A money plant from Patch Plants
- Common names: money plant, money tree, jade plant
- Botanical name: Crassula ovata
- Family: Stonecrop (Crassulaceae)
- Type: Succulent
- Flowering season: Summer
- Repotting season: Spring
- Height: 60cm (2ft)
- Spread: 30cm (1ft)
- Aspect: Bright light
- Temperature: 15-24°C (59-75°F)
- Difficulty: Easy
A mass of glossy oval leaves on tree-like branching stems, the money plant (Crassula ovata) is one of the most distinctive indoor plants. It is prized in China and across the globe by practitioners of feng shui, for a supposed ability to attract good luck and wealth. This, combined with its near indestructibility, mean it is one of the most popular houseplants in the world. It has been enjoyed here since the 18th century, when many tender species were introduced to Britain from South Africa and the fashion for houseplants was taking off.
Slow-growing and long-lived, C. ovata forms a beautiful, bushy cloud of plump jade-green leaves that are rimmed with red in sunlight. Over time, the branches become woody, creating the effect of a miniature tree. For architectural structure and heaps of character, a mature money plant, in the right conditions, is hard to beat.
Being a succulent, it has dense, leathery evergreen leaves that store moisture, and it therefore loves people who forget to water their houseplants. The species name reflects the shape and size of the leaves, stemming from the Latin crassus (thick) and ovata (egg-like). The plant hails from Mozambique, as well as the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal regions of South Africa, where it grows in sun-baked stony earth alongside aloes and other succulents. In these habitats, the money plant can grow to 2 metres tall, whereas a mature specimen in a British house is impressive if it manages 60 centimetres.
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There are 209 other species of crassula, which are native to all corners of the globe, but the centre of diversity is the semi-arid landscape of Southern Africa. To allow them to flourish in such hot, dry conditions, crassulas have an interesting way of photosynthesizing. Instead of absorbing carbon dioxide during the day (which would mean opening all their pores and therefore losing moisture), they do it at night. This means of thriving in drought is known as crassulacean acid metabolism (or CAM photosynthesis), as it was first discovered in Crassulaceae, but it is used by many xerophytes, including pineapples.
By giving crassulas similar conditions to those they enjoy in the wild – a sunny windowsill and mimimal moisture – they grow into superb houseplants that will keep you company for decades.
Which crassula to grow
The true money plant (or jade plant) is the widely available species Crassula ovata. It has rich-green oval leaves that are tipped claret in sun, and – in favourable conditions – it sometimes produces tiny pink or white flowers in summer. Since money plants are slow-growing, it is worth splashing out on a sizable specimen if you want instant impact.
There are several fabulous hybrids of C. ovata, including 'Gollum' (syn. 'Hobbit'), which has tubular verdant leaves like green coral. 'Hummel's Sunset' (syn. 'Sunset') bears gold and amber leaves with burgundy edges; and 'Undulata' has wavy leaves, rather like a sea kale.
Other interesting crassulas to try as houseplants include C. arborescens (syn. 'Silver Dollar'), which boasts large disc-shaped grey leaves, and the trailing tails of C. perforata (also known as string of buttons) are perfect for hanging containers.
Where to position your money plant
Crassula ovata enjoys bright light, so a south or west-facing windowsill is ideal. Without sufficient sun, the plant will grow very slowly and may become leggy. With an excess of direct, scorching sun, the leaves may yellow a little. Avoid a humid atmosphere, such as a bathroom, since crassulas dislike too much moisture.
How to look after a money plant
Crassulas are extremely drought-tolerant, so underwatering is better than overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water in summer, when the pot feels relatively light, by sitting the plant in water for 20 minutes and then letting the water drain away. Water very sparingly over winter. Thin, floppy, wrinkled leaves indicate that the plant is short of water. Since miminal watering is required, the compost around the plant can become compacted, and therefore benefits from occasional aerating, by way of gently piercing it with a wooden skewer; this is also a good way to see if the compost is moist within the pot, and, thus, whether or not the plant requires watering. If in doubt, don't water!
Once mature, the money plant (C. ovata) develops great personality – its branches become woody, and it slowly starts to resemble a dwarf tree. For this reason, C. ovata is often used in bonsai. Help the plant to develop an attractive, rounded shape by pruning (if required) in spring. You can also rotate the plant on its windowsill once a fortnight to ensure it doesn't start to look drunk by leaning too much in one direction towards the sun.
Repot in spring, when necessary, opting for a sturdy, solid pot because C. ovata is top heavy, especially when it has just been replanted. Use a free-draining mix, such as grit and potting compost.
Making new plants is very easy. Snip off a stem carrying two leaves or more; make a clean cut with a sharp knife; plunge into a pot of free-draining compost; and sit on a bright windowsill.
Crassula pests
These succulents can be attacked by aphids, mealybugs, and vine weevils. Give the plant a good inspection before buying, to check it isn't harbouring any pests.
