Crassula ovata

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, is a hardy and low-maintenance succulent that thrives in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings, making it a perfect choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Its leaves are fleshy, glossy, and round, shifting in color from light green to deep green to vibrant red, depending on sun exposure.

The plant will bloom mid-winter (anywhere between December and February) once it has reached maturity.

The flowers are tiny , cream-colored stars on long pinkish-red stems.

It has a very slow growth rate but, once mature, it forms an elegant tree like structure with a thick trunk and branches.

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾:

• • ✂️Cut them back if they get too long or too leggy – they respond well to a trim!
  • ❄️ Crassula ovata does not appreciate the frost – so do make sure to bring them inside during the frosty months.
  • ☀️As with all the Crassulae, Crassula ovata is extremely drought-tolerant and loves the sun. This in turn means that they hate moist soil > keep it dry

The Tale:

“Crassula” means thick or fat in Latin, referring to the leaves that become plumpy the more water they are able to store.

This is a good indicator of the health of your crassula – if less plumpy, then she needs a dash of water!

This genus was first named in 1862 and the genus contains 150-200 species, most of them occurring in South Africa.

“Ovata” comes from the Latin word meaning egg-shaped.  And indeed, the leaves are a little egg-like.

South Africa