succulent
DecorativeJade Plant
Crassula ovata
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
A sunny south-facing window with 6+ hours, or a grow light.
Let the soil dry out between waterings; it dislikes staying wet.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
The jade plant is a long-lived, tree-like succulent that stores water in its plump leaves and needs little fuss. It is toxic to pets if chewed.
About Jade Plant
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a slow, tree-like succulent with plump oval leaves on woody branches. It comes from the dry regions of South Africa, where its fleshy leaves store water through long dry spells. Indoors it grows into a small bushy specimen over years, anywhere from a third of a metre to a metre tall, and it lives a long time with little input. Its small size early on and tolerance of neglect make it an easy companion in a rental.
Water only when the soil is dry, since it rots quickly if kept wet, and plant it in a free-draining succulent mix. Bright light keeps it compact and can blush the leaf edges red, while dim light makes it stretch. Beyond that it asks for almost nothing. The jade plant is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it where pets can't reach the leaves.
What it’s like to grow
A patient, long-lived plant that mainly suffers from kindness. Shriveled or dropped leaves usually mean it's been overwatered and the roots are rotting, so cut back and let it dry. Stretched, leggy growth with gaps between leaves means it wants brighter light. One for people who like the idea of growing a plant slowly over years with minimal fuss. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of animals that chew.
What to expect
It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Jade Plant →
Tips
- Water only when the soil is dry; it rots easily if kept wet.
- Give it bright light to keep it compact and the leaf edges blushing red.
- Use a free-draining succulent mix.
Common problems
- Dropped or shriveled leaves from overwatering and rot.
- Stretched, leggy growth in low light.
Common questions
Is Jade Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Jade Plant is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Jade Plant need?
Jade Plant wants bright light — a south-facing window with six or more hours of sun, or a grow light to make up for it.
How often should I water Jade Plant?
Water Jade Plant sparingly. Let the soil dry out fully between waterings — it's far more likely to rot from overwatering than to suffer from neglect.
What temperature does Jade Plant need?
Jade Plant is happiest around 18–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 7 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Can I grow Jade Plant without a sunny window?
Yes. Jade Plant does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Jade Plant get?
A bushy, branching succulent with thick oval leaves; reaches 0.3–1 m indoors over years.
How do I propagate Jade Plant?
Let a leaf or stem cutting callus a few days, then set it on dry mix to root.
What pests affect Jade Plant?
Watch for mealybugs, spider mites and scale. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Jade Plant easy to grow?
Yes. Jade Plant is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Jade Plant
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: JLPC, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.