Jade Plant

crassula exilis

Also known as: ["Baby Jade","Small Leaf Jade","Mongolian Jade"]

Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Crassula Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small, succulent plant with fleshy, green leaves and small white or pink flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["low maintenance","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, indirect light or outdoor in a rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Pet Owners (non Toxic Plants Only)
  • 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 root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in east-facing windows for optimal light.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even light; use sheer curtains to filter strong sun; avoid dark corners.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining succulent mix with pumice or perlite

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

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; topdress with gravel for aesthetics.

Temperature

Prefers 65–80°F (18–27°C); tolerates mild frost but thrives in warm, dry conditions.

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

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; apply to moist soil; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting, let it callus for a few days, plant in medium, keep moist but not wet, wait for roots.

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

Environment

Warm (70–75°F), humid, and bright indirect light.

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 knife, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; use sterile tools.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove leggy growth and encourage bushier form; maintain compact size.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools, prune dead growth, shape plant, clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from current pot; avoid overpotting.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh cactus mix, ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; prefers slightly root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Choose correct pot size, use fresh soil, ensure drainage, water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the soil level, ensuring even moisture without saturating. Allow excess water to drain freely from the pot. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before night.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to target the soil and avoid wetting leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to once every 4–6 weeks.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage; use a mix with organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, stunted growth, or discoloration (yellowing or browning) in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Leaves may become soft, translucent, or develop water-soaked spots; growth halts in prolonged cold.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; reduce watering in cold periods.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots; growth may slow due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water early in the day.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use correct dilution, fertilize during active growth, avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Crassula exilis may indicate overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while nutrient deficiencies can impair photosynthesis, both resulting in chlorosis.

Wilting in Crassula exilis can be caused by underwatering, overwatering, or root damage. Underwatering leads to dehydration, while overwatering causes root rot, both compromising the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.

Leaf spots on Crassula exilis may result from fungal or bacterial infections, often exacerbated by high humidity or water splashing on leaves. These spots can cause leaf necrosis, defoliation, and reduced photosynthetic efficiency.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, is common in Crassula exilis due to overwatering or poor drainage. This condition leads to mushy, discolored tissues, eventual collapse of the plant, and potential spread of fungal pathogens.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Crassula exilis can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The plant is not highly toxic but may lead to mild symptoms.

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

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected or symptoms appear.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Crassula exilis by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic but can cause discomfort in pets.

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

if eaten

Monitor pets closely if ingestion is suspected. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Crassula exilis contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested by humans. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can lead to discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach discomfort diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children and avoid ingestion. If accidental ingestion occurs, seek medical advice.
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 exilis toxic to pets?

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

Q: How often should I water Crassula exilis?

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

Q: Does Crassula exilis need direct sunlight?

A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sunlight.

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","pet owners (non-toxic plants only)"]
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