Crassula ovata Money Maker

The Crassula 'Money Maker', or Jade Tree, has everything you could want from a succulent plant with character: thick, well-ramified stems, glossy foliage, and great longevity in a pot. This compact selection maintains a very neat silhouette over the years, a pleasure to contemplate on a windowsill, in a conservatory, or a very bright office. It will delight lovers of graphic and easy-care plants.

Botanically, it belongs to the Crassulaceae family. The species Crassula ovata is native to southern Africa; it originates from southeastern Mozambique to the southeastern provinces of South Africa, where it grows in dry environments on rocky slopes. It is also known under botanical synonyms such as Crassula argentea, Crassula obliqua, or Cotyledon ovata. In the wild, the Jade tree forms a shrub that can reach 1 to 3 m in height, with sturdy branches; indoors, its size depends mainly on light, age, and the pot.
'Money Maker' is a selection marketed by the Danish company Lundager, promoted as a new variety as part of the Floradania Innovation Award 2011. Its "compact" habit does not mean its mature height is strictly limited, but that its internodes are shorter and its branching is more significant than the typical species, which helps the plant stay well-proportioned in a pot. The leaves, opposite on the stems, ovate to elliptical, measure 3 to 9 cm long; they are thick, smooth, and shiny. Flowering is possible in winter on older specimens; it appears as small pale pink stars, grouped in clusters.
This plant is toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, and horses.

Indoors, this Crassula 'Money Maker' prefers bright light. It tolerates the fairly dry air of our homes and thrives between 18 and 24°C during the day. Avoid exposing it for prolonged periods below 10 °C. It is a plant suitable for beginners: it mainly fears overwatering and insufficient light.

Place your Crassula in a slightly heavy cachepot in matte ceramic or terracotta. On a light wood shelf, it creates a small, very clear bush silhouette. You can pair it with plants that enjoy the same bright and rather dry environments, such as Aloe ‘Delta Lights’, Aeonium ‘Schwarzkopf’ (dark rosettes borne on thick stems), and Echeveria agavoides.

You can also place this Crassula outside throughout the fine season, but sheltered from scorching sun.