Information on Green Jade Plants
- The jade plant originated in southern Africa, hence its preference for warm, dry environments. Its Latin name is Crassula (krass-yoo-LAY-see-ee) ovata (oh-VAY-tuh), with "crassula" meaning thick or fat and "ovata," which means egg-shaped, referring to the shape of the leaves. The leaves, about 1 to 3 1/2 inches long and 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches wide, tend to cluster on the outer part of the branches. In the wild, the green jade plant grows into an evergreen shrub up to 6 feet tall. Its short, thick branches on a gnarly brown trunk make even young plants look old.
- The jade plant is a succulent and does best when allowed to dry out before watering. During periods of active growth, they should only dry out slightly. In the dormant winter months, watering should be limited and the plants should be on the dry side most of the time. Pant jade in rocky, well-drained soil and don't allow them to stand in water.
- The jade plant needs daytime temperatures of between 65 and 75 degrees F and nighttime temperatures of between 50 and 55 degrees F. Jade plants do best if in full sun for at least four hours a day.