The Enchanting Jade Plant

With its branches reaching upwards, jade plants can add both elegance and interest to your home décor. These plants are easy to propogate and easy to grow, making them an ideal houseplant for just about anybody.

The jade plant has the scientific name of Crassula ovata. This succulent is also known as the friendship tree, the money plant, or the lucky plant. It can flower under the right conditions and is a popular plant for bonsai enthusiasts. The jade plant is native to South Africa. The leaves and stems are a beautiful, dark green color. As the plant matures, the stems become woody.

Jade plants are incredibly simple to propogate. Simply cut of a portion of the stem with a few leaves. Let set out for a few days until the ends scar over. When new roots begin to form, place the cutting into a pot with good drainage.

While jade plants are easy to care for, there are a few things to remember. Be sure and let them dry out between waterings, as over-watering can cause the leaves to drop off. During the winter months, they are dormant and require very little watering.

Jade plants will grow in full sun or light shade. However, if the plants are up against a window the leaves could be scorched.

Pruning the plants in the spring can help the plants from becoming top heavy. Feed the jade plant with a diluted fertilizer every three to four months in the spring and summer. Do not feed during the fall and winter months.

The jade plant is most likely to flower during the winter months, usually around Christmas. To encourage flowering, place the plant in a room which gets sunlight during the day, but does not receive any artificial light at night. The flowers are small, white or pink, and star like.