Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)

The Crassula ovata — the jade plant — is, according to feng shui, a lucky plant that attracts prosperity and wealth. More prosaically: it’s a shrubby succulent that can live for decades, becoming an impressive natural bonsai you can pass down through generations. Native to South Africa, it’s one of the most tolerant plants on the market.

What you really need to know

Succulent plant: free-draining substrate, infrequent watering, bright direct light. Slow but steady growth, surprising longevity. Tolerates watering oversights perfectly — it’s even beneficial.

Light

Bright direct light. South-facing window sill ideal. In low light, stems stretch and the plant loses its compact silhouette.

Watering

Every 14 to 21 days, up to every 6 weeks in winter. Completely dry substrate between waterings. Check with the finger 5 cm deep. Prefer underwatering to overwatering: the Crassula stores plenty in its fleshy leaves.

Substrate

Cactus/succulent specific mix: potting soil + sand + pumice (1/3 each). Terracotta pot with drainage.

Humidity and temperature

Indifferent to humidity (20-50 %). Tolerates 5-30 °C. Can withstand short periods near 0 °C (best avoided).

Pruning and shape

The Crassula can be pruned like a bonsai to encourage branching. Pinch new growth to bushen up. With patience (5-10 years), you get a real sculpted little tree.

Mistakes to avoid

• Overwatering: rot within weeks
• Insufficient light: etiolation, slumping plant
• Pot too large: prefers being root-bound
• Substrate too rich: holds too much water

Toxicity

⚠️ Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Symptoms if ingested: vomiting, loss of appetite, sometimes slowed heart rate.

Propagation

Very easy. Leaf cutting (laid on moist soil, roots in 2-3 weeks) or stem cutting (callus 3 days, then plant).

Flowering

Possible on mature (5+ years) well-exposed specimens: small white flower clusters in winter. To trigger flowering: winter dryness + cool nights (10-15 °C).