Crassula ovata, commonly called the “money tree” is a very popular succulent due to its durability and easy care. It features small, round, egg-shaped leaves on a thick, woody stem. In its native habitat in South Africa, it is found growing as a small tree or shrub. With bright sunlight, the tips of its leaves turn red, creating a unique look.
This article is specific to jade plant care. For a general guide to taking care of all succulents, check here.
| Name | Crassula Ovata “Money tree” |
| Sunlight | Full sun preferred |
| Water | Once a week in the summer, once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter |
| Soil | Well-draining, porous soil |
| Temperature | Warm and dry. Not cold hardy |
| Dormancy | Winter dormant |
| Propagation | By cuttings or leaves |
| Toxicity | Toxic to dogs and cats |
Crassula ovata watering
Like other succulents, jade are quite sensitive to overwatering. Before watering, stick a finger in the top few inches of soil. If it feels dry to touch, you can water your plant. However if it still feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again. Ensure that the soil completely dries out in between watering to prevent root rot. When watering, pour the water at the base of the soil and avoid letting water sit on the leaves as this can damage them.
The appropriate frequency of watering will depend on many factors, including: sunlight, temperature, humidity, season, soil type, and size of the plant. You may also notice the bottom leaves of the plant shriveling up and looking dry, indicating the plant could use a drink.
Learn more about how to water succulents here.
During the summer, water your jade plant about once a week. You may have to increase or decrease the frequency based on your plant’s environment. During the winter, jade plants go dormant and require less water. Take extra care to avoid over watering during this time. Water about once every 3 to 4 weeks in the winter, after checking if the soil is dry.
If you are unsure about watering, it is best to hold off for a few days since it is easier to correct under watering compared to over watering. Over watering causes root rot and can be difficult to fix. Learn more about root rot here.
Limp/drooping jade plant
A drooping jade plant occurs due to improper watering, most likely over watering. If you notice the stems of your plant are turning brown and mushy, you likely have root rot. If the damage is extensive, you may have to cut away the healthy sections of the plant and focus on growing those.
Crassula ovata sunlight
Crassula ovata plants are happiest with several hours of bright sun, but can tolerate partial shade as well. With enough sunlight, the leaves turn bright green with red tips.
Provide your jade plant with several hours of bright sunlight daily to promote growth. This will ensure that your jade plant does not etiolate (stretch out). Placing the plant in front of a south-facing window is best, as these provide several hours of bright sunlight to help the plant thrive.
Learn more about etiolation here
If your jade plant was in the shade, avoid moving it directly into bright light because it could burn the leaves. If you notice brown, calloused spots appearing on your jade plant after recently increasing the sunlight it receives, move it back to a shadier area and slowly increase the light it is exposed to over time.
How to propagate Crassula ovata
Jade plants can be propagated from leaves or stem cuttings.
Propagating from leaves
If propagating leaves, cleanly twist off the entire leaf from its stem. Make sure the leaf is a good size, looks healthy and is not wrinkled. The leaf should be left to callous for 2 to 3 days and then placed on top of soil. Spray water over the soil with a spray bottle every few (3 to 4) days and provide partial sun (leaf props need less sun than their parent). After a few weeks, roots will begin to form.
During this time, do not disrupt the leaf or pick it up to check for roots. A few weeks after the roots form, you may get a tiny plant forming. Continue to water and provide partial sun.
Propagating from cuttings
While obtaining cuttings, use a clean pair of garden shears or sharp scissors. Choose an area that appears healthy and has plump leaves. Leave about 1.5 inches of stem remaining so that it can be planted easily. Allow the stem tip to callous for 2 to 3 days, then plant the cutting in well-draining soil. Wait a week before watering the soil to allow the jade to transition into its new environment.
Water the cutting more frequently than you would with an adult succulent (around once a week) and ensure it receives enough sun. After a few weeks, roots will form.
Learn more about propagating other succulents here
Crassula ovata growth
Jade plants grow to be quite large, reaching heights of up to 5 feet (152 cm), so they become quite top heavy over time. Pruning is needed to keep the plant’s shape (and the extra cuttings can be propagated).
While they can reach large heights, jade plants are slow to reach this point, growing about 2 to 5 inches per year.
Crassula ovata soil & repotting
A well-draining, porous soil mix with perlite mixed in is a good choice for your Crassula ovata. The plant does not require frequent repotting and is content in its own container for several years. Change out the soil every couple of years to replace nutrients (this is best done during the springtime). Learn more about repotting jade plants here.
When moving to a new pot, choose only a marginally larger container, since excess potting soil can easily become waterlogged. Be sure the soil is dry before repotting.
A fast-draining, porous soil mix can help prevent jade plants from rotting. A 70:30 ratio of succulent soil to perlite creates a porous mixture with good drainage.
Crassula ovata flowering
Jade plants may produce white-pink star shaped flowers once a year.
Related article: Gollum Jade Care Guide
Crassula ovata toxicity
This plant is toxic to dogs and cats, so keep it out of their reach.
Crassula ovata pests
Mealy bugs are tiny, fuzzy, white bugs that are fond of jade plants. They multiply and spread to other plants easily and are tough to completely remove.
Signs of a mealy bug infestation include: cottony white substance on plants, distorted leaves, or leaf drop.
If you notice mealy bugs, immediately quarantine the jade plant away from any other houseplants. Check any neighboring plants for signs of pests because mealy bugs spread quickly and other plants may be infected as well. Pay special attention to the undersides of the leaves and the stem-leaf joints as they often hide in those areas. Quarantine any infected plants.
For the plants with mealy bugs, take a q-tip, soak it in rubbing alcohol and dab it at any bugs you see. This will kill them instantly. Also water the soil with rubbing alcohol to kill any eggs they may have left behind. This does not harm the jade plant and helps get rid of any eggs in the soil. You will have to repeat this every other day for several days because mealy bugs are quite pesky.
In summary for Crassula Ovata Care
Crassula ovata succulents make a wonderful addition to any home garden. They are quite easy to care for, and with enough sunlight can turn lovely shades of red or orange.
Have any additional questions about Crassula ovata care I did not answer? Let me know in the comments below!
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