Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
Also known as: Lucky plant, Money tree
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), native to southern Africa, is a beloved succulent that resembles a tiny, enchanting tree. Its ability to thrive in the dry, warm air of contemporary homes makes it a popular choice for indoor gardening. This slow-growing plant is known for its impressive longevity, often being handed down through generations. However, it's important to be aware that the Jade Plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and can also cause mild toxicity in humans if ingested.
In This Article
Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details
Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey
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10 Secrets to Making Jade plant Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)
Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth
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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips
Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care
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Attributes of Jade plant
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent, Shrub
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.8 m
Spread
8 cm to 15 cm
Leaf Color
Green Red
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
White Pink
Images of Jade plant
Quickly Identify Jade plant
1
Oval, succulent leaves with waxy sheen, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long, smooth and glossy.
2
Thick, tree-like stems with stipular scars, branching pattern, and sunken pore clusters.
3
Light pink star-shaped flowers in dense clusters, sweet fragrance, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.
4
Diminutive oval fruit capsules, pale color, dry and papery texture, minuscule seeds.
5
Robust trunk reaching up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter, woody bark with stipular scars.
Scientific Classification of Jade plant
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Saxifrages, stonecrops and allies
Family
Stonecrop
Genus
Crassula
Species
Jade plant
Planting and Growing of Jade plant
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-10 hours
Ideal Temperature
65-75℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Jade plant?
When watering Crassula ovata, it's crucial to provide the plant with just enough water to penetrate through the soil without waterlogging. Aim to moisten the soil evenly, applying approximately 150 milliliters per watering session. This ensures the roots receive adequate hydration without standing water at the base.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Jade plant?
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What should I do if my Jade plant is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Jade plant?
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How to save an overwatered Jade plant?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Jade plant?
Crassula ovata ideally thrives under full to partial sun, providing a robust, vibrant growth pattern. Ideal lighting conditions lead to healthy foliage color, improved resilience, and minimized pest issues.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What type of sunlight is best suited for Crassula ovata?
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How can I ensure Crassula ovata receives ideal light?
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How does ideal light impact Crassula ovata?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Jade plant?
Crassula ovata thrives best in a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This range allows the plant to grow optimally, ensuring both its health and beauty. Keeping the plant within this range mimics their native habitat conditions and encourages robust growth.
What Soil is Best for Jade plant?
Crassula ovata thrives in soil that drains well to prevent root rot, which can occur if the roots sit in waterlogged conditions. Ensuring good drainage mimics the plant's natural environment and promotes healthy growth. This plant prefers mildly nutrient-poor conditions as excessive nutrients can lead to weak growth and a susceptibility to pests. Mimicking its native environment helps maintain its compact and robust structure. While not essential, a little organic matter in the soil can help. It's like a treat that can foster blooms and new growth, especially during the growing season, spring and summer.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize Jade plant?
For Crassula ovata, ensure a light application. Use liquid fertilizer at half the recommended rate for general houseplants. For slow-release granules, apply sparingly, about a teaspoon per plant to prevent over-fertilization.
How to Prune Jade plant?
Ensure you have a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears or scissors. This avoids tearing the plant, which can lead to disease. Sterilize the tools to prevent infections. Select branches that look leggy, are growing inwards, or have dried out. Focus on improving the look and health of the plant by creating an even shape and removing dead or decaying parts. When cutting a branch, do it slightly above a leaf node. This encourages new growth at the site of the cut. For thick branches, make a clean cut at an angle to prevent water from settling on the cut surface. Remove excess leaves at the bottom of the plant or that clutter the interior. This increases air circulation and helps prevent disease. Prune to achieve a desired shape, ensuring balanced growth. Pay attention to symmetry, as this can greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of the plant.
How to Propagate Jade plant plant?
1
Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant. Ensure the cutting is free of blemishes and at least 3-4 inches long. It's important to select mature stems to maximize rooting success.
2
Remove the lower leaves of each cutting, leaving a few at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss and encourages rooting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired.
3
Plant the prepared cuttings in a well-draining soil mix. Water lightly to moisten the soil, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to rot. Ensure the cuttings are in an environment with bright, indirect light.
How to Repot Jade plant plant?
1
Crassula ovata shows signs like slow growth, roots emerging from the bottom, or compacted soil, indicating it's time for repotting. Look for roots circling the pot or yellowing leaves as additional clues.
2
Select a pot slightly larger than the current one, with good drainage holes. A terracotta pot is ideal as it allows moisture to evaporate, preventing root rot and ensuring your plant stays healthy and dry.
3
Opt for a well-draining succulent mix with components like perlite and sand. This soil prevents waterlogging, reduces the risk of root rot, and ensures that the roots receive the necessary air flow for optimal health.
Toxicity of Jade plant
Is Jade plant toxic to cat?
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) poses a significant toxicity risk to cats and can prove fatal without appropriate medical intervention. While the specific toxic compounds found in its leaves are not entirely identified, typical symptoms following ingestion entail vomiting, loss of muscle control, and lowered heart rates. It is crucial for a veterinarian to provide treatment for this condition, as cat owners should refrain from attempting to manage it independently. Additionally, skin contact can lead to irritation.
Is Jade plant toxic to dog?
The jade plant poses a moderate level of toxicity to dogs. This popular houseplant is appealing to dogs, who are often drawn to munch on its succulent leaves; however, every part of the plant is harmful to them. Consuming it may result in gastrointestinal distress, increased drooling, irregular heartbeats, and lethargy. Although serious complications are uncommon, it is advisable to reach out to a veterinarian if you believe your dog has ingested any portion of a jade plant.
WARNING
The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.
