Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata)
The Crassula ovata is one of the best known succulents in the world. Its fleshy leaves and tree bearing, in addition to its resistance to drought, make it a very beloved species both among beginners and among those who have more experience in the cultivation of this type of plants.
However, we must know that, although it does not usually give us any problems, there are a number of things that we have to take into account in order to enjoy it to the fullest . If you want to know what they are, we invite you to continue reading
Our protagonist is a perennifolia plant native to South Africa known as a jade tree. It reaches a height of 1-2 meters, and is formed by a trunk about 10cm thick as a maximum that has a very branched crown. The leaves are thick and fleshy, often with red margins. In autumn and winter sprout small clusters of white flowers.
It is a plant that, despite its size, can be cultivated in a pot throughout its life, since its rate of growth is rather slow. But let’s see how to do it correctly.
Jade Plant (Crassula Ovata) Care
If you want or have thought about getting a specimen, we recommend providing the following care:
Location
Outside, in full sun or in semi-shade . It can also be taken indoors if it is placed in a room where there is plenty of natural light.
Substrate
You can mix universal culture substrate with pearlite in equal parts . In case you can not get this one, you can use washed river sand, arlite or similar.
Irrigation
Rather scarce . During the summer it must be watered twice a week, while the rest of the year will be enough to irrigate every 10-15 days. If you have a dish under it, you have to remove the water that is about ten minutes after you have watered it.
Fertilizer
During the spring and summer it must be fertilized with a liquid fertilizer for cactus and succulents following the indications specified in the package of the product.
Transplant
Every two years, in spring . Use a pot that is about 3cm wider than the previous one.
Propagation
The Crassula ovata can be multiplied by seeds or cuttings in spring or summer. Let us know how to proceed in each case:
Seeds
- The first thing to do is prepare the seedbed . As such we can use pots, milk containers, yogurt cups, … what we prefer. Once chosen, we make sure that it has holes for water drainage (if it does not have them, we will make two or three with the tip of a pair of scissors or a knife) and fill it with universal culture substrate.
- Then we spread the seeds on the substrate , putting them as far apart as we can.
- Then, we cover them with a very thin layer of substrate and water.
- Finally, we place the seedling on the outside , in semi-shade.
They will germinate in 15-30 days .
Cuttings
The fastest way to get a new specimen is by multiplying it with stem or leaf cuttings.
- Stem cuttings: you just have to cut a branch that interests us, let the wound dry for a week and plant it in a pot. In fifteen days it will begin to issue roots.
- Leaf cuttings : fill a pot with substrate and place the sheet on top, without almost covering it. In a week it will begin to take root.
Pests
Although it is very resistant, it can be affected by the following pests:
- Red spider : although it is infrequent, this red mite can feed on the leaves. We can know that he is present when we see the web that he produces. It is eliminated with acaricides.
- Mealybugs : can be algonodos or limpets. In any case, they can be removed with a brush moistened in pharmacy alcohol or with diatomaceous earth whose recommended dose is 30 grams per liter of water.
problems
- Black spots on the leaves : excess moisture + cold. Decrease the frequency of waterings and protect from low temperatures.
- Leaf fall (without yellowing) : lack of water. You have to water more.
- Fall of yellow leaves : excess water. The frequency of irrigation must be reduced.
- It does not bloom : it may be because it is too young or because it lacks fertilizer. In any case, it must be paid from spring to summer.
- It does not grow : lack of space. It must be transplanted every two years.
Resilience and Resistance
Withstands light frosts up to -2ºC .
What is Crassula ovata used for ?
This is a plant whose ornamental value is very high. It is very beautiful in any corner , whether in the patio, the terrace, … and you can even have it in the garden if you live in an area where strong frosts do not occur. There is even that it has in a bonsai tray, although I have to clarify that it is very difficult to grow it as a bonsai.
Where can you buy It?
In any nursery and gardening shop . It is very easy to find and its price is very low: a 5.5cm potted plant can easily cost you 1 euro or less.
What do you think of this plant now? Please let us know in the comments section.
I am Don Burke, one of the authors at My Garden Guide. I am a horticulturist that cultivates, grows, and cares for plants, ranging from shrubs and fruits to flowers. I do it in my own garden and in my nursery. I show you how to take care of your garden and how to perform garden landscaping in an easy way, step by step.I am originally from Sydney and I wrote in local magazines. Later on, I have decided, more than two decades ago, to create my own blog. My area of specialization is related to orchid care, succulent care, and the study of the substrate and the soil. Therefore, you will see many articles dedicated to these disciplines. I also provide advice about how to improve the landscape design of your garden.
