Crassula ovata (Mill.) Druce
Jade Plant / Lucky Plant
Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant or money tree, is a shrubby succulent native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental houseplant and garden specimen worldwide, prized for its longevity, low-maintenance nature, and glossy compact appearance. In East Asian popular culture it is regarded as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Genus | Crassula |
| Growth Habit | Shrubby succulent |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
| pH Target | 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Type | Sandy loam, very well drained, low in organic matter |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Fleshy, opposite, ovate to elliptic leaves 3–9 cm long, bright green with margins often turning red under intense sun exposure. The waxy cuticle reduces water loss and gives the leaves their characteristic gloss.
ecoRobust stems, becoming woody with age, with greyish or brownish bark that peels in mature specimens. Can reach 1–3 m tall with a thick tree-like trunk when grown outdoors over many years.
ecoSmall, star-shaped, 5-petalled flowers in white to pale pink, gathered in dense terminal corymbs. They bloom generally in winter or spring as nights lengthen, with cool temperature exposure needed to induce flowering.
ecoShallow, fibrous root system that does not tolerate waterlogging; roots can store water during moderate drought. Aerial roots develop at stem nodes when ambient humidity is high.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy loam, very well drained, low in organic matter
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Cut a healthy stem 8–12 cm long with sterilised scissors; gloves are not strictly required as toxicity is low.
- 2 Remove the oval leaves from the lower third.
- 3 Allow the cut to cure in the shade for 2–3 days.
- 4 Plant in well-draining cactus mix, inserting the stem 2–3 cm deep.
- 5 Water sparingly; the jade plant is one of the easiest succulents to propagate — it roots in almost any condition.
- 1 Detach a fleshy oval leaf with a gentle twisting pull to remove it with the base intact.
- 2 C. ovata leaves are so resilient they sometimes root by themselves when they fall to the ground; simply leave them for 2–3 days in a dry spot.
- 3 Place the base on moist cactus mix or lay horizontally.
- 4 Mist every 4–5 days and wait for roots and a small rosette to appear.
- 1 Sow seeds in a tray with fine cactus mix, uncovered or with a minimal layer.
- 2 Keep at 20–25 °C with constant humidity under cling film.
- 3 Ventilate daily; seedlings are slow — they take months to reach transplant size.
- 4 Transplant when they reach 3–4 cm in height.
⚠️ MILD TOXICITY: Crassula ovata is mildly toxic to cats and dogs (may cause vomiting and lethargy); keep away from pets.
Overwatering or lack of drainage, causing root rot — the leading cause of death for the jade plant.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring. It can grow quite large; use heavy terracotta pots to prevent a mature shrub from tipping over.
Fertilise once a month from spring to late summer with liquid succulent fertiliser diluted to 50%. Do not fertilise in autumn and winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Toxic to dogs and cats (may cause vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination); not considered dangerous to adult humans under normal contact.
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"Photosynthesis studies have confirmed that Crassula ovata uses crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), opening its stomata only at night to minimise water loss, making it extraordinarily efficient under arid conditions."
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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.