30 Types of Jade Plants (Crassula) to Grow Yourself (2024)

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Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

The most popular and widely available jade plant is the Crassula ovata. According to Feng Shui, it is believed to bring fortune and good luck into your home which has earned it a few common nicknames such as money plant, dollar plant, and lucky plant. It's characterized by medium green oval leaves and a shrub-like growth habit. Under bright light conditions, its leaves will develop a red tinge around the edges.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
• Mature Size: 3 to 6 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Variegated Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’)

The variegated jade plant (Crassula ovata 'Variegata') is one of the most popular Crassula ovata cultivators. It can be identified by its light green, white, yellow, and sometimes pink multi-colored foliage. Like most variegated plants, it requires consistent bright, indirect light to maintain its stunning colors.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 1 to 4 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Crosby’s Compact Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’)

Also known as the Crosby's red jade or Crosby's dwarf jade, the Crosby's compact jade (Crassula ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’) is a dwarf cultivator of the standard Crassula ovata. It is characterized by small leaves that are more rounded than the Crassula ovata, and a compact growth habit. When exposed to direct sunlight, the Crosby's compact jade leaves will turn bright shades of red, yellow, and orange.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 3 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Pink Beauty Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Pink Beauty’)

While most Crassula ovata varieties have white flowers, the pink beauty jade is grown for its stunning pink blooms. It has relatively small leaves that are tinged with red around the tips (particularly in direct sun conditions) and grows to be between three to five feet tall. Its pink flowers can be observed during the fall and winter months, and are most likely to occur when the plant is grown outdoors, although a houseplant jade may flower indoors if water is withheld and the plant is kept in cool conditions (around 55˚F), especially at night, in the fall. It should be kept in an area that will not receive any supplemental light so that the natural light cycle of the season will trigger flower initiation. Several weeks of cold, dry, dark treatment, followed by regular watering should result in flowering.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 3 to 5 feet tall, 2 to 4 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)

"The Lord of the Rings" fans will love the next couple of jade plant varieties, which together are often referred to as the "Tolkien succulents." These Crassula varieties have interestingly shaped leaves that earned them mystical names. The Gollum jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’) can be identified by its tubular leaves with circular tips that resemble small suction cups.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining
  

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Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’)

The Gollum jade and the hobbit jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’) are easily confused and it's not hard to see why. The difference between these two cultivators can be found in the shape of their leaves. While Gollum jade has tubular leaves with cup-like ends, the hobbit jade has more spoon-shaped leaves, curling inwards on themselves to form a tubular appearance.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Variegated Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum Variegata’)

This jade plant is the variegated cultivator of the Gollum jade and is characterized by pale green and white streaked foliage. It is known for being a slow-grower compared to its non-variegated counterpart and needs plenty of bright, indirect light to prevent it from reverting to solid green.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 10 to 12 inches wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Skinny Fingers Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Skinny Fingers’)

A third tubular-shaped jade plant is called the skinny fingers jade (Crassula ovata 'Skinny Fingers') or E.T. fingers jade. While it looks similar to both the Gollum and hobbit jade, its leaves tend to be longer, skinnier, and thinner at the tips with no pronounced suction cup shape.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Crassula Red Coral (Crassula ovata 'Red Coral')

Similar in form to Gollum jade, the Crassula red coral (Crassula ovata 'Red Coral') can be distinguished by its stunning, brightly colored foliage which is most prominent in direct sunlight. This jade plant grows to be about three feet tall and two feet wide and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you are growing it indoors, keep in mind that a grow light may be necessary to fully enjoy its red and yellow colors.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Botany Bay Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Botany Bay’)

Most Crassula ovata cultivars grow into a branching, shrub-like form, but the Botany Bay jade (Crassula ovata ‘Botany Bay’) is known for its compact, bushy growth habit. It has light green-yellow leaves with red tips and can reach between two to three feet tall at maturity. This jade plant cultivar was introduced in 2011 by Garden Gate Nursery.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Hummel’s Sunset Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’)

The Hummel's sunset jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’), often called the sunset jade, is a fun and bright cultivar of the classic Crassula ovata. It is known for its yellow, orange, and red leaves that become more vibrant in the winter months. It has a mounding, shrub-like growth habit and has become a popular bonsai tree.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
• Mature Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 2 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Mini Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Minima’)

