Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides
Pet-safe
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata · Crassulaceae
Easy
Toxic to pets
Crassula ovata is a succulent shrub native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, as well as parts of Mozambique. It produces thick, glossy, oval leaves on woody, branching stems and can live for decades, eventually resembling a small tree. In late autumn to winter it may produce clusters of small, pale pink or white star-shaped flowers, particularly when grown in bright conditions.
☀ Light
Bright indirect to direct sun
💧 Water
Allow soil to dry fully between waterings
🌡 Temp
10 to 24 C; protect from frost
💦 Humidity
Low to average; tolerates dry air well
🌿 Soil
Free-draining, gritty succulent or cactus mix
🍽 Feeding
Monthly in spring and summer only
Photo: author is sannse. / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
How to care for Jade Plant
Light
Jade plants thrive in bright light and can tolerate several hours of direct sunlight, particularly morning sun. A south- or east-facing windowsill is ideal in the UK. Insufficient light leads to elongated, weak growth and leaf drop; a minimum of four hours of bright light daily is recommended. If moving a plant outdoors in summer, acclimatise it gradually to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then allow the compost to dry out completely before watering again. In spring and summer this may mean watering every one to two weeks; in autumn and winter, once a month or even less is usually sufficient. Always tip away any standing water in the saucer after 30 minutes to prevent root rot. Overwatering is the single most common cause of failure with this plant.
Soil and potting
A free-draining, low-nutrient compost is essential. A proprietary cactus and succulent compost is suitable, or standard multipurpose compost mixed with at least 50 per cent coarse horticultural grit or perlite. Good drainage prevents the root rot to which all Crassula species are prone.
Feeding
Feed with a half-strength, balanced liquid fertiliser or a dedicated succulent fertiliser once a month during the active growing season from April to September. Do not feed in autumn or winter when growth slows or stops. Over-feeding promotes soft, sappy growth that is more susceptible to pests and disease.
Humidity and temperature
Jade plants are well adapted to the dry air found in most UK homes and do not require misting or humidity trays. They prefer temperatures between 10 and 24 C. They can tolerate cooler conditions down to around 5 C for short periods, but frost will cause irreversible damage. A cooler, bright position in winter (around 10 to 13 C) can actually encourage flowering.
Repotting
Repot every two to three years in spring, moving up only one pot size at a time. Jade plants tolerate being slightly root-bound and actually tend to flower more readily when somewhat constrained. Use a terracotta pot if possible, as its porous nature helps prevent waterlogging. After repotting, wait a week before watering to allow any damaged roots to heal.
Pruning
Prune in spring to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead or damaged stems. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears and make cuts just above a leaf node or lateral stem. The removed stems can be used as cuttings. Leggy plants can be pruned hard; they generally recover well. Remove any leaves that fall into the soil promptly, as they can harbour pests or promote rot.
Is Jade Plant toxic?
Pets: Toxic. Crassula ovata is classified as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination. The toxic principle has not been fully identified. Keep plants out of reach of dogs and cats.
People: Not considered toxic to humans; however, ingestion is not advisable and the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
People: Not considered toxic to humans; however, ingestion is not advisable and the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Common problems
Soft, mushy stems or roots, yellowing lower leaves
Likely cause: Root rot caused by overwatering or poor drainage Fix: Remove the plant from its pot, cut away all blackened, soft roots with sterile scissors, allow to dry for a day or two, then repot into fresh, dry, gritty compost. Reduce watering frequency significantly going forward.
Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves
Likely cause: Underwatering or severe root rot preventing water uptake Fix: Check the roots first to rule out rot. If roots are healthy, water thoroughly and the leaves should plump up within a few days. Adjust the watering schedule to ensure the plant receives water before leaves begin to wrinkle.
Leaves dropping suddenly
Likely cause: Overwatering, cold draughts, sudden temperature change, or very low light Fix: Review the plant's position and watering regime. Move away from cold windows or draughts in winter, ensure adequate light, and allow the compost to dry fully between waterings.
White, cottony clusters in leaf axils or on stems
Likely cause: Mealybugs Fix: Remove visible insects with a cotton bud dipped in 70 per cent isopropyl alcohol. For larger infestations, spray with an insecticidal soap solution or a neem-based product. Repeat every seven to ten days until clear.
Pale, yellow leaves; thin, elongated stems leaning towards a light source
Likely cause: Insufficient light (etiolation) Fix: Move the plant to a brighter position. Leggy growth cannot be reversed, but the plant can be pruned back and the cuttings propagated. Consistent bright light will prevent future etiolation.
Red or purple tinge developing on leaf edges
Likely cause: Stress response to intense direct sun, drought, or low temperatures, not necessarily harmful Fix: This is a normal physiological response to stress caused by anthocyanin production and is generally harmless, sometimes considered ornamental. If the colouration is accompanied by leaf drop or other symptoms, investigate watering and temperature conditions.
