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Crassula

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Crassula ovata
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Josée Bouthot)
Crassula ovata

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

Crassula ovata is a three-metre tall succulent plant with oval leaves and fleshy stems that is native to South Africa. It is relatively slow growing, but can reach close to one metre when grown as a houseplant. Small star-shaped flowers may appear in late winter on adult plants.

Species, cultivars and related plants

Crassula arborescens, or silver jade plant, has large silvery leaves with red margins. Both Crassula ovata 'Gollum' and Crassula ovata 'Hobbit' have tubular leaves. Crassula ovata 'Tricolor' has white, green and pink variegated foliage. This cultivar requires somewhat more sunlight than the species. Crassula perfoliata var. falcata is a compact, bushy plant with silver grey foliage and bright red flowers.

Common name

Crassula / Jade tree / Jade plant

Latin name (genus)

Crassula ovata (syn. Crassula argentea)

English common name

Crassula / Jade tree / Jade plant

French common name

Crassula / Plante Jade

Botanical family

  • Crassulaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Crassula requires very bright light, preferably full sun, as near a south- or west-facing window, for instance. It is best to allow it to rest in winter by giving it cooler temperatures because the combination of high temperatures and low light can cause the stems to get leggy and leaves to drop off. Temperatures must be kept above 7ºC and can even go as high as 30 ºC, but ideal temperatures are 21ºC in summer and 12 to 13ºC in winter. Crassula can be moved outside in summer into direct sunlight, after an acclimatization period. Do not place a saucer under the pot. This plant likes dry air.

Easy to grow?

Crassula is very easy to grow with proper watering.

Watering and fertilizer

Water regularly in summer, allowing the soil surface to dry out between waterings. In winter, if the plant is given cool temperatures, it is important to allow the soil to dry out thoroughly. Never leave water standing in the saucer. The aim with watering is to allow the plant to soak up water each time, while avoiding root rot. In general, the plant should be fed three or four times a year during the active growing period (March to October) with fertilizer high in potassium like 15-15-30, or a balanced plant food like 20-20-20, at half strength.

Pruning and maintenance

It can be pruned in spring after flowering to control the plant's growth.

Repotting

It is important to use a rich, light, well-drained mixture when repotting this plant. You can use cactus and succulent potting mixture or indoor plant soil mixed with coarse sand and perlite. Crassula likes to be pot-bound. Repot it in spring when the roots have completely filled the pot, usually every two or three years.

Propagation

By stem cuttings and leaf cuttings.

See also

Pests and diseases
  • Pseudococcus adonidum

    Scales (Indoor)

    The scale insect superfamily (Coccoidea) includes several genera of sucking insects capable of damaging indoor plants. Most of them are tropical, non-hardy species, but they adapt very well to our homes.

  • Thrips

    Thrips

    Over 5,000 species of thrips have been identified around the globe, hundreds of them in North America. Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) are the greenhouse species that cause the most damage in Quebec.

Physiological disorders
Symptoms Possible causes Solutions

Weak stems and plant growing toward the light source

Not enough light

Remove weakened parts Stake plant and move it into a brighter spot

Leggy stems and leaves drop off

Temperatures too high and not enough light

Lower temperatures and move the plant into a brighter spot

Leaves turn yellow and drop off

Cold drafts
Too much water
Not enough water

Protect plant from drafts Adjust watering

Base of plant turns dark and rotten

Too much water

Remove damaged parts and sprinkle powdered charcoal on diseased parts
Take cuttings if necessary

Roots rot and leaves drop off

Poorly drained soil or too frequent waterings

Replace potting soil and/or cut back on waterings