Jade
Jade or Crassula ovata, commonly also known as lucky plant, money plant or money tree, is a succulent plant is native to the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, and Mozambique; it is common as a houseplant worldwide. The Dwarf Jade is a quite similar to the Jade (Crassula ovata) and the same care guidelines apply to both species. As the name suggests, the Dwarf Jade has smaller leaves which makes it more suitable for Bonsai cultivation. Originally from the dry regions of South Africa, the Dwarf Jade is a fleshy, soft, woody small tree that grows up to 3m (10ft.) It has a thick trunk, but a fine branch structure with thick green oval-shaped succulent leaves. During autumn months it occasionally blossoms white flowers, but only if there have been droughts in the season. The bark is green and soft when it's young, and it transitions into a red-brown color as it ages.
Important to know that jade plant is toxic dogs and cats and horses.
SymbolismÂ
Jade symbolizes prosperity, good wealth, success.
Placing a Jade plant near the entrance of a store or a business office, near the cash register, or in a southeast location of the space brings prosperity and success to the business.Â
Placement
The Jade is considered an indoor tree in most temperate zones, although it can be grown outdoors in full sun and high temperatures. Do not let temperatures drop below 40 °F (5 °C). It requires substantial light, full sun if possible, especially when kept indoors. You'll know if your Jade tree is getting enough sunlight when it's leaves develop red tips or edges.
Watering
Much of its popularity stems from the low levels of care needed; the jade plant requires little water and can survive in most indoor conditions. Jade trees can hold large amounts of water inside their leaves, so water sparsely and allow the plant to dry out a little between watering. If the tree is kept relatively cold during winter months, watering can be done as seldom as once every three weeks. Monitor your tree closely and water the moment the soil dries out slightly. The Jade Bonsai is not as particular about over-watering as most other succulents.
Pruning and wiring:
Because the Jade tree is a succulent, it retains water in its trunk and branches. The water retention makes the tree limbs heavy which naturally bends the trunk and branches. It responds very well to pruning, and you should prune it regularly to force it to grow branches, especially in the lower part of the trunk. The nature of its trunk and branches makes it very susceptible to rotting. The bark is quite soft, so be cautious when wiring. If you do wire your Jade tree, make sure to monitor it closely as the wire will cut into the bark quickly.
Repotting:
Repotting a Jade tree should be done every-other-year in spring. Be sure to use a well-draining soil mixture and don't water the soil for about a week after repotting. This allows the cut or damaged roots to dry and callous. Watering after repotting leads to root rot, which can severely damage your jade tree.
Have a look at our Jade Bonsai Trees: