Crassula ovata 'Variegata' - Variegated Jade Plant

The Jade Plant is known for bringing luck, and this variety is no different! Its beautiful, striped leaves are oval-shaped, extending outwards from the stem and growing in pairs either side of the stem. This cultivar's leaves are a mid-green striped with cream variegation. In summer, you might also see a pink tint to the edges of the leaves, adding a little extra colour to your succulent display. Low-maintenance, needing little water and just a bit of direct sun, this plant is an easygoing addition to your houseplant collection.

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

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)
Variegated Jade Plant, Variegated Money Tree, Variegated Friendship Tree

Origin
This plant is native to southern Africa, especially the Cape Provinces and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, and Mozambique

Light
Your Crassula likes a bit of sun, but can scorch in harsh midday sun. The best placement for it would be an east- or west-facing windowsill, or a little away from a south-facing window. If it's getting plenty of light in summer, you might spot a pink tint on the edges of the leaves, and the variegation will be more stable in a brighter spot. If new leaves are coming through with less white on them, your plant could probably do with more light.

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
This plant is adapted to dry conditions. Don't keep it anywhere damp, like a bathroom, as it could struggle.

Soil
Use a mix designed for cacti and succulents for best results; if you're mixing one yourself, adding sand, grit and perlite will help give your plant good enough drainage. Repot every 2-3 years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed every couple of months in the spring/summer growing season. A diluted houseplant or cactus & succulent feed will work well. Feeding over winter is not necessary as the plant will be growing much less.

Temperature
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.