Named for its petite size, the mini jade (Crassula ovata 'Minima') is a popular dwarf jade plant cultivator. It can be identified by its small, rounded leaves and clump-forming growth habit. Compared to the standard Crassula ovata, the minima's leaves grow much closer together to create a bushy appearance. It's a popular houseplant and bonsai tree but is also great for filling in small spaces in outdoor rock gardens or succulent gardens.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 30 inches tall, 20 inches wide
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Silver Dollar Jade (Crassula arborescens)

The silver dollar jade (Crassula arborescens) is named for its round, blue-grey foliage that resembles silver coins. In bright light conditions, its leaves develop a deep red color around the edges, and it is also common for some leaves to have red spots. This jade plant is a popular houseplant that can be found at most nurseries and garden centers, although it can also be grown outdoors in garden beds or containers in hardiness zones.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 4 feet tall, 4 feet wide
• Light: Partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Blue Bird Jade (Crassula arborescens ‘Blue Bird Variegata’)

Crassula arborescens 'Blue Bird Variegata' is an attractive and colorful cultivar of the silver dollar jade. It has large, flat leaves with yellow edges and light green stripes down the center. In bright conditions, the leaves may also develop some pink. Compared to the silver dollar jade, the Blue Bird Variegata's leaves are a bit more elongated with pointed edges.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide
• Light: Partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Ripple Jade (Crassula arborescens spp. undulatifolia)

Ripple jade (Crassula arborescens spp. undulatifolia) is a unique jade plant known for its wavy, blue-green foliage. It is a shrubby succulent that can grow up to four feet tall, although like many other jade plants, it is a notoriously slow-grower. This jade variety is a popular houseplant but can also be grown outdoors. When it is given enough light, the leaves will develop a red tinge around the edges.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Crassula Campfire (Crassula capitella)

Campfire (Crassula capitella) is known for its stunning fiery foliage that appears when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight. Its leaves are long, flat, and stacked closely together as the stems grow. Place it directly under a grow light indoors to see its gorgeous red and orange foliage, or plant it in a nice sunny spot outside.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 8 inches tall, 3 feet wide
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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String of Buttons (Crassula perforata)

The string of buttons jade (Crassula perforata) has small, closely stacked square or triangle-shaped leaves and long upright stems. In direct sunlight, the leaves will turn slightly pink around the edges. It is a popular houseplant but can also be grown outdoors in warm climates.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 12
• Mature Size: 1 to 2 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava)

Fairy jade (Crassula multicava)—also commonly known as the Cape Province pygmy weed, grandfather's watch chain, pitted Crassula, or London pride—is a fast-grower with a mat-forming growth habit. It is distinguished by its oval leaves that are pale to medium green and occasionally have purple undersides. It rarely grows taller than 16 inches but spreads prolifically. It is most commonly grown outdoors as a landscape plant, although it can be grown successfully in containers.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 16 inches tall
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Crassula ‘Moon Glow’ (Crassula mesembryanthemoides)

This fuzzy succulent is known as the Crassula 'Moon Glow' (Crassula mesembryanthemoides). It has thin, teardrop-shaped leaves that are coated in fine 'hairs' which give it a fuzzy appearance and protect it from the sun. It's a relatively small Crassula, reaching about 16 inches tall at maturity. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors and is adaptable to a wide range of lighting conditions.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 16 inches tall
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Baby’s Necklace Jade (Crassula rupestris var. marnieriana)

Aptly named baby's necklace jade (Crassula rupestris var. marnieriana) this succulent is characterized by small, wedge-shaped leaves that are closely stacked on its long stems. It has a clumping and spreading growth habit and does well both indoors and outdoors under the proper conditions.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 4 inches tall, 20 inches long
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Crassula 'Tom Thumb' (Crassula rupestris ssp. commutata)

Another Crassula rupestris variety, Tom Thumb (Crassula rupestris ssp. commutata) is a dwarf succulent variety that is known for being fast-growing and perfect for rock gardens, miniature planters, and terrariums. This jade plant has small, triangular, bright green leaves and a stacking growth habit on long upright stems.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 8 inches tall, 12 inches tall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Rosary Vine (Crassula rupestris var. monticola)

