Crassula Argentea
Jade Plant
Crassulaceae
This plant comes from South Africa... it has thick succulent glossy green leaves tinged with red on thick stems. It is a long lived plant that can become quite large. It may bloom under the right conditions.
Moisture - allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings... most often it is killed by overwatering or poorly drained soil... if overwatered it will take on a weeping form
Light - bright direct light is best
Temperature - cool to hot
Fertilize - 3 times during the summer with a 10-10-10 solution
Pests - keep an eye out mealybugs, scales & stem rot
Repotting - use a mix for cactus or a well drained average potting soil... it is seldom necessary to repot because of the small root system... always pot it in a clay pot for both weight and for good air movement
Propagation - the branches send out aerial roots and may bend and root where they touch the soil... simply cut off the branch and plant it ... or start new plants from leaf cuttings.... allow the leaf cutting to dry for a few days then put it in a well draining mix and water very sparingly until it roots
Tips - prune to keep symmetrical... pinch leaves off leaving only leaves at the top for a nice open look or for a shrubby look try rooting new plants around the base of the plant