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Variegated Jade Plant Crassula ovata 'Variegata'

Previously known as:

  • Crassula argentea 'Variegata'
Phonetic Spelling
KRASS-oo-la oh-VAY-tuh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

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.   

More information on Crassula ovata.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#shrub#succulent#pink flowers#fleshy leaves#broadleaf evergreen#interiorscape#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#hsc#hsc-s#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#houseplant#drought tolerant#shrub#succulent#pink flowers#fleshy leaves#broadleaf evergreen#interiorscape#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#tropical feel#container plant#hsc#hsc-s#perennial
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Succulent
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Insignificant
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Pollinated flowers produce a small capsule filled with seed.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Vomiting, depression, incoordination
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Unknown
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No