaves, woody stems, and seasonal star-shaped flowers. With proper care, jade plants can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any home.
[1] Plant Care Today [2] Gardening Know How [3] HGTV [4] The Spruce [5] Gardening Channel
Jade plants, with their unique lifestyle, can adapt well to home-and-garden settings, particularly when it comes to gardening with succulents. With proper care and the right home conditions, these plants can thrive and add a touch of green to any indoor space. The common jade plant, in particular, is a versatile succulent known for its thick fleshy leaves, woody stems, and seasonal star-shaped flowers, making it a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any home. (Plant Care Today, Gardening Know How, HGTV, The Spruce, Gardening Channel)
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