The jade plant is a popular succulent houseplant with fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and thick, woody stems that resemble tiny tree trunks. With just a bit of care, it can grow to be between 3 and 6 feet tall, but it does so slowly, growing about 2 inches a year.Native to South Africa, jade plants were once thought to bring good luck to their owners, so are often given as housewarming gifts. Because they’re typically only grown indoors, they can be brought home or started at any time, either from a professional nursery or through propagation.

Homeowners with pets should be careful about where they place a jade plant in their home. All parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Jade Plant Care

Jade plants are generally undemanding and easy to grow, but they are susceptible to too much moisture and a selection of diseases. As with all succulents, overwatering is sure to be fatal, so err on the side of keeping the soil too dry rather than too wet. Jade plants also need plenty of light to develop to their full potential. However, if the proper conditions are met, you’ll be gifted with a stunning succulent that can be easily propagated, giving you plenty of extra plants to spread around your home.

Light

Jade plants love light, and young plants especially should be exposed to bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Jade plants young and old should receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily, but keep the plant safe from direct rays. Harsh light can scorch young, immature plants or cause the leaves of older ones to turn red