Basic info: The Jade is grown indoors and borrows itself from the bonsai in the way it grows like a miniature tree, with a trunk and branches. It is also a succulent that will retain water well within the leaves, just like the cactus plant.

This succulent is a hardy fellow and has two main requirements for a healthy long life, which is water and plenty of light. They are both an indoor and outdoor species, although conditions outside need to be right (enough heat and sun).

How it looks and displaying: As mentioned above the Jade has a similar look to a bonsai tree with a thick trunk and branches. The leaves are a thick oval shaped type which are a shiny dark green and possibly red colored outer edge's. They can produce white or pink flowers in the right conditions, once they have matured. The most important aspect of displaying this shrub is plenty of sunlight.....close to a window.

Easy to grow: As you will see with the care instructions below these are very easy to maintain, however, the more you see to it's basic needs, the better and stronger it will grow.

Flowering: Some growers have just been fortunate that theirs has bloomed while others have had to make the conditions right. Many have never seen one bloom in years (like me).

The general advice is at the end of summer bring the plant into a spot that will provide it with a few hours daylight, stop giving it fertiliser, reduce watering and provide full darkness at night -- then you may see them bloom, in the winter. The plant will see this as a resting period.

Facts

Origin: South Africa. Names: Jade, money , lucky, friendship (common). Crassula Ovata, C.portulacea, C.argentea (botanical/scientific). Max Growth (approx): Height = 3ft or much less, as a bonsai. Poisonous for pets: Toxic to cats and dogs.

Jade Plant Flowering

Jade Plant Care

Temperature: Room temperatures of around 60°f / 15.5°c --- 75°f / 24°c are ideal. Winter no less than 50°f / 10°c. Light: The jade plant flourishes in good health with plenty of light. If you can provide a few hours of sunshine a day your going to have a happy plant. Watering: It's best to allow the soil to become dry between each watering which will depend on the time of year, how much humidity and amount of sunlight it's getting. Allowing too much water to sit at the bottom of the pot with the roots will cause them to rot (avoid this). Soil: A good draining soil mix that is gritty is advisable to use, which is sold and used for cacti and succulents. Re-Potting: Re-pot (spring - summer) when the plant becomes root bound or the soil needs renewing. A good solid and heavy pot is best to use because Jade plants are well known for being top heavy. A heavy pot will prevent them from tipping over. Fertilizer: Feed each week or two (maybe less) with a weak or diluted liquid fertilizer. Fertilizer made for succulents may be your best bet, that does not need to be a high strength type. Humidity: They survive well in quite humid conditions naturally, although you will please them with water misting. Propagation: Propagating is achieved with leaf or stem cuttings which are placed into a soil mix, then wait until they show some growth. Before placing them in soil mix you will prevent potential problems from the sap seeping out by allowing them to dry on a windowsill, for a few days or so.