This compact, soft-looking succulent has thick, triangular leaves and a stacking growth habit. The rosary vine (Crassula rupestris var. monticola) grows to be about 12 inches tall and branches out as it grows. It's native to South Africa where it grows in rocky outcrops, but it also grows well indoors and is a popular choice among houseplant and succulent enthusiasts.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 12 inches tall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Propeller Plant (Crassula falcata)

Named for its large, propeller-shaped leaves, the propeller plant (Crassula falcata) has become popular as a houseplant and is widely available at nurseries and garden centers. It is small, no more than 12 to 18 inches tall, and with its slow growth rate, it normally takes several years before it will reach that height.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 12 to 18 inches tall, 8 to 12 inches wide
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Miniature Pine Tree (Crassula tetragona)

Native to South Africa, the miniature pine tree (Crassula tetragona) is prized among succulent collectors and bonsai enthusiasts alike for its unique foliage and compact size. These succulents have long, pointed leaves that are nearly triangular at maturity. It grows to be between three to four feet tall and is known for being low-maintenance and easy to grow.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
• Mature Size: 3 to 4 feet tall
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Trailing Jade (Crassula sarmentosa)

The trailing jade (Crassula sarmentosa) is a long, vining jade species with medium to light green, arrow-shaped leaves with serrated edges. It's most commonly sold in its variegated form (Crassula sarmentosa 'Comet') since the variegated leaves provide some extra visual interest. It is considered a fast grower, with stems that grow to be at least three feet long at maturity.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 12 inches tall, 36 inches long
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Variegated Trailing Jade (Crassula sarmentosa ‘Comet’)

The Crassula sarmentosa 'Comet' is the variegated version of the trailing jade plant, commonly called variegated trailing jade or comet trailing jade. It's popular as a filler plant in outdoor gardens or as a 'spiller' plant in succulent containers and arrangements. It can also be kept indoors as a houseplant. Compared to other jade species the variegated trailing jade does well in a range of different lighting conditions, although in low light its growth will be slower and its colors less vibrant.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 12 inches tall, 36 inches long
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Watch Chain Plant (Crassula muscosa)

Also known as the rattail Crassula, the watch chain plant (Crassula muscosa) is characterized by long upright stems with tiny leaves that grow closely together, giving it a chain-like appearance. As it matures, it forms a compact shrub reaching about 12 inches tall. This succulent is native to South Africa and Namibia and is primarily grown outdoors, although it can be grown as a houseplant.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10
• Mature Size: 6 to 12 inches tall
• Light: Full to partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Taylor's Parches (Crassula lactea)

Taylor's Parches (Crassula lactea) is a species of Crassula that is a popular choice for outdoor gardens and landscapes thanks to its full, bushy appearance. While it may look like a shrub when it is carefully tended, this succulent has a low-trailing growth habit with stems that grow up to 12 inches tall. The leaves are obovate with slightly pointed tips and light to mid-green coloring. Like many Crassula's, the leaves develop an orange-red tint when exposed to direct sunlight.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 12 inches tall, 24 inches wide
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Woolly Crassula (Crassula tomentosa)

Perhaps one of the most unique-looking Crassula species, the woolly Crassula (Crassula tomentosa) is characterized by small rosette-like clusters of leaves that grow in small clumps. Each leaf is covered with tiny 'hairs' which give the plant its woolly appearance. It grows naturally on stony slopes but is well-suited to both indoor and outdoor growing. It is rare to see this succulent flower since it is monocarpic, but if it does it will produce yellow or white blooms, which signals the end of its life cycle.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 24 inches tall
• Light: Partial sun
• Soil Needs: Sandy and well-draining

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Swamp Stonecrop (Crassula helmsii)

Commonly known as swamp stonecrop or New Zealand pigmy weed, Crassula helmsii is a semiterrestrial succulent that has a low-growing, spreading growth habit, forming large mats or clumps. It is native to Australia and was introduced in the early 1900s as a garden pond plant to parts of Europe where it is now considered invasive in the United States, as well. It is rarely grown indoors.

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
• Mature Size: 6 to 8 centimeters tall
• Light: Full sun
• Soil Needs: N/A, grows in water