Crassula ovata
Also known as: Jade plant, money tree, friendship tree
The classic jade plant — a tree-like succulent shrub that can live for decades and bequeath generations of cuttings. It belongs to the Crassula genus, comes from South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal), stays around 30 cm–1.5 m over years; trunk thickens with age, and tolerates USDA 10–11; dry cold to about -2 °C for mature plants. Individual plants vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Key facts
- Genus: Crassula
- Origin: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Mature size: 30 cm–1.5 m over years; trunk thickens with age
- Hardiness: USDA 10–11; dry cold to about -2 °C for mature plants
- Toxicity: Toxic to cats and dogs
Succulent at a glance
- Genus
- Crassula
- Origin
- South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Mature size
- 30 cm–1.5 m over years; trunk thickens with age
- Growth habit
- Slow, tree-like succulent shrub
- Leaf colour
- Glossy jade-green oval leaves, red-edged in sun
- Flower colour
- White-pink star clusters in late winter
- Hardiness
- USDA 10–11; dry cold to about -2 °C for mature plants
- Toxicity
- Toxic to cats and dogs
- Other names
- Jade plant, money tree, friendship tree
About the Crassula ovata
The classic jade plant — a tree-like succulent shrub that can live for decades and bequeath generations of cuttings. Thick trunk, glossy oval leaves, and clusters of starry winter flowers on mature specimens. The single most popular succulent houseplant in the world.
Care and cultivation
Crassulas are forgiving. Give them the sunniest spot you have, a gritty mix, and water only when the soil is bone dry. In winter cut watering back to a light sip every 3–4 weeks. Prune branch tips to force branching — the cuttings root in days and make new plants. Light: Bright light with several hours of direct sun. Water: Every 2 weeks in growth; reduce sharply in winter. Use a Standard succulent mix; tolerates slightly richer soil.
Description
Crassula ovata is a Crassula succulent from South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal). The classic jade plant — a tree-like succulent shrub that can live for decades and bequeath generations of cuttings. Thick trunk, glossy oval leaves, and clusters of starry winter flowers on mature specimens. The single most popular succulent houseplant in the world.
Identification
Look for: Glossy jade-green oval leaves, red-edged in sun leaves in a 30 cm–1.5 m over years; trunk thickens with age form. Also answers to Jade plant, money tree, friendship tree. The genus is Crassula, which already narrows down the care requirements considerably. Nickname: 'Jade plant'.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Crassula ovata?
Every 2 weeks in growth; reduce sharply in winter. Always let the soil dry completely between waterings, and water less in winter when growth slows.
How much light does Crassula ovata need?
Bright light with several hours of direct sun. If the plant stretches or loses colour, it needs more light.
Related succulents
Succulent information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Crassula ovata, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.