Crassula arborescens (Mill.) Willd.
Silver Jade Plant / Silver Dollar Plant
Crassula arborescens, commonly called the silver jade plant or silver dollar plant, is a shrubby succulent native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is distinguished from C. ovata by its larger, blue-grey to grey-green leaves with strongly marked reddish margins and a slightly rough surface texture. It is a slower-growing species than its better-known relative.
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Shrubby succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy loam or sandy, with excellent drainage, low in nitrogen |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Large, rounded to ovate leaves, 4–7 cm long, thick and fleshy, grey-silver to blue-grey in colour with well-defined reddish margins. The surface has characteristic small whitish markings or dots that give it the silver appearance from which its name derives.
ecoMain trunk robust and woody, developing grey bark with age, with ascending branches forming a rounded crown. Reaches up to 2–4 m in height under optimal open field conditions, though usually maintained between 50 and 120 cm in cultivation.
ecoSmall, star-shaped flowers in white-pink to pale pink, gathered in terminal corymbs or panicles. Flowering occurs in summer (unlike C. ovata which blooms in winter), and potted specimens rarely flower without a period of water stress and cool temperatures.
ecoFibrous, shallow roots adapted to rocky, well-drained soils in their natural habitat. Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging, which causes rapid crown and stem base rot.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam or sandy, with excellent drainage, low in nitrogen
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 10–15 cm long with sterilised scissors; C. arborescens's large leaves make handling easier.
- 2 Remove leaves from the lower third, keeping at least 3–4 upper pairs.
- 3 Allow to cure in the shade for 2–4 days until the cut is dry.
- 4 Plant in cactus mix with 30% perlite; sink 3–4 cm to stabilise the larger cutting.
- 5 Water lightly the first week; afterwards follow the usual dry-down cycle.
- 1 Detach a medium-sized silver-blue round leaf with a gentle twisting motion.
- 2 Allow to cure for 3–4 days in a dry spot.
- 3 Place the base on slightly moist cactus mix.
- 4 Mist once a week; C. arborescens's large leaves produce more vigorous plantlets than C. ovata.
The silver leaves with red margins need full sun to maintain their silvery tone; in shade they become greener and less attractive.
Watering with the same frequency as tropical houseplants, causing root rot.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring. Being a larger shrub, it may need big terracotta pots or direct bed cultivation.
Fertilise with liquid succulent fertiliser at 50% dose, once a month from spring to summer. No fertilisation in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic to dogs and cats; can cause nervous system depression and gastrointestinal problems in domestic animals if ingested.
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"The whitish markings on C. arborescens leaves are modified hydathodes, structures that under high humidity conditions can exude mineral salts, morphologically distinguishing this species from other shrubby crassulas."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.