Care of the succulent plant Crassula arborescens or Silver jade plant |
The genus Crassula, family Crassulaceae, includes 600 species of succulent plants native to southern Africa. Some species are: Crassula arborescens, Crassula ovata, Crassula tetragona, Crassula arta, Crassula multicava, Crassula radicans, Crassula Coralita, Crassula picturata, Crassula corymbulosa, Crassula perforata, Crassula capitella, Crassula falcata, Crassula marnierana, Crassula muscosa, Crassula Buddha's Temple (cultivar). Common names: Silver jade plant, Silver dollar plant, Beestebul, Chinese jade, Money plant. This species is native to KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, South Africa. They are succulent plants with a shrubby habit that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The fleshy leaves are green-gray with reddish tips and are rounded. The flowers appear in terminal panicles and are first white and then reddish. Silver jade plant is ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and potted patios and terraces. Crassula arborescens prefers a semi-shade exposure; it does not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The ideal soil may be a mixture of 50% leaf mulch and 50% coarse sand. Water moderately in summer and very lightly in winter. Silver dollar plant does not need fertilizers or pruning. Crassula arborescens is resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. Chinese jade propagates by stem or leaf cuttings in summer or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the succulent plant Crassula arborescens or Silver jade plant |