Jade Bonsai
Crassula ovata
📖 About this plant
A succulent bonsai with thick, fleshy oval leaves and a distinctive thick trunk that develops an aged, tree-like appearance quickly. Jade bonsai is symbolic of prosperity and good fortune in feng shui. Its tree-like form, bark texture, and ability to develop aerial roots make it a convincing bonsai despite being a succulent. Clusters of star-shaped white or pink flowers appear in winter.
🧑🌾 Care requirements
Bright indirect to full sun (4-6 hrs)
Every 2-3 weeks
Low (30-50%)
15-28°C
Well-draining gritty bonsai soil mix; add extra perlite, pumice, or coarse sand; must not stay wet; pH 6.0-7.0
Diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during growing season; do not fertilize in winter when dormant
📋 Plant facts
- 🌍 Origin
- South Africa, Mozambique
- 📏 Max height
- 15-30 cm (bonsai form)
- 📐 Spread
- 15-30 cm
- 🕰️ Bloom time
- Winter - Spring
- 🎨 Bloom color
- White, Pink
- 🍃 Foliage color
- Dark Green
- ⏳ Lifespan
- Perennial
- 📈 Growth rate
- Slow
- ☠️ Toxicity
- Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested — causes vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, and in severe cases, cardiac effects. Mildly toxic to humans if large quantities consumed
- 🌱 Propagation
- Leaf or stem cuttings — allow cut ends to callus for several days before placing in soil; extremely easy to propagate
🛡️ Health & Safety
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested — causes vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, and in severe cases, cardiac effects. Mildly toxic to humans if large quantities consumed
Common issues
- Overwatering is the most common cause of death — root and stem rot, Leaf drop from underwatering or cold exposure, Mealybugs and scale insects hiding in leaf joints, Sunburn from too much direct intense sun
💡 Care tips
- Thick trunk and succulent leaves make it perfect for beginners,Extremely drought-tolerant and stores water in its trunk and branches,Develops an aged appearance much faster than other bonsai species,Can live for decades with minimal care and watering
