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Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is the houseplant most people inherit, kill once with overwatering, then succeed with on the second try. It's a South African succulent that wants bright light, dry-ish soil, and to be left alone — but it's also toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA. And it's not a "money tree" — that's a different plant entirely.
What it is
The accepted scientific name is Crassula ovata (Mill.) Druce per Kew POWO. You'll see the old name Crassula argentea on older labels — that's a synonym. Family: Crassulaceae.
Native range per Kew POWO is southeast Mozambique to the southeastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. It's a succulent subshrub or small shrub from the subtropical biome — dry, bright, seasonal habitat.
Light
Bright light with some afternoon shade. NC State recommends a sunny indoor location with afternoon shade protection. Clemson HGIC is more specific: "jades prefer the full sun or bright filtered light of a south-facing window. Jade plants do best where they get four or more hours a day of direct sunlight."
If your jade is stretching with long internodes between leaves, the light is too low. If the leaves are getting yellowish or scorched edges, it's too much direct hot sun. The cultivars with red-edged leaves ('California Red Tip', 'Hummel's Sunset') only develop the red color in genuinely bright light — in low light they revert to plain green.
Watering
Water when the soil is dry; reduce in fall and winter. NC State: "Water in moderation when the soil is dry and reduce watering from fall to late winter."
Clemson HGIC flags an important nuance that most "succulents need almost no water" guides miss: "Although the succulent look of jade plants may cause you to believe that they need very little water, drought can cause dwarfing, foliage spotting, leaf drop, and death." Soil should be kept moist (not wet) during active spring/summer growth, then dried between waterings in winter.
Translation: don't water on a calendar, but don't ignore the plant either. The fleshy leaves store water, but the rest of the plant still needs it.
Humidity
Low humidity is fine. MBG confirms jade thrives in relatively low humidity. No humidifier, no pebble tray, no misting. Dry indoor winter air is exactly what this plant wants.
Soil
Very well-drained mix. NC State recommends well-drained potting soil with a lot of loam. Clemson HGIC recommends a commercial cactus mix amended with some organic matter, or one part sterilized organic soil + one part sphagnum peat moss + three parts coarse sand.
A standard cactus or succulent mix off the shelf is fine. Clemson HGIC notes that "Jades need a very well-drained soil mix to prevent root rot" — the soil drainage matters more than the exact composition.
Temperature
Clemson HGIC is specific: daytime 65–75°F, nighttime 50–55°F. The plant appreciates a cool winter night dip. Keep foliage from touching cold windowpanes in winter. NC State lists USDA Hardiness Zones 11a–12b; the plant is not frost hardy.
Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA's Jade Plant entry. The toxic principle is listed as "unknown" — the specific chemical hasn't been definitively identified. Clinical signs include vomiting, depression, and incoordination.
Place out of reach of pets that chew. The plant is bitter enough that most pets won't eat large amounts, but the symptoms are real if they do.
Common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf drop, soft stem base, mushy roots | Root rot from overwatering per NC State | Repot in dry cactus mix; trim rotten roots; let the mix dry before watering |
| Wrinkled leaves, leaf drop, dwarfed growth | Drought stress per Clemson HGIC | Water thoroughly; resume regular schedule |
| Stretching/leggy growth, long bare stems | Light too low | Move to a south window with 4+ hours of direct sun, per Clemson HGIC |
| White cottony masses in leaf axils | Mealybugs — most common jade pest per Clemson HGIC | Wipe with alcohol-dipped cotton swab. Do NOT use insecticidal soap on jade — it damages the plant |
| Stippling, dusty appearance | Spider mites per Clemson HGIC | Wipe leaves; increase humidity slightly; isolate from other plants. See spider mites |
The insecticidal soap warning is unusual and worth highlighting — for most houseplants, insecticidal soap is the first-line treatment. For jade, it causes leaf damage. Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab instead.
Cultivars
Per Clemson HGIC, the common cultivars you'll see in shops:
| Cultivar | Description |
|---|---|
| Standard C. ovata | Stout brown trunk, glossy green oval leaves, white star flowers (rare indoors) |
| 'Sunset' / Golden Jade Tree | Leaves edged in gold in bright light |
| 'Hobbit' | Slow-growing, tubular pipe-shaped leaves with reddish tips; grows to about 3 feet, per Clemson HGIC |
| 'California Red Tip' / Red Jade Tree | Purplish-red edged leaves in bright light or full sun |
| 'Tricolor' | Creamy white- and rose-striped pointed leaves |
Crassula arborescens (Silver Jade) — blue-gray leaves with red margins — is a related but different species, not a cultivar of C. ovata.
Propagation
Jade is one of the easiest plants to propagate. Pull a healthy leaf off (gently — keep the base intact) and lay it on top of dry potting mix. Roots emerge from the base, then a tiny plantlet grows from the leaf. The original leaf gradually withers as the new plant grows.
Stem cuttings work the same way — let the cut end callus over before potting, then keep the soil barely moist until roots establish.
For other succulents, see how to propagate succulents.
What gets misreported
The "money tree" label is the biggest misreport on this plant. Crassula ovata is sold as "money plant," "money tree," "friendship tree," and "lucky plant" across retail. The actual money tree is Pachira aquatica (family Malvaceae) — a different genus, family, and growth form entirely, native from Mexico to southern tropical America per Kew POWO. P. aquatica has a braided trunk and palmate leaves; C. ovata is a South African succulent with fleshy oval leaves. Different plants with overlapping common names.
"Money plant" is also used for Lunaria annua (silver dollar plant) and sometimes for Epipremnum aureum (pothos). The scientific name is the only reliable way to know which plant a guide is talking about.