Crassula Care: 4 Species for Beginners

A round-up of 4 Crassula varieties worth growing, with the key care difference between them.

These all belong to Crassula. They share a love of bright indirect light, with a little gentle morning or evening sun.

The Species

  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) -- A woody trunk forms with age; prune in spring to shape.
  • Watch Chain (Crassula muscosa) -- Tiny interlocking leaves love bright, airy spots -- not stuffy corners.
  • String of Buttons (Crassula perforata) -- Stacked coin-like leaves on a trailing stem; bright indirect keeps it compact.
  • Spiderwort Jade (Crassula aragonensis) -- Boxy blue leaves blush red in strong light.

Shared Care

  • Light: bright indirect light, with a little gentle morning or evening sun.
  • Water: let the soil dry fully between drinks.
  • Soil: a gritty, free-draining mix and a pot with a drainage hole.
  • Propagate: mostly with a single leaf laid on dry soil or a stem cutting left to callus then rooted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which is easiest to start with?

A:

The one whose look you like most -- they are all beginner-friendly.

Q: Can they share a pot?

A:

Yes, if they share the same light and water needs, which these do.

Q: Why are the leaves losing colour?

A:

Usually too little light; move them somewhere brighter.

Collecting a genus is a fun way to learn one plant family deeply. Pair your favourites with the light calculator to place them well.