Crassula is a large genus of succulent plants in the family Crassulaceae, with over 200 species found primarily across Southern Africa. The most widely grown is Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, money plant, or lucky plant — a sturdy, long-lived succulent prized for its glossy, rounded green leaves and tree-like growth habit. In its native range across South Africa and Mozambique, it grows as a shrub in dry, rocky scrubland, often reaching well over a metre tall.
Jade plants are among the most forgiving houseplants you can grow. They tolerate missed waterings, average household humidity, and a wide range of temperatures. With the right light and a little patience, a Crassula can live for decades and develop a thick, characterful trunk. This guide covers everything you need to keep your Crassula healthy and thriving indoors.
Lighting
Crassula are sun-loving plants that perform best in bright, direct or near-direct light. A south or east-facing windowsill is the ideal position, where the plant receives at least four to six hours of sunlight a day. In the UK, you are unlikely to give a jade plant too much sun on a windowsill; they can comfortably take some full direct sun, even through glass.
In lower light conditions, jade plants survive but growth slows considerably and the stems tend to stretch and become leggy as the plant reaches for the nearest light source. If your Crassula is producing long gaps between leaves and the foliage looks pale, insufficient light is almost certainly the cause. Move it to a brighter position gradually to avoid sun stress, which can temporarily cause leaves to turn orange or reddish.
Watering
Crassula store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, which makes them far more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering. The golden rule is to water thoroughly, then allow the compost to dry out completely before watering again. In summer, this typically means watering every two to three weeks. In winter, once a month is usually sufficient — or even less if your home is cool.
Always check the compost before watering. Push a finger a few centimetres into the soil: if there is any moisture at all, wait. When you do water, soak the pot thoroughly until water drains freely from the base, then empty any excess from the saucer. Never let a jade plant sit in standing water.
Overwatering is the most common cause of jade plant problems. Leaves that turn soft, translucent, or mushy are a clear warning sign. Underwatering, by contrast, shows as thin, slightly wrinkled leaves that look deflated rather than plump. A good soak will usually resolve it within a few days.
Humidity
Unlike most of the tropical plants in this blog series, Crassula actively prefer low to moderate humidity 30 to 50% is ideal, which conveniently matches the average UK home. There is no need to mist jade plants, and doing so can actually encourage fungal issues on the leaves. Dry air from central heating is not a problem for these plants. Simply keep them on a well-lit windowsill and they will be perfectly content.
Soil and Repotting
Free-draining compost is essential. Standard multipurpose potting compost retains too much moisture for Crassula and will lead to root rot. Use a dedicated cactus and succulent mix, or blend standard compost with 30 to 40 per cent perlite or coarse grit to improve drainage.
We recommend our Simply Houseplant Potting Mix, which provides excellent drainage and aeration thanks to its coco coir, bark, and perlite base. It comes pre-amended with a balanced nutritional profile to support healthy growth for the first six to eight weeks after repotting.
Jade plants are content to stay in the same pot for years — they can even thrive while slightly root-bound. Repot every two to three years, or when the plant becomes top-heavy or roots are visibly circling the drainage holes. Move up just one pot size at a time. Terracotta pots are a particularly good choice, as they help wick moisture away from the roots. Always ensure the pot has at least one drainage hole.
Spring is the best time to repot. After repotting, wait a week before watering to allow any damaged roots to callous over.
Common Crassula Problems and How to Solve Them
Soft or Mushy Leaves
Almost always caused by overwatering. Unpot the plant, check the roots, and cut away any soft or brown material with a sterile blade. Let the roots air-dry for a day or two, then repot into fresh, dry, gritty compost. Reduce your watering frequency going forward.
Leggy or Stretched Growth
Insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter position — ideally a south-facing windowsill with direct sun. Introduce it gradually over two to three weeks to avoid sun stress. Unfortunately, already-stretched growth will not compact back, but new growth will come in more densely once light levels improve.
Leaf Drop
Sudden leaf drop is commonly caused by overwatering, a sharp change in temperature, or cold draughts. Check the roots for rot, move the plant away from draughty windows or heat sources, and keep temperatures consistently between 15 and 23°C. Jade plants can tolerate temperatures down to around 10°C, but growth stalls below 15°C.
Brown Spots on Leaves (Oedema)
Small, raised brown or rust-coloured spots on the underside of leaves are a sign of oedema, usually caused by the plant absorbing more water than it can transpire, often after an overly generous watering. It is cosmetic rather than dangerous. Reduce watering frequency and ensure good air circulation.
Pests
Jade plants are relatively pest-resistant, but mealybugs are the most common issue, typically appearing as white, cottony clusters in the leaf joints and along stems. Treat with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol, or apply neem oil. Scale insects can also occasionally appear and treat promptly before they spread.
Ready to Add a Crassula to Your Collection?
Browse our full range of jade plants, from classic Crassula ovata to unusual varieties like ‘Gollum’, ‘Hobbit’, and ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ — all grown with care and ready to thrive in your home.
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