Mini Variegated Jade  (Crassula ovata 'Variegata')

Description

Mini Variegated Jade: This extremely mini Crassula ovata 'Variegata' is a great one for those tiny spots. It’s commonly also referred to as a 'Tricolor' Jade or Lemon & Lime Jade. The fleshy rounded leaves are accented in cream colored light yellow and light sage green rather than a true bright bold solid green. As it gains exposure to ample light and cooler air, the leaf edges might show a rosy pink or even red coloration. This young starter specimen is beginning to establish thick, woody stems that give an early look at a future bonsai-like form.

Mini Variegated Jade is quite tolerant of several hours of direct bright light per day – a south-facing window is good – as the white/pale sections have less chlorophyll than the green, so more light is required for good variegation and colour retention. Too little light and the variegation starts to disappear and it gets all green and a bit leggy. Windowsills, study tables, corners of a balcony etc. Does a wonderful job. The plant is small at this point. A good choice if you don't have a ton of space at first but intend on having it get huge later.

As a succulent plant Mini Variegated Jade is reasonably tough and drought resistant once settled and can cope on an ad hoc basis without a strict watered or not watered routine. It grows slowly, and can sit in a tiny pot for a very long time, which makes for a rewarding, no-stress option for novice plant enthusiasts to grow out and turn into an adorable woody little tree.

Key Features

• Bold leaves in rich green splashed with ivory, light yellow, and sage.
• Leaf edges may blush pink to red in bright light or cooler weather
• Compact starter size that develops into a woody, tree-like form over time
• Drought-tolerant succulent that needs only occasional watering
• Slow grower, staying manageable in a small pot for a long time
• Low-maintenance and well suited to first-time succulent owners
• Distinctive variegated colouring adds visual interest to desks and windowsills
• Makes an interesting starter gift for anyone new to growing jade plants

Care at a Glance

Product Specifications

What's in the Box

• 1 × Live Mini Variegated Jade plant
• 1 × Pot (Bare-rooted/Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Basic care guide

Important Notes

• Each plant is a living thing, so natural variation in leaf variegation, colour balance, and shape is normal
• This is a young, mini-sized plant, so its woody, tree-like form will develop gradually over the years
• Variegation depends on light exposure; plants kept in lower light may turn more green and lose some cream and pink tones
• Some minor leaf drop during transit is normal for succulents and the plant usually recovers within a couple of weeks
• This plant is considered toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested, and mildly toxic to humans, so keep it out of reach of pets and children
• Steer clear of waterlogged soil, which is the single biggest reason for rot in Crassula.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my Mini Variegated Jade going quite green? 

A: Variegated plants need more light than the fully green types of plants as there's less chlorophyll on the cream or light-coloured areas of the leaves and will begin to lengthen, to get greener as if it is hungry for light. The variegation will likely begin to come back if put in a brighter location like a window facing south.

Q: How much water do you add?

A: Give a very good soaking after the soil is completely dry, usually only around every 10 to 14 days, depending on your conditions and container size. Always test the soil for looseness by feel and don’t rely on days of the week for planting at all.

Q: Can Mini Variegated Jade be grown indoors? 

A: Yes it can, provided it receives 6 hours or more of bright light every day preferably from a south-facing window, avoid letting leaves press up against the glass of the window in direct sun as they may scorch easily.

Q: How fast does it grow and when does it resemble a mini tree? 

A: This plant is a slow grower, it takes a few years for the stems to get woody and thick like a typical jade plant to get its resemblance to a mini tree. It remains small and can be a perfect addition in a tiny pot!

Q: How often do I repot? 

A: Normally, every couple of years will suffice as the root system isn’t too large and they generally do not need frequent repotting. Repot in spring or summer, in a pot one size larger than current size, with good drainage.

Q: Can my pets be around this plant safely?

A: Mini Variegated Jade is a poisonous plant if ingested by cats, dogs, and horses. This plant can also cause slight irritation for humans. Place your mini Variegated Jade away from all pets and children, and contact your veterinarian immediately if you ever suspect ingestion.