Crassula ovata – Jade Plant

Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) is probably the most popular species of succulents in the world. The Jade Plant is native to South Africa and has many common names, including Money Plant, Friendship Plant, Lucky Plant, Chinese or Japanese Rubber and Dollar Plant. This plant is a popular indoor plant for its beauty, ease of care, natural bonsai appearance and for indoor air purifying purposes. Crassula ovata grows well as an indoor houseplant in any climate. They are also happy growing outdoors in temperate; mediterranean and sub-tropical regions. The Jade Plant: like most succulents are drought tolerant. In tropical climates it is best to keep the plant in a pot, either indoors or undercover to avoid the soil staying wet, which will kill it. This species is very popular as a bonsai, especially for beginners. Growth Crassula ovata can grow quite large in suitable conditions; reaching heights of 2.5 metres and a width of 2 metres, although this is not a common sight, unless in their native range they rarely exceed 1.5 metres. The plant is an evergreen and like other succulents they store moisture in their fat little leaves, the leaves dependent on age range between 2-8 cm’s in length by 1-4 cm’s wide. Leaves are green in colour; however high sunlight levels can cause the tips of the leaves to turn a red colour. The sweet smelling, tiny flowers appear in clusters during the winter, they are star shaped, white – light pink and have 5-6 petals. Longer, colder dark periods during the winter encourage flowering, indoor plants commonly do not flower unless they are tricked into believing the conditions are right. Watering is only necessary when the soil has completely dried out, over watering will be detrimental to this plant’s health. This species, like most succulents is easily propagated by leaf. When a Crassula leaf is snapped off and then left to dry for a few days; the wound will heal over. The leaf can then be planted shallowly into some soil and will develop roots, usually within weeks. Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.   FAMILY: Crassulaceae CLIMATE: Cold, Temperate, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical, Tropical TEMPERATURE RANGE: 0 to 38°C / 32 to 100°F SOIL TYPE: Soil MUST be well draining. LOCATION: Full Sun – Part Shade. Afternoon shade is preferred in hot sunny climates. HEIGHT: Up to 2.5 metres (8 foot) WIDTH: Up to 2 metres (6.5 foot) pH: 6.0-6.5 GROWTH TYPE: Evergreen WATER REQUIREMENTS: Light POLLINATION: Pollinated by bees, wasps, and other insects. Flowers are usually bisexual. MATURITY: 1-3 years GERMINATION RATES: 65-87% GERMINATION TIME: 2-4 weeks GERMINATION DIFFICULTY: Fairly Easy SEEDS PER GRAM: Approximately 30,000 MEDICINAL QUALITIES: Used in ancient Chinese Culture WEED POTENTIAL: No FACTS ABOUT CRASSULA OVATA (Jade Plant) In Asian countries and Feng Shui, Crassula ovata is believed to bring luck, wealth, prosperity and health to the home or office, dependent on where it is placed. The Jade Plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Although rare, the plant can be mildly toxic to humans as well. Crassula ovata has several health benefits when grown as an indoor plant. This is due to its air purifying and humidity raising properties. Crassula ovata is not particularly fussy about soil type or pH levels if the soil (medium) is well draining. Like other succulents they store moisture in their fat little leaves so are drought tolerant only requiring water as the soil is drying out. They are happy indoors, as long as they have enough natural light.