Penny Plant

crassula orbicularis

Also known as: ["Money Plant","Jade Coin Plant"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Crassula Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small succulent with rounded, coin-like leaves arranged in rosettes, often grown for its ornamental value.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Saxifragales
Family: Crassulaceae
Genus: Crassula
Botanical Name: Crassula orbicularis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, indirect light or outdoor in a rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining succulent or cactus mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct sun if acclimated slowly.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to direct sun gradually over weeks; protect from intense midday sun; adjust indoor placement for seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, or root rot indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; avoid sudden light changes; provide shade during peak summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter

Allow soil to dry between waterings; water less in winter; avoid wetting leaves.

Soil

well-draining, sandy cactus mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid compacted soil; use gritty amendments.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–90°F (10–32°C); prefers cooler winters.

Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter

Do not fertilize in winter; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup; apply to moist soil.

Propagation

Methods

Stem or leaf cuttings; leaf cuttings are common for Crassula orbicularis.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy leaf/stem.
  2. Let cuttings callous for a day.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist but not wet.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C).

Medium

Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting powder is recommended.

Timeline

Leaf cuttings root in 2–4 weeks; stems root in 1–2 weeks; new growth in 1–2 months.

Tools Needed

Clean scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Do not overwater cuttings; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; use sterile tools.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node; remove dead or damaged leaves.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth to encourage bushiness; prune to maintain shape and remove dead leaves.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prevents root-bound issues.

Checklist

Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply at the base until it drains from the bottom; ensure excess water is removed; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; avoid heavy garden soils.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or discoloration; stunted growth in extreme temperatures.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or damage if below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration in excessive heat above 90°F (32°C).

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; feed monthly in spring/summer; avoid winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Crassula orbicularis are often indicative of overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations, which can compromise the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Crassula orbicularis may result from underwatering or root rot caused by excessive moisture, leading to reduced water uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Crassula orbicularis are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant if not addressed.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Crassula orbicularis is commonly caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant demise.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they ingest parts of Crassula orbicularis. The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract but are not life-threatening in small amounts.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from chewing or ingesting the plant; seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs and symptoms develop.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Crassula orbicularis can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in quantity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of pets; monitor for symptoms if ingestion is suspected and consult a veterinarian if necessary.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Crassula orbicularis contains small amounts of irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort when ingested. The plant does not pose significant systemic toxicity but may cause localized irritation.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort mild skin irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion; wash hands after handling the plant to prevent accidental ingestion or skin irritation.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Crassula orbicularis toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Crassula orbicularis?

A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.

Q: Does Crassula orbicularis flower?

A: It produces small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in spring or summer.

Quick Reference
Family: Crassulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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