Jade Plant
crassula ovata
Also known as: ["Money Tree","Friendship Tree"]
Overview
A popular succulent with fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and a thick, woody stem, often grown as a houseplant for its attractive appearance and symbolic meaning.
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 ovata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright location or outdoor in a sheltered spot with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C, with tolerance to brief dips to 5°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 mix of cactus soil, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near a south or west-facing window with sheer curtains. Outdoors, provide partial shade during peak sun hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
bright, indirect light with some direct morning sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry out between waterings
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy cactus or succulent mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; top-dress with fresh soil annually.
Temperature
Ideal range 65–75°F (18–24°C). Tolerates 50–55°F (10–13°C) in winter but prefers warmer conditions.
Protect from frost; avoid drafts; maintain consistent temperatures; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer, with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Let cuttings callus before planting; use bottom heat for faster rooting; maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back leggy stems to a leaf node; pinch tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged leaves; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 cm in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; discard excess water; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water until it drains from the bottom, then discard excess to prevent waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, stunted growth, or blackened stems.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; use a space heater if necessary; avoid overwatering.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or dehydration, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with a pebble tray or mister; water more frequently if soil dries out quickly.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize in spring/summer only; flush soil periodically; avoid overfertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCrassula ovata is slightly toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, the bufadienolide compounds can cause mild gastrointestinal distress. Cats are generally more sensitive to plant toxins, so ingestion should be prevented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicCrassula ovata is slightly toxic to dogs. The bufadienolide compounds present in the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset. While severe toxicity is unlikely, ingestion should still be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicCrassula ovata, commonly known as Jade Plant, is considered slightly toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of small amounts of bufadienolide compounds. These compounds can interfere with cardiac function in large quantities, but such cases are rare with typical exposure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Jade Plant toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: How often should I water a Jade Plant?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: Can Jade Plants be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, they can be grown outdoors in warm climates but should be protected from frost.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Crassulaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | bright, indirect light with so |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, allowing so |
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