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Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
SA tree no: 137.3
English: Jade Plant, Lucky Plant, Money Plant, Friendship Tree, Pink Joy, Kerky Bush
Afrikaans: Beestebul, Kerkij, Kerky, Plakkie, Geldplant
Xhosa: umXhalagube, umKhumalo
Zulu: umHlabelo, umKhumalo
S. Sotho: Setlhotlho, Motlepu
Khoi: t'karkai
Historical scientific names: Cotyledon ovata, Crassula portulacea, Crassula argentea, Crassula obliqua, Crassula articulata, Crassula nitida, Crassula lucens
Crassula ovata, commonly known as Jade Plant or Plakkie, is an extremely popular and iconic indigenous evergreen succulent shrub. It is globally recognised and cherished for its thick, fleshy, oval-shaped, glossy green leaves, often with reddish margins, and its stout, branching, tree-like growth habit. It also produces clusters of small, star-shaped white to pale pink flowers, making it a beloved and remarkably resilient ornamental plant, especially for containers.
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Distinguishing features:
Thick, fleshy, oval (ovate) or spoon-shaped, glossy green leaves, often with a reddish margin.
Leaves are arranged oppositely in neat pairs along the stout stems.
Stems are thick, succulent, and branch extensively to form a miniature tree-like structure.
Bark on older stems becomes flaky and brownish.
Flowers are small, star-shaped, white to pale pink, borne in dense, terminal clusters.
Extremely drought-tolerant and forms a neat, rounded bush.
Overall appearance:
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a classic and distinctive succulent that grows into a compact, rounded shrub or small tree, often resembling a natural bonsai. Its most defining characteristic is its plump, highly succulent, glossy green leaves, which are typically oval and often develop a lovely reddish edge when exposed to good sunlight. Its thick, fleshy stems branch out, forming a sturdy, tree-like structure. In winter, it can produce an abundance of delicate white to pale pink star-shaped flowers, adding to its charm.
Height:
Typically grows 1 to 2.5 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 3 metres in ideal, mature conditions.
Width:
Forms a dense, rounded shrub, usually 1 to 2 metres wide, with a spreading crown of succulent branches.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, very thick, fleshy, and succulent, typically oval (ovate) or obovate (spoon-shaped), measuring 3-7 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. They are a vibrant, glossy mid-green, often with a distinctive reddish margin, especially when exposed to direct sunlight or cooler temperatures. They have a slightly waxy coating and a blunt or rounded apex.
Flowers:
The flowers are small (about 4-6 mm in diameter), star-shaped, with five pointed petals. They are white to pale pink, sometimes tinged with red, and are borne in dense, rounded, terminal clusters (thyrses or cymes) atop stout stalks. The flowers are generally inconspicuous individually but collectively create a lovely, delicate display, particularly striking against the green foliage. Crassula ovata flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It typically flowers in winter and early spring (around July to October), providing colour when many other plants are dormant.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, dry, dehiscent capsule formed from the base of the flower. When mature, it splits open to release the tiny seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are very small and fine. They are dispersed by wind or shaken from the dry capsules.
Bark/Stems:
The stems are thick, fleshy, and succulent when young, becoming woody and developing flaky, light brown to greyish-brown bark on older, mature plants. The bark often peels in thin strips, revealing lighter under-bark, which adds to its character. The extensive branching habit creates a miniature tree-like appearance.
Thorns:
None.
Wood:
The stems become woody with age, but it is not timber wood.
Roots:
It has a fibrous and relatively shallow root system, adapted to absorbing moisture from sparse rainfall. It is generally not considered to have an aggressive root system for foundations.
Soil type:
Requires very well-drained, gritty, or sandy soil. It is extremely intolerant of prolonged moisture or heavy, waterlogged soils, which will quickly lead to root rot. A succulent or cactus potting mix is essential.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun, which enhances its leaf colouration and compact growth, but it can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot climates. It is highly drought-tolerant and very wind-resistant, making it excellent for exposed positions. It is moderately frost-tolerant; mature plants can withstand light to moderate frosts (down to -4°C to -7°C) if kept dry, but requires protection from severe frost.
Ediblity:
Not typically considered edible for humans. While some sources might mention very minor traditional uses for certain Crassula species, Crassula ovata is not commonly consumed and its edibility is questionable.
Toxicity:
Crassula ovata contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides and is considered toxic if ingested. It is known to cause mild to severe digestive upset in humans (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and is poisonous to livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle, leading to heart and neurological symptoms. It is crucial to keep this plant away from children and pets who might be tempted to chew on the leaves.
Uses:
An exceptionally popular and widely cultivated ornamental plant globally. It is an excellent choice for rockeries, succulent gardens, xeriscaping, gravel gardens, and particularly as a long-lived container plant or houseplant due to its architectural form and low maintenance. Often grown as a miniature tree or bonsai subject. Its hardiness and drought tolerance make it a valuable plant for water-wise gardening and erosion control on dry slopes. It is often given as a gift as a "money plant" to symbolise good fortune.
Ecology:
The small, star-shaped flowers attract a variety of insect pollinators, especially bees and flies. The plant's succulent nature allows it to thrive in arid environments, storing water in its fleshy leaves and stems. Its toxicity provides some defence against grazing animals. Its widespread cultivation and resilience also allow it to establish easily in various garden settings.
Distribution and habitat:
Crassula ovata is indigenous to South Africa, primarily found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, extending slightly into the Western Cape (e.g., around Riversdale). It typically grows on dry, rocky slopes, hillsides, and coastal areas, often in fynbos or succulent thicket vegetation, preferring well-drained, often exposed, conditions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Crassula comes from the Latin word 'crassus', meaning 'thick' or 'fat', referring to the fleshy, succulent leaves of plants in this genus.
The species epithet ovata is Latin for 'oval' or 'egg-shaped', referring to the distinct shape of its leaves.
The common name "Jade Plant" is globally recognised due to the jade-green colour of its leaves.
"Money Plant" and "Lucky Plant" stem from its association with good fortune and prosperity in various cultures.
"Plakkie" is a general Afrikaans term for succulents with thick leaves.
"Beestebal" (Afrikaans for "cattle ball") is a local name, possibly referring to its rounded form or its effect if ingested by livestock.
Historical aspects:
Crassula ovata has a long and storied history in cultivation, having been introduced to Europe as early as the 17th century. Its robust nature, ease of propagation, and attractive appearance quickly made it a global favourite, particularly as a houseplant during Victorian times. Its association with good luck and prosperity has further cemented its popularity worldwide. In its native habitat, it has long been a characteristic component of the dry, rocky landscapes, known for its resilience and ability to survive in harsh conditions.
Interesting facts:
This plant is practically a living good luck charm! It's famous all over the world as the "Money Plant" or "Lucky Plant," often given as a gift.
Its plump, glossy green leaves really do look like polished jade stones – hence the name "Jade Plant."
It's a superstar at saving water, meaning you hardly ever need to water it, making it super low-maintenance!
You can easily grow a whole new plant from just one of its leaves – it's like magic!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings or individual leaves. Allow cuttings/leaves to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting in well-drained succulent mix.
Light: Requires bright light to full sun for the best compact growth and vibrant leaf colouration (especially the red margins).
Watering: As a succulent, it needs very little water. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter when it is semi-dormant. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems.
Soil: Use an extremely well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Good drainage is crucial.
Container: Excellent for pots, rockeries, and arid garden beds. Often grown as a bonsai.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Prune to shape or to control size if desired.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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