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Plant Profiles / Jade plant
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Jade plant
Crassula ovata · Money plant, lucky plant, friendship tree
A long-lived succulent with plump, glossy leaves and a tree-like shape. Often passed down for generations and said to bring good luck.
Bright light to full sunLight
Every 2–3 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright light to full sun
ShadeFull sun
Lots of light; a few hours of direct sun keeps it compact and may tint leaf edges red.
Water
Every 2–3 weeks
DryWet
Water only when soil is completely dry.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Prefers dry air.
Temperature
10–35°C (50–95°F)
CoolWarm
Protect from frost.
Growth
Slow, tree-like
SlowFast
Grows 60–120 cm over many years.
Soil
Cactus & succulent mix
LeanRich
Fast-draining mix in a heavy pot to prevent tipping.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted succulent fertiliser in spring and summer.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Can cause vomiting and lethargy in cats and dogs.
About this plant
Native to South Africa, jade stores water in its leaves and stems. With time it forms a miniature tree with a thick trunk, perfect for bonsai-style shaping. Mature plants may produce starry pink-white flowers in winter.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, sunny balconies and succulent gardens in frost-free areas.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Crassula ovata |
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Plant type | Evergreen succulent shrub |
| Mature size | 60–120 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Thick, glossy oval leaves |
| Flowers | Pink-white stars on mature plants |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Leaf or stem cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Flowering
Water less
Repot
Active growthFloweringWater lessRepot
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Wrinkled leaves | Thirsty. Water deeply. |
| Soft, dropping leaves | Overwatering. |
| Leggy growth | Not enough light. |
| White cottony spots | Mealybugs. Dab with alcohol. |
| Brown spots | Sunburn or fungal; adjust light and water. |
Common questions
How do I propagate it?
Let a cutting dry for a few days, then plant in dry succulent mix.
Will it flower?
Mature plants flower in winter after a cool, dry rest.
How do I shape it?
Prune just above a leaf pair in spring.
Is it toxic?
Yes, keep it away from pets.
