Crassula ovata 'Variegata'
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Crassula argentea 'Variegata'
- Phonetic Spelling
- KRASS-oo-la oh-VAY-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Variegated jade plant is a subtropical, broadleaf evergreen, multi-stemmed, erect, succulent, perennial shrub in the Crassulaceae (stonecrop) family that is native to South Africa and grown as a houseplant in North Carolina. The species name ovata means egg-shaped, referring to the thick, fleshy leaves.
Jade plant has a small root system and therefore does not need a large pot. It does require a well-drained, loamy potting soil and an indoor location that receives bright light and average to cool temperatures. It is intolerant of humidity so be careful not to overwater. The plant can develop root rot in poorly drained soil. Propagation is easily achieved by leaf or stem cutting.
As noted above, the jade plant is best suited to being container grown for indoor landscapes. Though it does not usually bloom in home environments, this cultivar’s green and white variegated leaves offer ornamental value. Given ideal conditions, the jade plant can grow 1 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaves are oval, succulent, and entire
- Leaves are green with white variegation
- Stems are branched and thick with prominent stipular scars
- Leaves have scattered sunken stomata
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Jade plant is problematic to cats and dogs.
VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Crassula
- Species:
- ovata
- Family:
- Crassulaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Leaf Cutting
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South Africa
- Dimensions:
- Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Very Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Insignificant
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- Pollinated flowers produce a small capsule filled with seed.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Colored Sepals
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- This plant rarely blooms as a houseplant but can form a 2-3 branched terminal cyme with abundant white flowers tinged with pink. They have 4-5 petals that are fused at the base and purple anthers. Flower buds have pink sepals.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Variegated
- White
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Glossy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Leaf Shape:
- Cuneate
- Obovate
- Obtuse
- Orbicular
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The 1 to 3½ inches long and ¾ to 1½ inches wide oval leaves are thick, fleshy, and shiny. They are variegated with a mix of green and white patches. The leaves have scattered sunken stomata, no stem, and tend to be clustered at the ends of the branches.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Peeling
- Bark Description:
- The bark is woody, peeling with distinct rings called stipular scars.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Red/Burgundy
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Round
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- Branched, fleshy, and thick with distinct rings around the stem. New growth is green or reddish-brown while older growth has a more grey color. Stays a similar diameter the entire length of the stem.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
