Care guides

Jade Plant Crassula ovata

Very Easy Toxic to cats and dogs
Jade plant with thick oval glossy green leaves and woody trunk in a terracotta pot

At a glance

Light
Direct sun
15000–50000 lux
Water
Every 14–30 days
Soil completely dry
Humidity
20–50%
Tolerates dry air
Temperature
10–24°C
Ideal 18–24°C
Soil pH
6–7
fast-draining
Mature size
90 cm tall
60 cm wide
Native to
South Africa, Mozambique
Growth
Slow
Shrub

Watering calculator

Estimate how often to water your Jade Plant based on pot size, light, and season.

Water every 22 days

Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.

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Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Jade Plant.

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Compare with similar plants

Trait Jade Plant Crassula ovata Baby Rubber Plant Peperomia obtusifolia Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis miller
Light Direct sunMedium indirectDirect sun
Water 14–30 days7–14 days14–21 days
Pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs Pet-safe Toxic to cats and dogs
Difficulty Very EasyVery EasyVery Easy
Mature size 90 cm30 cm60 cm

Light requirements in detail

Jade Plant prefers direct sun (15000–50000 lux) . Needs at least 4 hours of direct sun; leaves redden at the edges in strong light, which is healthy

A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.

Watering in detail

Water Jade Plant every 14– 30 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.

This plant tolerates the occasional missed watering — err on the dry side rather than overwater.

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Frequently asked questions about Jade Plant

How often should I water Jade Plant?

Water Jade Plant every 14–30 days during the growing season, allowing Soil completely dry to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.

What kind of light does Jade Plant need?

Jade Plant prefers direct sun (15000–50000 lux). Needs at least 4 hours of direct sun; leaves redden at the edges in strong light, which is healthy

Is Jade Plant toxic to cats?

Jade Plant is toxic to cats (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: unidentified compound (well-documented but not chemically isolated). Common symptoms: vomiting, depression, lethargy, incoordination (ataxia), slow heart rate (rare).

Is Jade Plant toxic to dogs?

Jade Plant is toxic to dogs (moderate severity). Toxic compounds: unidentified compound (well-documented but not chemically isolated). Common symptoms: vomiting, depression, lethargy, incoordination (ataxia).

How big does Jade Plant grow?

Jade Plant reaches about 90 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is slow.