How to propagate
Stem cuttings
Take a cutting of 7 to 10 cm, remove the lower leaves, and allow the cut end to callous over in a dry place for one to three days. Insert into barely moist, gritty compost and place in a bright, warm spot. Roots typically develop within two to four weeks.
Leaf cuttings
Remove a healthy, intact leaf and lay it flat on the surface of barely moist cactus compost, or insert the base shallowly into the mix. Small rosettes and roots will form at the base over several weeks, though this method is slower and less reliable than stem cuttings.
Where Jade Plant comes from
Native to Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal. Now naturalised or cultivated in 5 other regions worldwide.
Story and origins
The genus name Crassula comes from the Latin word crassus, meaning thick or fat, a reference to the characteristic fleshy, water-storing leaves and stems shared by all members of the genus. The species epithet ovata is derived from the Latin ovatus, meaning egg-shaped, describing the oval form of the leaves. The common name Jade Plant refers to the smooth, green colour and glossy surface of the leaves, which resemble the appearance of jade stone.
Crassula ovata was first formally described by the English botanist Philip Miller in 1768, based on material cultivated in Europe. Plants from the Eastern Cape had been reaching European botanical gardens from the late seventeenth century onwards, following the establishment of Dutch trading posts in southern Africa. The species became a popular houseplant in Europe and North America during the twentieth century, prized for its longevity and tolerance of neglect. In its native South Africa it grows in rocky, dry hillside habitats. In East Asian cultures, particularly in China and Taiwan, it acquired strong symbolic associations with wealth and good fortune, and is commonly given as a housewarming or business gift. This symbolism spread globally alongside the plant's popularity as a houseplant.
Varieties to know
Crassula ovata 'Gollum'
Distinctive tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves with reddish tips; sometimes called Shrek Plant or Finger Jade.
Crassula ovata 'Hobbit'
Similar to 'Gollum' but with leaves that are more curled and cupped; slightly more compact habit.
Crassula ovata 'Variegata'
Leaves edged or streaked with cream and yellow; grows more slowly than the species and requires slightly more light.
Crassula ovata 'Hummel's Sunset'
Leaves display yellow and red colouration, particularly in bright light; more striking colour than the straight species.
Crassula ovata 'Minima'
A compact, slower-growing form with smaller leaves, suitable for confined spaces and shallow bonsai-style containers.
Fun facts
- Jade plants can live for well over 100 years; specimens in botanical collections have been documented at over 70 years old, and plants are frequently passed between generations as heirlooms.
- The plant produces crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, opening its stomata at night rather than during the day, which significantly reduces water loss in dry conditions.
- In Feng Shui tradition, the jade plant is associated with good fortune and financial prosperity, which accounts for several of its common names such as Money Plant and Dollar Plant.
- When grown outdoors in frost-free climates or given a cool dry winter rest indoors, the plant produces clusters of small, sweetly scented, star-shaped flowers between November and March.
- The thick leaves of Crassula ovata store water in specialised parenchyma cells, allowing the plant to survive extended drought periods without permanent damage.
Jade Plant FAQ
Why are the leaves on my jade plant going wrinkly?
Wrinkling leaves usually indicate underwatering. Water the plant thoroughly and the leaves should recover within a few days. However, if the compost has been wet recently, check the roots for rot, as root damage can also prevent water uptake and cause the same symptom.
How do I get my jade plant to flower?
Jade plants typically flower in late autumn or winter when given a cool, dry rest period. Move the plant to a bright, cool position (around 10 to 13 C) from autumn onwards, reduce watering significantly, and stop feeding. Under these conditions, flower buds may form and open between November and March.
Can I put my jade plant outside in summer?
Yes, jade plants can go outside from late May to early September in the UK when frost risk has passed. Acclimatise the plant gradually over one to two weeks to prevent leaf scorch. A sheltered, bright spot with some protection from the hottest midday sun is ideal. Bring back indoors before temperatures drop below 10 C.
How often should I water a jade plant?
There is no fixed schedule; frequency depends on temperature, pot size, and season. The correct approach is to check the compost, and water only when it has dried out completely. In summer this might be every one to two weeks; in winter, once a month or less is usually sufficient.
Why is my jade plant dropping leaves?
Leaf drop has several possible causes, including overwatering, sudden temperature changes, cold draughts, very low light, or the plant being moved abruptly. Check each factor systematically. A few leaves dropping after moving the plant to a new position is normal and temporary.
Is the jade plant safe to keep around children and pets?
The jade plant is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA, and can cause vomiting, lethargy, and incoordination if ingested. It should be placed out of reach of pets that chew plants. It is not considered toxic to humans, though ingestion is still inadvisable.
How big will a jade plant get indoors?
Indoors, jade plants typically reach 60 to 90 cm in height over many years, though growth is slow. With ideal conditions, very old specimens can exceed 1 metre. Pot size, pruning, and light levels all influence the eventual size. Regular pruning keeps the plant compact and encourages a bushy, tree-like shape.
