If you have a room that gets lots of direct sunlight, a jade plant might just be the perfect house plant for you. A shrub-like succulent with shiny, jade-green leaves, jade plants are fairly easy to grow as long as they get lots of light, and not too much water. In climates like Southern California, they'll thrive outdoors too- we see huge ones around here- some people even use them as hedges! By withholding water once the days get shorter, you can encourage blooms, and be rewarded with pretty star shaped flowers in the early spring. As an added bonus, in Feng Shui, jade is said to bring prosperity and money, so placing it near the front door of your office or home can attract prosperity. A beautiful plant that can bring in more $$? Win, win!
GET THE GREEN: Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
WATER: Allow to dry between waterings, keeping the soil moderately dry. During the winter months, water less, but do not let it get overly dry.
SUNLIGHT: Direct sunlight for part of the day.
PLACEMENT: Southern window where it will receive at least four hours of direct sunlight.
EXTRA CREDIT: Move away from windows at night during the winter to avoid injury from the cold.
WORD OF CAUTION: According to the ASPCA, jade plants are toxic to cats and dogs.
Got a plant you want to learn more about? Leave a comment and you may find it in a future Plant-o-Pedia!
Photos of Paige and Emily & Adam's jade plants by Dabito from The New Bohemians.
Plant-o-Pedia excerpt from The New Bohemians with thanks to Stephanie Bartron
