Crassula ovata

Crassula ovata

Family: Crassulaceae
Common Name: jade plant
Origin: Crassula ovata is found extensively in rocky slopes, fields, hills, or ravines throughout South Africa, being very common within the Eastern Cape.
Description: The jade plant is a multi-branching succulent that develops a bonsai-like form, covered with numerous shiny, jade colored and pear-shaped leaves. Mature plants 2-3 years and older will form a light-brown woody stem, branches will thicken, and leaves will become deciduous. Additionally, from fall to spring, the succulent may develop miniscule clusters of whitish-pink flowers, but indoor plants rarely bloom.

Interesting Features:
- Sunlight influences the coloration of the leaves, with plants varying from reddened margins under bright sun to dark green coloration when grown in the shade.
- Crassula ovata has received the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society for outstanding value in cultivation.
Uses: The jade plant has been used extensively by the Khoekhoe people and other South African populations for consumption and medicinal uses. When grated and cooked, the roots can be eaten with milk, and leaves boiled in milk can be used to treat diarrhea.
- Additionally, some cultures consider the jade plant to be a bringer of good luck, commonly placing the species in storefronts, businesses, or homes.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- C. ovata should be watered during the growing season, completely allowing the soil to dry in between waterings. For the best results, completely immerse the succulent, and do not mist.
- During the winter, irrigate sparingly, especially as temperatures continue to drop.
Soil: Provide a very well-draining and porous potting soil that contains perlite, sharp sand, or gravel. Peat and other potting mixtures that retain moisture should be avoided, and a mildly acidic pH between 6.1 and 6.5 should be maintained for the best growth.
Lighting: Provide indirect sunlight or partial shade, as strong light can lead to sunburning, and growth under severe shade will be leggy. However, during the summer, ensure that shade or shelter is available on very hot afternoons.
Propagation: Propagation is possible through seed sown in early spring, and leaf cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Additionally, leaves readily develop roots when removed from the mother plant.
Cold Tolerance: 20°F, USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11.
Special Accommodations: Although tolerating temperatures as low as 20°F for brief periods, Crassula ovata should be grown at a minimum temperature of 41°F for the best results.
- During the winter, reduce watering and do not allow the temperature to exceed 61°F, to maintain a dormancy period.
- Additionally, the jade plant should be repotted every 2-3 years, or when plants become top-heavy during times of new growth.
- Other than root rot, there are no specific pests, although in the natural habitat, wildlife may be a minor issue, as the wooden stem is often used as a nesting base by wasps, and tortoises may prey on the leaves.

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