Project Description
Crassula ovata
Classic Jade, Money Tree
Crassula ovata is one of the most easily recognized succulents, and is perfect for beginners. It has dark green oval leaves that can turn red along the edges when “happily stressed.” This succulent grows well indoors, and is easily propagated.
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Quick Look:
Full sun to partial shade
Can be grown indoors if given enough light
Typical water needs for a succulent
Plant grows up to 36″ (91 cm) tall
Plant grows up to 24″ (61 cm) wide
Zone 9a (Minimum 20° F | -6.7° C)
Not cold hardy
Propagation by stem cuttings and leaves
Can be toxic to humans and animals
Actively grows in Spring and Fall
Also available from Etsy.
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Care and Propagation Information
General Care for Crassula ovata “Money Tree”
Crassula ovata is a great succulent for indoor growers. Although it can grow large (in some collections it can grow up to 9′ (2.75 m), it does well in homes and offices. The best color will show through when it receives full sun.
“Money Tree” is deer resistant, making it a great addition to your garden.
Watering
“Money Tree” has typical watering needs for a succulent. It’s best to use the “soak and dry” method, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Where to Plant
Crassula ovata is not cold hardy, so if you live in a zone that gets colder than 20° F (-6.7° C), it’s best to plant this succulent in a container that can be brought indoors. It does well in full to partial sun.
Pairs Well With
How to Propagate Crassula ovata “Money Tree”
Crassula ovata “Money Tree” can be propagated from stem cuttings or leaves, although you may experience the best success with stem cuttings.
Cuttings
To grow “Money Tree” from cuttings, use a sterile, sharp knife or pair of scissors. Remove a stem from the main plant, and allow it to callous for several days before placing on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Leaves
To propagate Crassula ovata from leaves, twist a leaf from the mother plant. Be sure that none of the leaf remains on the stem, or you will have a smaller chance of success.
Allow the leaf to dry out for several days so that the end callouses over, and then place on well-draining soil. Water whenever the soil is completely dry.
Uses
Crassula ovata is a great succulent for bonsai. In Feng Shui, “Money Tree” brings good energy, money, and luck.
Commonly Asked Questions
Question
I have several Jade plants. One has black spots on some of the leaves, is this a fungus? If so what is best to rid the black spots? A month ago I brought them inside. I cleaned leaves and sprayed with alcohol because of spider mites. Everything is else is going good.
Answer
Black spots are generally caused by over-watering, sunburn, or sometimes bugs. The spots won’t go away. Once a succulent leaf is damaged or scarred, the only way to hide the spot is to remove the leaves with spots. If the black spots are dry, it’s most likely caused by sunburn. You can remove the individual leaves, but it’s great that you’ve brought the plants inside. They’ll still need sunlight, but make sure that they’re not getting too exposed.
If the spots are mushy, it’s probably from over-watering. You can remove the leaves with spots on them and then repot the plant in dry soil. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again. You should be able to adopt a watering schedule that should help keep it healthy. Watering is something I cover extensively in my course which you can learn more about here.
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