What about it?

The jade plant is a member of the Crassulareaceae Family along with about 330 other species of perennial herbs and shrubs. Most of these are native to South Africa. It has pudgy, succulent leaves that are 1-2 inches long. They are a dark green color, but sometimes have red margins. The jade plant is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It branches freely and produces small fragrant white or yellow flowers in the summer.

What is it used for?

The jade plant is a succulent and therefore adapted to hot and dry weather. Although it can tolerate the cold temperatures of the North, it cannot tolerate the wet weather. Thus, most jade plants are kept indoors or in greenhouses.

Where does it grow? How do we grow it?

Jades do best in dry soil and a semi-shaded to sunny location.

What are its primary problems?

Jades, as with most succulents and cacti, are afflicted by mealybugs and scale. Aphids can also become a problem.

How do we propagate it?