Jade Plant Plant Care
Acarna ovata Willd.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Native to South Africa, this plant is known for its striking glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are a vibrant green color with subtle red margins. Acarna ovata is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage pattern and ability to thrive indoors with minimal care.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–75°F
30–50%
At a glance
How do you care for Jade Plant?
Water Jade Plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C) and 30–50% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Jade Plant Native To?
What Is the Jade Plant?
Jade Plant (Acarna ovata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Acarna genus. Jade Plant is native to Vietnam, most of China, Korea, the southern Russian Far East, and Japan. Jade Plant is also known as Money Plant, Lucky Plant.
Jade Plant displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Jade Plant produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.
How Often Should You Water a Jade Plant?
Acarna ovata requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Jade Plant Need?
Jade Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Jade Plant Prefer?
Acarna ovata grows best at temperatures of 65–75°F. Jade Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–50%.
Temperature
65–75°F
Humidity
30–50%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Jade Plant?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Jade Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Jade Plant?
Feed Jade Plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Jade Plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Jade Plant?
Jade Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Jade Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Jade Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Jade Plant?
Jade Plant is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Jade Plant Need?
Jade Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Jade Plant is native to Vietnam, most of China, Korea, the southern Russian Far East, and Japan.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Jade Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Acarna genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Acarna species in the plant lookup.
Jade Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Acarna ovata Willd., family Asteraceae (first published in Sp. Pl., ed. 4 , 3: 1701 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Jade Plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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