Crassula ovata
jade plant
A bushy succulent evergreen sub-shrub growing slowly to 2m, with rounded fleshy dark green leaves often edged with red, and flat clusters of small starry white or light pink flowers in late summer
Synonyms
Crassula argenteaCrassula portulacea
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Crassula can be succulent annuals, perennials, evergreen shrubs or sub-shrubs, with fleshy leaves and small, star-shaped or funnel-shaped flowers in a terminal cluster
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S. Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or houseplant in pots of cactus compost in full light. Water to keep lightly moist when in growth during spring and summer, very sparingly when dormant in winter. Apply a general liquid fertiliser monthly between spring and summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by offsets or by root, stem or leaf cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs, vine weevils and aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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