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.
Germination Instructions
HOW TO GROW CRASSULA OVATA (Jade Plant)
Step 1
Prepare pots with a well-draining, coarse sand-based soil. The seeds of this species are tiny, almost dust like; so are difficult to sow neatly. They should be sown on the surface of the soil and remain uncovered.
Step 2
Moisten the soil with a light mist spray and cover the pots or tray with clear plastic, glass or some kitchen wrap to create a humid environment and then place them into a warm area that gets lots of light, without direct sunlight. Keep moist by using a mist spray if necessary but never wet.
Ideal germination temperatures are 20-26°C / 68-79°F.
Germination will begin in ideal conditions between 1-3 weeks.
Step 3
Once seeds have germinated, slowly begin to remove the clear covering to allow some air circulation and to help the young seedlings adjust to the outdoor environment. Remove the covering a bit at a time over 1-2 weeks. If necessary, remove seedlings that are weaker are crowding.
Step 4
Seedlings can be transplanted (if necessary) once they are large enough to handle easily. Harden off if they are going to be outdoor plants. Hardening off can be achieved by placing them out into direct morning sun for an hour for 1-2 days and then gradually increasing this time until they are out in full sun – afternoon all day. Only increase each step if they are doing well.
Step 5
The Jade Plant is a succulent, so does not need much water, it is best to let the soil completely dry out in between watering. In climates where winter is quite dreary and the plants will not get a lot of sunshine, almost no water may be required. Succulents are prone to root rot and do not tolerate soggy soil.
Planting outdoors can be done once the plant is 10 cm’s tall.
The Jade Plant will take roughly 1-3 years to reach flowering age and may need some encouraging to flower if kept indoors. (See growth details in listing information)
Crassula ovata, although rarely eaten is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, so avoid planting in areas where these species have access.
Step 1
Prepare pots with a well draining, course sand based soil. The seeds of this species are tiny, almost dust like; so are difficult to sow neatly. They should be sown on the surface of the soil and remain uncovered.
Step 2
Moisten the soil with a light mist spray and cover the pots or tray with clear plastic, glass or some kitchen wrap to create a humid environment and then place them into a warm area that gets lots of light, without direct sunlight. Keep moist by using a mist spray if necessary but never wet.
Ideal germination temperatures are 20-26°C / 68-79°F
Germination will begin in ideal conditions between 1-3 weeks
Step 3
Once seeds have germinated, slowly begin to remove the clear covering to allow some air circulation and to help the young seedlings adjust to the outdoor environment. Remove the covering a bit at a time over 1-2 weeks. If necessary, remove seedlings that are weaker are crowding.
Step 4
Seedlings can be transplanted (if necessary) once they are large enough to handle easily. Harden off if they are going to be outdoor plants. Hardening off can be achieved by placing them out into direct morning sun for an hour for 1-2 days and then gradually increasing this time until they are out in full sun – afternoon all day. Only increase each step if they are doing well.
Step 5
The Jade Plant is a succulent, so does not need much water, it is best to let the soil completely dry out in between watering. In climates where winter is quite dreary and the plants will not get a lot of sunshine, almost no water may be required. Succulents are prone to root rot and do not tolerate soggy soil.
Planting outdoors can be done once the plant is 10 cm’s tall.
The Jade Plant will take roughly 1-3 years to reach flowering age and may need some encouraging to flower if kept indoors. (See growth details in listing information)
Crassula ovata, although rarely eaten is toxic to dogs, cats and horses, so avoid planting in areas where these species have access.
