Crassula ovata 'Sunset' - Tricolour Jade

This Jade Plant gets its variety name from the colouring which touches the tips of each leaf. The mid-green foliage is complemented by the shades of sunset amber and red, which grow more pronounced when exposed to direct sunlight. As the plant grows from cutting to shrub, its stem will become wooded and that sunset colouring will be even more effective. When it's had plenty of light to sustain the colour, the Sunset Jade Plant will give the impression that it is just catching the light at the end of the day. Give this plant a nice bright windowsill and enjoy its colourful show as it grows.

Scientific Name
Crassula ovata ‘Sunset’ (thick-leaved plant with egg-shaped leaves, cultivar: sunset)

Synonyms: Toelkenia ovata, Cotyledon lutea, Cotyledon ovata, Crassula argentea, Crassula articulata, Crassula lucens, Crassula nitida, Crassula obliqua, Crassula portulacea

Originally described as Cotyledon ovata in 1768, this plant was identified as part of the Crassula genus in a 1917 paper, which classified it as Crassula ovata.

Common Name(s)
Jade Plant, Money Tree, Sunset Jade Plant, Sunset Crassula

Origin
Southern Africa, (arid areas, especially KwaZulu-Natal and the Cape Provinces of South Africa, and Mozambique)

Light
This plant's outstanding colouring is best in a nice, bright window. Choose south- or west-facing for best results here. Just keep an eye on it at the height of summer, when midday sun poses a risk of scorching the leaves.

Water
Let the soil totally dry between waters. When you do water, it'll need a good drench, but in between make sure it totally dries. If the soil is constantly moist, this will cause more issues for the plant than missing a water every so often will.

Humidity
Thrives in low-humidity environments. Make sure you aren't keeping it anywhere especially damp.

Soil
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, or one with added grit, sand or perlite. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Repot every 2-3 years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every two months in the growing season, reduce to every three in autumn and winter. A diluted houseplant or cactus & succulent feed will work well.

Temperature
Your Crassula's ideal temperature is 15-26°C; make sure it does not get colder than 12°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic if ingested, so it's best to keep out of reach of curious fingers and claws.

Sprouts Top Tips
Giving this plant the right amount of light will help keep its variegation stable and may also give you an extra touch of colour. Look out for brown spots on the leaf, though, which can be a sign of sunburn.

Did You Know?
This plant is sometimes called the 'Money Tree' thanks to its reputation for bringing luck to whoever owns it.