How to Care for Crassula ovata (Jade plant)
Korean name: 돈나무 (옥수)
The thick oval leaves resemble coins, which is why it is called the money tree. It grows more like a tree as it ages and is said to bring good luck.
Key facts
- Category: Succulent
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Difficulty: Easy
- Where to keep: indoors or outdoors
- Native to: South Africa
- Growth rate: Slow
- Pets: Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.
- Traits: Succulent, Good Luck, Long-Lived Plant, Feng Shui
- Also known as: Jade plant, Lucky plant
Care Guide
- Light: Bright direct light to indirect light
- Watering: Water when the soil is completely dry. Less than once a month in winter.
- Soil: Cactus and succulent soil
- Humidity: Prefers low humidity
- Temperature: 10~25°C
- Fertilizer: Once every two months in spring and summer
Detailed care guide
Jade plant is a succulent known for its thick, round leaves, and it's said to bring good luck.
Watering
Water only once the soil has fully dried out. In winter, cut watering back significantly, to once a month or less. Overwatering can turn the leaves yellow or mushy, so be careful.
Light
It grows well in bright direct sun or indirect light. If light is lacking, the stems can grow leggy or the leaves may droop, so keep it as bright as possible.
Humidity
Jade plant likes low humidity. If humidity gets too high, make sure there's good airflow — too much moisture isn't good for it.
Temperature
It grows healthy at 10–25°C. Growth can slow down when it's too hot or too cold, so pay attention to indoor temperature.
A common first-timer mistake
The most frequent mistake is watering too often. Watering only once the soil has fully dried out prevents leaves from turning mushy or yellow.
If you have pets
Jade plant is toxic to pets. Keep it out of reach so dogs or cats can't chew on the leaves or stems, and contact a vet right away if you suspect your pet has eaten any part of it.
Through the Seasons
Growth is vigorous in spring and summer. During this period, feed it every two months and let it get plenty of sun in a bright spot. In fall and winter, growth slows, so give it little to no water or fertilizer, and keep the temperature above 10°C.
Common Problems and Fixes
Yellow or mushy leaves suggest overwatering — space out your watering. When light is lacking, the stems can stretch out or leaves can grow sparse, so move it somewhere brighter. If the leaf tips dry out, check whether it's been getting enough water or whether the indoor air is too dry.
Repotting and Propagation
Repot once the roots grow large enough to emerge from the pot. A cactus/succulent soil mix helps the roots settle in healthy when repotting. It propagates easily from leaf or stem cuttings.
Who It's Good For
Because it doesn't need frequent watering, it suits anyone who doesn't have much time to fuss over a plant. It's especially easy to care for if your home is sunny or bright indoors. It's a great pick for first-time growers or anyone looking for a plant that symbolizes good fortune.
Written by AI from the care facts in this entry. Treat it as a starting point.
Common questions
How often should you water Crassula ovata?
Water when the soil is completely dry. Less than once a month in winter. Roughly every 14 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.
Where should you keep Crassula ovata?
It likes Bright direct light to indirect light. You can grow it indoors or outdoors. Use Cactus and succulent soil.
Is Crassula ovata safe around pets?
Toxic, so keep it well away from pets and children.
Is Crassula ovata good for beginners?
Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around 10~25°C. Humidity: Prefers low humidity. Fertilise Once every two months in spring and summer.