Crassula Ovata ‘Variegata’
Crassula Ovata ‘Variegata’ is commonly known as Variegated Jade. It also referred to as Jade Tree, Crassula Ovata ‘Tricolor’, Tricolor Jade, Crassula Argentea f. Variegata, Crassula Ovata ‘Obliqua’, Crassula ovata cv. Obliqua, Crassula ovata cv. Lemon & Lime, Tricolor Jade, Lemon and Lime Jade, and in Chinese 三色花月锦.
This variegated Jade beauty is native to eastern Cape in South Africa, also in KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique. One of my all time favorites. It displays shades of pale green and creamy white. When grown in the sun the edges are tipped with a pretty pink margin.
On occasion, the variegated Jade produces an all green stem . Keep in mind that it will not revert back to the variegated version. A quick trim to cut back an all green stem, is an easy fix if you want to keep them all variegated.
Like most variegated plants, they tend to grow slower than the solid green version. This is because the solid green Jade has so much more chlorophyll. I absolutely love the creamy albino leaves on the variegated Jade. It is such a stunning contract against the green.
The solid cream contains no chlorophyll at all, so it does not produce its own food via photosynthesis. Instead it infiltrates it’s greener neighbor’s tissues. Consequently, extracting water and nutrients. There are about 3000 non-photosynthetic plants that exist around the world.
Many consider the Jade plant a symbol of good luck are considered auspicious in Feng Shui. They are commonly found in business store fronts, offices, as well as many homes.
Sunlight for Variegated Jade
The Variegated Jade makes a great houseplant or office plant and thrives outdoors. They prefer bright light and thrive in full sun, but can survive in the shade. Kept in shade, and the leaves will remain more green. They can also become leggy or elongated if they spend too much time in the shade. Pinkish tinges can develop on the edges of the leaves when exposed to full sun. In summer, be sure to acclimate your Jade to full sun gradually.
If moved too quickly into full sun the leaves can be sunburned just like humans. It is heat tolerant as well as drought tolerant.
Water for Variegated Jade
The most common reason that these drought tolerant plants do not survive is typically from overwatering. When in doubt, do not water and always allow the soil to dry out in between watering. In winter months, reduce watering and only add enough water to keep the leaves from shriveling up. Variegated Jade can lose its roots if the soil stays cold and wet for extended periods.
If you are new to plants and succulents, I highly recommend a moisture meter. They are a fool-proof way to ensure you never over water your plants. It really helped me when I was new to succulents. My preferred method of watering for containers is always from the bottom up. I place the pot in a large container filled with water and allow the plant to soak up water. Variegated Jade can tolerate very dry conditions but I think they look their best with occasional water.
Watch our complete Jade care video or keep on reading!
Soil for Variegated Jade
The Crasula Ovata Variegata grows best in well-draining soil as with most succulents. Good drainage is imperative as they are prone to root rot.
Variegated Jade Propagation
Crassula ovata variegata is one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate. They can be propagated by a leaf or a stem cutting. Make sure to take the whole leaf including the base or the leaf will not survive. Let the cuttings dry out for 3-5 days. This ensures that the ends completely callus over. You can dip your variegated Jade cuttings or leaves in rooting hormone to speed up the root growth.
My favorite way to propagate succulents is through water propagation. However, they also propagate well in soil.
Next, put the cuttings in a well draining potting mix. You can either stick the leaf cuttings in soil or lay them flat on top of the soil. Keep the cuttings and leaves out of direct sunlight. Learn more about succulent leaf propagation here.
Fertilizer
Feed your Crassula ovata Tricolor 1-2 times with half diluted strength during the growing season. Use a cactus/succulent fertilizer.
Variegated Jade Flowers
In winter, look for clusters of star shaped, pinkish-white flowers. They typically bloom from winter to early spring depending on your climate.
Variegated Jade Plant Pink
Is your Variegated Jade plant turning pink? It is just blushing! It’s completely normal and often referred to as sun stress. In fact, collectors and growers do it to get those nice vibrant colors.
Pests
Like most succulents, the Variegated Jade is susceptible to evil mealybugs and occasionally scale. Read my mealybug and pest eradication guide here.
Crassula Ovata Variegata – Variegated Jade Plant
Crassula Lemon & Lime, Variegated Jade
Tricolor Variegated Jade Plant
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