If you’re looking for a tough and beautiful houseplant, you can’t go wrong with a jade. Knowing the different types of jade plants helps you pick the perfect one for your space. These easy-to-grow succulent varieties are famous for their thick, glossy leaves and tree-like appearance. They thrive on a bit of neglect, making them ideal for both new and experienced plant lovers.
Jade plants, scientifically part of the Crassula genus, offer surprising diversity. From classic shapes to unique, curly forms, there’s a jade for every taste. They all share a love for bright light and well-draining soil. Let’s look at some of the best varieties you can grow at home.
Types of Jade Plants – Easy-to-Grow Succulent Varieties
This group includes the most common and accessible jades you’ll find. They are all resilient and share similar care needs, perfect for starting your collection.
Crassula ovata (The Classic Jade)
This is the standard jade plant most people picture. It has oval, shiny green leaves that often develop a red tint on the edges when given plenty of sunlight.
- Appearance: Thick, woody stems with dense, water-filled leaves. It can grow into a miniature tree.
- Growth: Slow but steady; can live for decades with proper care.
- Care Tip: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ (Hobbit Jade)
This fun variety has leaves that curl in on themselves, forming tube-like shapes. It’s named after the fictional characters from J.R.R. Tolkien’s books.
- Appearance: Leaves are fused, appearing like green spoons or trumpets. The tips often turn a lovely red.
- Growth: More compact and shrub-like than the classic jade.
- Care Tip: Prefers very bright light to maintain its compact shape and vibrant color.
Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ (Gollum Jade)
Similar to ‘Hobbit’, but with leaves that are more fully tubular with a suction-cup-like tip. It’s a real conversation starter.
- Appearance: Fingertip-like leaves that are mostly cylindrical. It can look quite sculptural.
- Growth: Can become tall and leggy if not given enough light.
- Care Tip: Rotate the pot regularly to ensure even growth, as it tends to lean toward the light source.
Crassula ovata ‘Tricolor’ (Jade Tricolor)
This stunning variety has leaves variegated with creamy white, green, and pink stripes. It’s a bit more sensitive than the all-green types.
- Appearance: Elegant, pastel-colored leaves. The pink edges become more pronounced with sun stress.
- Growth: Generally slower due to its variegation, which means less chlorophyll.
- Care Tip: Needs protection from intense afternoon sun to prevent scorching the delicate variegated parts.
Crassula arborescens (Silver Dollar Jade)
This is a close relative with larger, almost round, silvery-blue leaves. They often have red speckles around there edges.
- Appearance: Broader, flatter leaves than C. ovata, giving it a distinct look.
- Growth: Can become a large, impressive specimen over time.
- Care Tip: Even more drought-tolerant than the common jade. Be extra careful not to overwater.
How to Care for Your Jade Plants
All these easy-to-grow succulent varieties succed with a simple routine. Getting the basics right ensures they thrive for years.
Light Requirements
Jades love bright, indirect light. A south or west-facing window is ideal. They can tolerate some direct sun, which encourages sturdy growth and colorful leaf edges.
- Signs of too little light: Leggy growth, wider spaces between leaves, and a loss of vibrant color.
- Signs of too much sun: Leaves may scald, turning brown or white in patches.
Watering and Soil
This is the most critical part of jade plant care. They are built to store water in there leaves.
- Use a pot with a drainage hole. This is non-negotiable.
- Plant in a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix.
- Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. In winter, this may be only once a month.
- Always empty the saucer under the pot after watering.
Feeding and Repotting
Jades are not heavy feeders. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the spring and summer growing season. Do not feed in fall and winter.
Repot every 2-3 years in the spring if the plant has outgrown its pot. Choose a new pot only one size larger, as too much soil holds excess moisture.
Propagating Jade Plants is Simple
One of the joys of jades is how easy they are to share. You can grow new plants from just a single leaf or a stem cutting.
- Gently twist off a healthy leaf or cut a 3-4 inch stem. Let it dry (callus over) for a few days.
- Place the leaf on top of dry succulent soil or insert the stem cutting into the soil.
- Place in bright, indirect light and wait. Do not water until you see tiny new roots or growth, which can take several weeks.
- Once the new plant is established, begin a regular care routine.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even tough plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common jade plant problems.
- Dropping Leaves: Often caused by overwatering or a sudden change in environment. Check your watering schedule and ensure the plant isn’t in a draft.
- Soft, Mushy Leaves: A classic sign of overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and check for root rot.
- Wrinkled, Shrivelled Leaves: Usually means the plant is thirsty. Give it a good drink.
- Pests: Mealybugs and scale can sometimes appear. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
FAQ About Jade Plants
Are all jade plants easy to grow?
Most varieties in the Crassula ovata family are very easy. Some, like the variegated ‘Tricolor’, can be slightly more fussy about light but are still considerd low-maintenance.
How fast do these succulents grow?
Jade plants are generally slow growers. You might see a few inches of new growth per year under ideal conditions. Patience is key with these long-lived plants.
Can jade plants live outdoors?
Yes, but only in warm climates (USDA zones 10-11). They cannot tolerate frost. In summer, many people move their jades outside to a patio with some protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Do jade plants flower?
Mature plants can produce clusters of small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in winter. They need a period of cooler, dry conditions in the fall to trigger blooming, which is rare indoors.
What’s the best pot for a jade plant?
A heavy, shallow pot with good drainage is perfect. Jades have a shallow root system and a top-heavy growth habit, so a heavy pot (like terra cotta) prevents tipping over.
Choosing from the many types of jade plants is a fun way to add character to your home. These easy-to-grow succulent varieties reward simple care with years of beauty. Whether you choose the classic form or a quirky ‘Gollum’, you’ll have a resilient companion that grows alongside you. Remember, the golden rule is always when in doubt, wait to water. Your jade will thank you for it.