Crassula ovata

Common name: jade plant

Family: Crassulaceae

Origin: South Africa

Plant description: succulent, branching shrub with glossy, fleshy leaves, oval in shape and rounded heads of pink flowers in winter-spring.

Use: Wonderful sculptural plant for pots indoors and outdoors.

Light and position: Prefers full sunlight, but tolerates filtered sun.

Water requirement: It needs little water so water sparingly in summer if over-watered it will rot, therefore allow the soil to dry out before watering. The plant tolerates long period of drought.

Special care: Re-pot every third year. Easily grows in loam and well-drained soil.

Pest and diseases:  Aphids and spider mites.

Propagation: Tip and leaf cuttings are taken at any time of the year, but the ideal time is summer.