Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Image: PlantoScan

Jade Plant Plant Care

Crassula ovata E.Mey. ex Harv. & Sond.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade plant or Money plant, is a compact and bushy succulent with fleshy oval-shaped leaves. It is a popular houseplant due to its attractive appearance and easy maintenance.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect

Temp

65–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Jade Plant?

Plant Jade Plant in bright indirect light (USDA zones 9b–11) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Jade Plant Native To?

Native range1 country

What Is the Jade Plant?

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) belongs to the Crassulaceae family within the Crassula genus. Jade Plant is native to South Africa. Jade Plant is also known as Money plant, Friendship tree.

Jade Plant displays a compact, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Jade Plant produces small, star-shaped, pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Jade Plant?

Water a young or newly planted Jade Plant every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Jade Plant Need?

Jade Plant thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Jade Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Jade Plant Prefer?

Crassula ovata tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Jade Plant prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Temperature

65–85°F

Humidity

30–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Jade Plant?

Well-draining. 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 with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every month

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Jade Plant?

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Jade Plant is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Jade Plant?

Jade Plant can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Jade Plant?

Prune Jade Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Jade Plant in Winter?

Jade Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Jade Plant?

Jade Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to calico kitten plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Jade Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not independently verified.

Toxic to humans and animals

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 mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects. 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 9b – 11. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Jade Plant is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Jade Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 9b – 11

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 Crassula genus — compare its care with other Crassula species on PlantoScan.

Crassula is part of the Crassulaceae plant family — browse all Crassulaceae genera and species.

Jade Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Crassula Species

Other Crassula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Crassula ovata E.Mey. ex Harv. & Sond., family Crassulaceae (first published in Fl. Cap. (Harvey) 2: 348. 1862 [15-31 Oct 1862]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
  • Pet toxicity: Jade Plant is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data, so treat it with caution. Any toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: © PlantoScan.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 11, 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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