# Jade Plant (*Crassula ovata*)

The Jade Plant is a lucky plant that many people believe brings good fortune! It has thick, shiny leaves that look like little coins.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 3
- **Habitat:** Dry, rocky areas
- **Also known as:** Crassula (Jade), Friendship Tree, Lucky Plant, Money Tree

![Jade Plant](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426839/objects/5004.jpg)

## Appearance

The Jade Plant has thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that are deep green, often with reddish edges when exposed to sun. Its sturdy stems grow woody, creating a miniature tree-like look. Small, star-shaped white or pink flowers may appear in late winter.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Saxifragales
- **Family:** Crassulaceae
- **Genus:** Crassula

## Interesting facts

- If a Jade Plant gets too much sun, its green leaves can turn reddish-purple!
- In some cultures, it's called a 'Money Tree' and believed to bring good luck!
- Rubbing a Jade Plant leaf can leave a shiny, waxy residue on your fingers!
- Some Jade Plants can grow over 10 feet tall, becoming miniature trees!

## Special abilities

- **Water Hoarder:** Jade Plant can store lots of water in its thick leaves and stems, helping it survive long dry periods.
- **Night Breather:** Jade Plant has a special breathing method (CAM) to absorb CO2 at night, saving water in hot daytime conditions.
- **Clone King:** Jade Plant can sprout a new plant from a single fallen leaf or stem piece, making it incredibly easy to grow more.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 30-250 cm
- **Spread:** 30-150 cm
- **Flower Size:** 0.5-1 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Late winter to early spring
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** Mild
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — Collects nectar and pollen, aiding plant reproduction.
- **Eats:** Citrus mealybug (*Planococcus citri*) — Feeds on the plant's sap, potentially harming growth.
- **Parasitizes:** Fusarium wilt fungus (*Fusarium oxysporum*) — Causes root and stem rot, leading to plant decline or death.

## Traits

- [Evergreen](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/evergreen): Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
- [Succulent](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/succulent): Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
- [Gemstone](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/gemstone): A gemstone is a piece of mineral crystal which, when cut and polished, is used to make jewelry or other adornments.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Jade Plant?

Compare leaf arrangement, rosette shape, ribs, spines and flowers. Keep in mind that drought and strong sun can shift a plant's color and shape. Succulent Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Jade Plant?

30-250 cm

### How wide does Jade Plant spread?

30-150 cm

### How big are the flowers on Jade Plant?

0.5-1 cm

### When does Jade Plant bloom?

Late winter to early spring

### Is Jade Plant edible?

No

### Is Jade Plant toxic?

Mild

### What is Jade Plant's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Empire Mine State Historic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/empire-mine-state-historic-park) — California, US · State Park
- [Golden Hill](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/golden-hill) — California, US · Neighborhood
- [Botanischer Garten Kiel](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/botanischer-garten-kiel) — Schleswig-Holstein, DE · Park
- [Carlsbad State Beach](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/carlsbad-state-beach) — California, US · State Park
- [El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/el-presidio-de-santa-barbara-state-historic-park) — California, US · Historic Site
- [Booster Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/booster-park) — California, US · Park

[View all places to see Jade Plant](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/jade-plant)

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Jade Plant: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/jade-plant)