How to care for and grow the Crassula ovata or Jade plants flowering container garden favorites
Crassula ovata or Jade plants are shrubby succulent plants which is excellent for dry gardens and container plants. Xeriscaping with drought tolerant cactus and succulents has become popular in dry areas or places where conservation water is a concern. Jades have thick, dark green leaves sometimes tinged with red at the edges. The leaf shape, like the name ovata implies, are oval 1 to 2 inches long.
Crassula ovata develop thick, fat trunks that have an aged appearance and eventually grow to 8 feet tall. In jade plants late winter to get 3 inch groups, light pink to pale salmon flowers with five petals. These perennial plants need water are drought tolerant and only once a month or so.
Inside, succulent jade plants make good houseplants in containers. They prefer bright, indirect light and can take a couple of hours of direct sunlight, but also adapt to low light. In a pot, Jade stay small and can even be used for bonsai. Crassula ovata is confused Crassula sometimes Argentia, which has a similar growth habit but has silvery-gray leaves. Crassula are usually not bothered by insects or diseases. Crassula The biggest problem faced may come from over watering. This will result in a wet brown stem rot.
In the garden, tolerant plants Jade drought grow in light shade to full sun. In hottest desert areas, Crassula better when they have an entire day of full sun. Crassula ovata are resistant to 41 degrees (5 degrees Celsius). A cold light brown spots appear on the leaves. above is sufficient protection to protect succulents during a light frost. heavy frost or a freezer in turn leaves brown and shriveled. Frozen drops, or you can brush them off with your hands. If the branch or trunk of the plant does not is damaged, it must form new buds in a few weeks.
Jade green plants are able to live alone in the rain in many areas. In my Southern California garden, Crassula happily growing in full sun and shade, in heavy alkaline, clay soil. You can see photos of flowering jade plant http://www.theGardenPages.com.
To root cuttings like jade plant or Gollum jade, start with cutting 5 or 6 inches. Denouncing the middle of the stem in the soil. This will give deep plant roots and help them better withstand drought. Keep the soil moist (like a squeezed sponge). After a month, reducing monthly irrigation. The leaves are dried, probably a bit like plant forms roots: it is living off the energy stored in their leaves. This is normal. You may also lose some leaves, which is also normal. The plant will start growing again and may even flourish in a year.
Visit http://www.theGardenPages.com to see photos of Crassula plants and read about the plants that are more versatile and easy to grow. Winter flowering plants make a great addition jade to any garden or home.
About the Author
Laura Zinkan cultivates a gardening site at http://www.theGardenPages.com with plant profiles and growing tips on cactus, succulents and California native plants. Drop by to smell the flowers. Or visit the gardening blog at http://thegardenpages.blogspot.com for up-to-date seasonal information. © 2009 by Laura Zinkan. Article may be reprinted if author credit is given with a website link. All rights reserved.
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