The Jade plant (Crassula Ovata) is one of the most common houseplants out there and belongs to the Crassula family, and it’s also known as Lucky Plant, Money Plant, or Money Tree.
Being succulents, Jade plants are undemanding and super easy to grow indoors. They basically thrive on neglect. Also, these houseplants have an amazing lifespan of 70 to 100 years.
Its leaves are usually jade green, and depending on the variety you own, they can develop red tips when exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.
Additionally, if its proper growing conditions are met, this three-shaped succulent will produce small white or pink, sweet-scented and star-shaped flowers.
Short Jade Plant Care Guide
Soil Requirements:
Requires well-draining, succulents potting soil
Water Requirements:
Low. Allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again
Light Requirements:
Full sun to bright, indirect light
Temperature Range:
Day - 65-75 °F (18-24 °C)/ Night - 50-55 °F (10-13 °C)
Height:
Can reach up to 5 or 6 feet high with lots of sunlight and proper care
Hardiness:
Can grow outdoors in USDA zone 11 and 12
Toxicity:
Toxic to humans and pets
Difficulty:
EasyJade Plant Care – Growing Requirements
- Light Requirements: Jade plants prefer full sun and should get at least 4 hours of direct sun daily. However, if you can’t offer it enough sun, your Jade plant will still grow, but at a slow rate. Jade plants do not like cold, so it is best not to place them near a drafty window.
- Watering Requirements: Since Jade plants are succulents, they don’t need much water. In its growing season (Spring and Summer), it’s best to allow the top of the soil to dry out before watering again. You should reduce watering and allow the soil to completely dry out in its dormancy phase (Autumn and Winter).
- Soil Requirements: Jade plants do best in commercial potting soil prepared for cacti and succulents. An essential element in Jade plant care is that the soil drains quickly, as the plant’s roots are shallow and do not like to be sitting in water.
- Fertilization: A water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every few months if desired.
- Propagation: A cut leaf can be stuck into the soil or a stem can be cut, slightly dried, and then planted in cacti and succulents soil.
Types of Jade Plants
- Monstruosa – Due to its tubular leaves, this cultivar is commonly known as Spoon Jade, Hobbit Jade, Gollum Jade, Finger Jade, Trumpet Jade or ET’s fingers.
Image source:jjacek via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
- Tricolor – Yes, a variegated cultivar! It has bright green leaves with white and yellow variegation.
Image source: cultivar413 via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
- Golden – Also known as Sunset Jade Plant, it has leaves with golden yellow tips and red edges.
Image source: cultivar413 via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Conclusion
Jade plants are just amazing! They are super easy to care for, and all you have to do is avoid overwatering and place them in a sunny spot. In exchange, they’ll produce tiny sweet-scented flowers.
Visit Florina’s in-depth succulent care guide to learn more about:
- how to know when to repot jades or other succulents;
- which is the best watering technique;
- why it’s important to let your plants go dormant in the winter.
You Had Me at Gardening
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