How to Grow Crassula ovata (Jade Plant) in Australia – Jade Tree & Money Plant Care

Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, jade tree, or money tree succulent, is one of the most popular indoor and patio plants in Australia. This slow-growing succulent develops thick woody stems and oval-shaped glossy green leaves, often tinged red at the edges in full sun. Long-lived and easy to propagate, it’s ideal for pots, bonsai, and low-water gardens.

Crassula ovata thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Indoors, place near a north- or east-facing window. Outdoors, it prefers morning sun or filtered light—especially in hot zones like QLD or WA. Too little light causes pale leaves and leggy growth, while too much harsh sun can scorch leaves in young plants.

Water deeply only when the soil is completely dry. In spring and summer, this may be every 10–14 days. Reduce watering to once every 3–4 weeks during winter. Always use a free-draining succulent or cactus mix with added grit or perlite. Avoid saucers that hold water, which can lead to root rot.

Feed during the growing season with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertiliser like CompleteGrow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food (2-7-7). Apply every 4–6 weeks from spring through early autumn to encourage compact, healthy branching and better leaf colour. Avoid overfeeding—Crassula grows slowly and stores nutrients in its thick stems and leaves.

How big does Crassula ovata grow? Given time, jade plants can grow up to 1–2 m tall and equally wide. In pots, they typically remain compact and respond well to pruning and shaping. Crassula ovata is also a favourite for indoor bonsai training due to its woody stem and tree-like form.

Is Crassula ovata toxic to pets? Yes—jade plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep them out of reach of curious pets. Ingestion may cause vomiting, lethargy, or gastrointestinal upset.

With proper light, infrequent watering, and controlled feeding, Crassula ovata will reward you with decades of attractive, structural growth—indoors or out. Gollum, Hobbit, and other cultivars follow the same care rules.

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Seasonal Care, Pruning & How to Propagate Crassula ovata

Jade plants grow most actively in spring and summer. This is the best time for fertilising, shaping, repotting, and propagation. In cooler months, Crassula ovata slows significantly, requiring less water and no feeding. If grown indoors with stable temperatures and good light, they may show mild year-round growth but still benefit from a rest period in winter.

Jade plants are easy to shape. How to prune Crassula ovata: Use clean scissors or pruners to remove long, leggy stems just above a leaf node. This encourages branching and a fuller, bushier structure. You can also remove older lower leaves or bare stems to create a tree-like form. Always prune in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Over time, older jade plants may grow top-heavy. Pruning not only improves shape but also prevents breakage and promotes stronger woody stems. Remove any shriveled, damaged, or inward-facing growth to open up the canopy and increase airflow.

How to propagate Crassula ovata: Take a healthy stem cutting around 5–10 cm long. Allow the cut end to callous over for 2–3 days, then insert it into dry succulent soil. Lightly water after one week, then resume a typical watering schedule. Roots develop within 2–4 weeks. Leaf propagation is also possible—simply twist a healthy leaf from the stem, let it dry, and place it on soil until roots and a new rosette form.

Propagation is equally successful with Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’, a jade cultivar with tubular, trumpet-shaped leaves. Gollum stems and leaves root just like standard jade, though stem cuttings generally produce faster results. Use shallow pots and good airflow to prevent rot during the rooting phase.

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Common Problems with Crassula ovata and How to Fix Them

Crassula ovata is resilient, but incorrect care—especially overwatering—can lead to health issues. Most problems are avoidable with proper soil, spacing, and light. Here’s what to watch for:

Yellowing, mushy leaves: A clear sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected leaves and allow soil to fully dry before watering again.
Leaf drop: Often caused by cold drafts, sudden changes in watering, or moving the plant from one light condition to another. Jade prefers consistency.
Leggy or stretched growth: Insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter area, ideally with filtered morning sun or strong indirect light.
Wrinkled, soft leaves: Underwatering or very dry air. Water deeply, and check humidity if growing indoors near heaters.

As a slow-growing succulent, jade plants are remarkably forgiving. Most issues can be corrected by adjusting light, water, and repotting into a fresh, fast-draining mix. Avoid high humidity, keep leaves dry, and fertilise only during active growth for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Crassula ovata grow?
Jade plants can reach up to 2 m tall in large pots or gardens, though most indoor plants remain under 1 m. Regular pruning keeps them compact and tree-like.

How often should I water a jade plant?
Only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, water every 10–14 days. In winter, reduce to once a month or less, depending on light and humidity.

Can you propagate jade plant from a leaf?
Yes. Healthy leaves can root and form new plants. Let the leaf callous over, then place on top of dry soil until roots and pups form.

How do I prune Crassula ovata?
Prune just above a leaf node to encourage branching. Shape the plant in spring or early summer, and remove leggy stems or any damaged growth.

Is Crassula ovata toxic to pets?
Yes. Jade plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs and may cause vomiting or stomach upset if ingested. Keep them out of reach of pets.

What’s the best fertiliser for jade plants?
Use a low-nitrogen blend like CompleteGrow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food (2-7-7) once a month during spring and summer to support strong, compact growth.

Looking for more guides on indoor succulents or propagation tips? Explore our full CompleteGrow succulent care collection or get in touch for expert support.