Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Succulents
Indigenous | Easy Care | Succulents
Crassulas are a big family of South African succulents, and the ones you will find at the nursery range from the popular jade plant (Crassula ovata, with its thick trunk and glossy green coin-shaped leaves) to the silver-green curly forms of arborescens, the spiralling rosettes of spiralis, and the delicate fragillis.
All share the same easy-going nature: thick, water-storing leaves, minimal water needs, and a tolerance for poor soil, heat, wind and neglect. The jade plant in particular is a long-lived, handsome container or garden plant that can grow into a substantial shrub over many years. They produce clusters of small, starry flowers (usually pink or white) that attract insects.
Ovata and arborescens: up to 1.5 m as mature garden plants. Spiralis and fragillis: 15 to 30 cm.
Slow to moderate. Jade plants are long-lived and slow to reach full size.
Container, rockery, succulent garden, windowsill (smaller types), garden feature (jade plant), low border. Jade plants make excellent long-term container specimens.
Full sun to semi-shade. They colour up best in sun and tend to stretch in too much shade.
Very well-drained. Sandy, gritty soil or a cactus and succulent mix. They do not need rich soil and rot in heavy, wet conditions.
Low. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. In winter, water very little. Overwatering is the main risk.
A light feed once or twice a year in spring and summer is plenty. Do not overfeed.
Minimal. Shape jade plants by pinching or pruning to encourage branching. Remove any dead or damaged growth.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
