Bringer of luck and prosperity according to Feng Shui, the Crassula ovata, or jade tree, is an easy-to-grow succulent plant. It does not require pruning, but only regular watering and exposure to full sun.

Native to Africa, Crassula ovata is also known as the Jade tree . It is a succulent, which belongs to the Crassualaceae family and the Crassula genus , which you will most likely have already noticed. In fact, it is found on the market in most nurseries and, in some cases, also in the gardening department of some supermarkets.

Easy to grow  both in the ground and in pots and, in the right conditions, it could amaze you with the beauty of its flowering. And it doesn’t end there. If you were to grow this succulent in a pot, place it to the right of the main entrance to the house , facing north. according to Feng Shui , in fact, this is the most suitable apposition for the plant to bring luck and prosperity to the house and to those who live in it.

How to grow crassula ovata

Characteristics of the plant

Crassula ovata has the appearance of a shrub with a light brown stem, very branched. The leaves are oval in shape, very fleshy and light green in color, sometimes edged in red. Another characteristic of the leaves of Crassula ovata is that they contain a large quantity of water and for this reason they are always very turgid. Its stems also have a fleshy consistency and branch out, creating a rounded crown.

Exposure

Crassula ovata loves light and heat: for this reason it appreciates a position in full sun , even better if placed next to a wall, so that temperatures remain high even at night. However, pay attention to low temperatures, because this succulent is not able to withstand temperatures below -7 °C.

Flowering

The flowering of Crassula ovata is concentrated between April and June . Its flowers are pale pink or white, with a characteristic star shape and all grouped in bunches at the top of the branches of the plant.

Soil and fertilizer

The best soil for Crassula ovata is an equal mix of green planting soil and sand . In full ground, this succulent grows well in sandy or gravelly soils, which ensure good water drainage . As regards fertilization, however, during the period of vegetative activity, therefore from May to November, it is necessary to administer to the plant a specific product for succulent plants with balanced quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and important microelements to guarantee the development of the plant.

Watering

Crassula ovata must receive water regularly, whenever the soil is dry on the surface. The ideal is to always use water at room temperature and, preferably, recovered from precipitation, therefore rainwater.

Pruning

This plant is easy to grow (we said so), therefore it does not require pruning. Simply remove any branches and leaves that dry out.

Diseases and parasites

Not particularly subject to diseases and parasites , when cultivating Crassulla ovata you need to pay attention to watering and its exposure. Too much water can cause the stem to rot, too little water can cause the leaves to lose their color. Drafts or low temperatures can instead cause the leaves to fall and cause the plant to shrivel. Last, but not least: pay attention to scale insects which must be eliminated with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and water.