13 Exotic Jade Plant Varieties You Need to Know
Jade plants are a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners due to their resilience and pleasing appearance. Known for their thick, glossy leaves, these succulents can survive with minimal care.
This makes them perfect for adding a touch of green to any indoor setting. Start your collection of jade plants now.
Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata Hobbit)
This unique jade plant deserves a spot on your list. The hobbit jade starts off small, showcasing green shoots that reach for the sky in its pot.
Over time, it transforms into something more substantial, developing woody stems and branches that give it the look of a tiny tree. Its leaves are linear and slightly crooked, adding character to its appearance.
A special feature is the saucer-like opening at each leaf’s end; sometimes you'll notice a hint of red there, enhancing its charm even further. Like all good things inspired by Middle-earth, this plant holds many surprises and an intriguing beauty just waiting for you to discover.
Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata Gollum)
The Gollum jade plant stands out with its unique and slightly eerie look. Its long, rounded leaves resemble thin fingers, echoing the unsettling character from a famous trilogy.
This plant thrives in warm areas filled with bright sunlight. Despite its darker appearance, it shares the same sun-loving nature as other jade plants.
Placing it where it can soak up sunshine will keep your Gollum jade healthy and happy. A blend of charm and mystery defines this interesting addition to any collection.
Skinny Fingers Jade (Crassula ovata Skinny Fingers)
Skinny fingers jade plant stands out with its unique beauty. Long, slender leaves give it a graceful look, similar to the Gollum and Hobbit jade plants.
Winter brings star-shaped flowers that add charm, much like those found on the pink beauty variety. While this is the last cultivar of Crassula ovata we’ll discuss, many more options await your discovery.
Care for skinny fingers resembles other jade plants you may know, making it easy to grow. Finding your perfect plant might just end here with this delightful choice!
Pink Beauty Jade (Crassula ovata Pink Beauty)
The pink beauty jade plant stands out with its unique features. Clusters of star-shaped flowers in soft pink and white bloom beautifully, making this variety a true eye-catcher.
While many jade plants are valued for their leaves, the floral display of the pink beauty adds special charm. Its rounded, shrub-like shape gives it a lovely presence in any space.
You can easily recognize this variety as part of the Crassula ovata family despite not sharing names from popular films anymore. Choosing this plant means adding something distinctive to your collection that is easy to care for and visually appealing.
Silver Dollar Jade (Crassula arborescens)
Silver dollar jade plants, often called money plants, bring a unique charm to any space. Their round leaves shine with a silvery hue that reminds many of silver coins.
A striking magenta streak adds an interesting detail along the edge of each leaf. Being part of the Crassula arborescens species means these plants require specific care for them to thrive beautifully.
Proper soil moisture plays a crucial role in their health; excellent drainage is essential for success here. Overwatering can cause root rot, so keeping an eye on water levels ensures your plant stays vibrant and strong.
Campfire Crassula (Crassula capitella Campfire)
Gardening enthusiasts often seek plants that bring color to their spaces. The campfire crassula stands out as a top choice among jade plants, featuring brilliant shades of red and yellow.
Sometimes, its leaves may not even show green at all, creating a fiery display in your home. Caring for this beautiful plant is simple; it thrives on little water and needs only minimal pruning.
Unlike many other jade varieties that require full sunlight, the campfire crassula can thrive in partial shade too. This unique combination makes it a wonderful addition to any indoor garden looking for vibrant hues without much fuss.
Jade Necklace (Crassula marnieriana Jade Necklace)
Jade plants surprise many with their diverse shapes and colors. A jade necklace showcases this variety beautifully.
Long segments grow in a way that can spill over the sides of its pot, adding elegance to any indoor space. Its vibrant light green leaves, accented by subtle red hints, create a lively display.
This plant thrives in dry indoor air, making it an excellent choice for homes. Familiarity with just one type of jade limits appreciation for all the stunning forms these plants can take.
Blue Bird Jade (Crassula arborescens Blue Bird)
Disputes exist about the true classification of the blue bird jade plant. Some say it belongs to Crassula ovata, while others believe it is a mix of different species.
Most likely, this beautiful plant comes from the Crassula arborescens family. The bluish leaves stand out and may even have wavy edges.
White flowers bloom against those striking blue leaves, adding charm to any space. Growing up to two or three feet tall outdoors makes this jade plant impressive, though many people in Europe and the United States prefer keeping it indoors because it cannot survive frigid temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Those interested in bonsai gardening find its size particularly appealing for their projects.
Jade Tower (Crassula marnieriana Jade Tower)
Differences between the jade necklace and jade tower are noticeable, even though both come from the same plant family. The leaves of a jade tower grow larger and thicker than those of its necklace counterpart.
This plant stands tall with strong stems, unlike the trailing nature of the jade necklace. Issues like mealy bugs can sometimes affect it, but these pests are simple to manage.
Fungal diseases and root rot pose greater challenges; prevention works best for these problems. Keeping your plant’s environment dry helps avoid too much moisture in the air or soil.
Gandalf Jade (Crassula ovata Gandalf)
Gandalf jade is the first plant in a trio inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
Each of these plants has a whimsical look that adds an enchanting touch to any space. While you might think all three would appear quite similar, Gandalf jade stands out with its unique features.
Its leaves are thicker and have a tubular shape, unlike the narrower foliage found on the other two plants. This distinctiveness enhances its charm rather than detracting from it.
Botany Bay (Crassula ovata Botany Bay)
A unique feature of the botany bay jade plant is its striking leaf margin. Each leaf may show a small hint of dark red along its edge, adding an eye-catching touch.
This cultivar belongs to the Crassula ovata species and has been part of nurseries for less than 20 years. Leaves are large and thick, typically displaying a rich green hue that can fade to yellow-green in some cases.
The beautiful colors often pop more in extreme heat, enhancing their appeal further. Even without this bold tint, the botany bay jade plant remains attractive all on its own.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Starting with Crassula ovata, also known as the jade plant, this species deserves attention for its unique charm. Native to South Africa, it thrives in warm climates similar to USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Despite its distant roots, the jade plant has gained popularity across many countries, especially in the United States. Its blend of beauty and ease of care makes it a favorite among gardeners.
This original jade variety serves as a foundation for numerous cultivars you will see later on. For anyone new to growing jade plants, Crassula ovata is an excellent choice that showcases all essential characteristics found in these beloved houseplants while offering wonderful ornamental features worth exploring next.
Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava)
Fairy crassula, also known as Crassula multicava, stands out with its unique features. This plant has small, round leaves that are thinner than the usual jade plant leaves.
Within a single leaf, you can spot both green and light purple colors blending together beautifully. Long stalks rise above the foliage to showcase delicate light pink flowers each year.
These tiny blooms often have four pointed petals that create a soft and airy look across the plant. You might appreciate how distinct this species is from others in the jade family as you explore different plants in your collection.
