Houseplant Guide: Jade Plant (also known as Crassula ovata)
The jade plant, a popular houseplant known for its striking appearance and easy maintenance, comes in a variety of cultivars, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the most common ones:
Crassula ovata 'Gandalf'
This cultivar boasts long, tubular green leaves that flare open at the tips like trumpets. In bright light, it often develops rich red highlights, giving it a whimsical, wizardly appearance. It grows upright into thick, woody stems, making it suitable for bonsai or succulent displays. 'Gandalf' is slow-growing and drought tolerant.
Crassula ovata 'ET's Fingers'
'ET's Fingers' is a monstrose sport with long, tubular leaves ending in round, suction cup-like tips that turn red in direct sun. It tolerates low-light conditions indoors and can be bonsai-pruned. It stays small indoors but can grow as a shrub outdoors in warm climates (zone 9+).
Crassula ovata 'Sunset Yellow Jade'
Distinguished by bright yellow leaves with striking coloration, 'Sunset Yellow Jade' adds vibrant color to collections.
Crassula ovata 'Crosby's Compact'
A dwarf form of the classic jade, 'Crosby's Compact' has smaller, tightly packed leaves and a bushier, compact appearance ideal for small spaces such as work desks and bedside tables. It promotes a neat, tidy look and grounding energy.
Crassula ovata 'Gollum' and 'Hobbit'
These cultivars are known for their tubular, finger-like leaves reminiscent of the characters' names, often with reddish tips.
Crassula ovata 'Tricolor'
'Tricolor' has variegated foliage with multiple colors, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
In addition to these cultivars, the common jade plant is characterised by thick, round, smooth jade-green leaves that sometimes develop red edges under strong light, woody stems, and may produce small white or pink star-shaped flowers in winter. Jade plants are drought tolerant and require well-draining soil and bright light for best appearance.
Jade plants can be grown in cactus/succulent soil or ordinary potting soil mixed with perlite or sand for extra drainage. However, it's important to note that jade plants are not reliable bloomers indoors.
When it comes to care, jade plants require little maintenance. They prefer a consistent temperature between 60° to 75°F, and should be kept away from heaters or air conditioners. When repotting a jade plant, loosen the roots and pot it in a container that is an inch or so bigger than the former pot. The jade plant should be repotted into a slightly larger pot when roots protrude from the container's drain holes.
The jade plant can live for a century or more, making it a long-term addition to your home. The best location for an indoor jade plant is on the sill of a south-facing or west-facing window. However, an outdoor jade plant can grow happily in a full-sun location, but an indoor jade plant prefers dappled sunlight or bright, indirect sunlight.
It's important to note that jade plants are toxic to dogs and cats. They do not require regular fertilization, but can be fertilized with a balanced liquid fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Overwatering a jade plant can lead to deadly root rot, and the soil in the jade plant container should be dry before watering again.
To propagate a jade plant, let the cut section callous off for a few days, then place it in a tray of moist soil or a small pot with the bottom inch of the stem buried. Jade plants come in several cultivars, such as 'Variegata', 'Compact', 'Sunset', and 'Hobbit'.
In conclusion, the jade plant offers a variety of cultivars to suit different tastes and spaces. Whether you're looking for a compact, colorful variety or a sculptural, bonsai-suitable form, there's a jade plant for you. With their easy care requirements and long lifespan, these plants make excellent additions to any home.
This jade plant, grown for its unique assortment of cultivars, brings versatility to home-and-garden and lifestyle, catering to diverse preferences with each distinct variation. Within a collection, 'Gandalf', 'ET's Fingers', 'Sunset Yellow Jade', and 'Crosby's Compact' stand out, showcasing different foliage colors and shapes that brighten up indoor spaces. Additionally, the bonsai-suitable 'Gollum' and 'Hobbit', along with the variegated 'Tricolor', add intrigue to gardening pursuits, offering a captivating fusion of home decor and horticulture.
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