At a glance
- ☀ Light
- Bright direct
- 💧 Water
- Bi-weekly
- 🛠 Maintenance
- Easy
- 🌱 Difficulty
- Easy
Succulents & Cacti
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
A long-lived succulent, often passed down generations.
Care level: Easy
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a symbol of prosperity and one of the easiest succulents to grow. Native to South Africa, it can live for decades and grow into a small tree.
Light
Bright light with at least 4 hours of direct sun. South or west-facing window ideal.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Less in winter. The leaves will go slightly soft and wrinkled when thirsty — a useful indicator.
Where it thrives
Office desks, sunny windowsills, and outdoor patios in mild weather. Makes a beautiful bonsai-style specimen with age.
Care schedule
- Water sparingly. Use cactus mix for fast drainage.
- Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep their waxy shine.
Common issues
- Wrinkled, soft leaves: Underwatering OR overwatering (counterintuitively). Check the soil.
- Red leaf edges: Plenty of sun — a desirable stress colour.
Pro tips
- Propagate easily from leaf or stem cuttings — let them callus for 2 days before planting in dry soil.