Variegated Jade Plant 

Description

The Variegated Jade Plant, Crassula ovata 'Tricolor,' is one of those fun succulents you’ll want on your desk or bookshelf simply for its chunky, glossy, multi-toned foliage; think splashed with creamy yellow and green, tinged with rosy pink when in prime light. As you might guess from the ‘ovata’ portion of its name, it's closely related to the regular green jade plant, and you’ll find it at nurseries labeled ‘Rainbow Jade’ or ‘Tricolor Jade,’ as well. And the unique variegation on each individual leaf ensures that each plant is like no other.

This Tricolor is a plant of choice for bringing color to a shelf or windowsill without being a flower plant. Its round, jelly-like leaves hold water and as such have a naturally compact and tidy structure which does well on a study table, kitchen counter or balcony ledge. It can be used indoors or outdoors so long as there is at least a couple hours of bright sunshine a day, and it manages to tolerate the conditions in the average Indian house where one can forget to water it for a week or two.

This Variegated Jade succulent variety makes a sensible option for beginner succulent growers since it is a lot more forgiving to missed waterings than to watering too much. It is not necessary for succulent owners to pay it day-to-day attention, as well as given that it grows bit by little bit over time, you do not need to transfer it to a larger container for a while if you use it as a desk or windowsill ornament.

Key features

• Leaves have strips of cream and green and sometimes pink edges in higher light. 
• They are slow-growing and love being crowded on office desks and window sills. 
• Full of leaves which retain water so they aren't bothered if you forget to water them occasionally. 
• Not much to ask for, other than a bright spot and well-draining soil.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing in most Indian climates
• Distinct look compared to the plain green jade plant, useful for variety in a plant collection
• Reasonable choice as a gift for plant lovers due to its unusual leaf colouring
• Ships in a 3 inch pot that's easy to repot into a decorative planter later

Care at a glance

Product specifications

What's in the box

• 1 x Variegated Jade Plant (Crassula ovata 'Tricolor')
• 1 x Pot (Bare-rooted / Pot: Optional)
• Potting mix
• Care guide

Important notes

• Leaf colour and variegation pattern vary naturally from plant to plant, so the plant you receive may not look identical to the photo
• Some leaf drop during transit is normal for succulents and usually settles once the plant adjusts to its new spot
• Avoid placing the plant in direct, harsh afternoon sun right after unboxing; introduce it to brighter light gradually
• Do not water immediately after unpacking; check that the soil is actually dry before the first watering
• Variegation can fade slightly if the plant doesn't get enough light over time
• Avert from leaves-chowing pets – many plants from the genus Crassula can be harmful if ingested by your cat or dog leading to slight gastric irritation.

Frequently asked questions

Q: My variegated jade leaves are turning yellow which causes this.

A: Yellowing leaves are a symptom that the jade plant is probably being over-watered rather than underwatered. Be sure the soil does not remain moist for any length of time and water only when the soil becomes dry to the touch. Leaves near the base of the plant turning yellow is merely a symptom of older leaves dying naturally.

Q: When should you water your plant?

A:Let the soil get thoroughly dry before you water it. For plants in a standard household and indoors these are around every 10 to 14 days as based on plant size and size of pot as well as time of year, but may be much less during winter or if weather is cloudy/ humid when plants won’t be thirsty at this time.

Q: Can I grow the Variegated Jade Plant indoors all year round?

A: Yes! A well-loved house plant this one will thrive indoors given they are placed in a location where they receive a few hours of either direct or bright indirect sunlight. Keep this plant from becoming leggy and losing variegation by placing it near a window.

Q: Just how much sunlight does it really need?

A: It prefers bright, indirect light for the better part of the day, plus a few hours of indirect direct sun – morning sun is generally preferred, while intense afternoon sun in the height of summer can burn the leaves unless it has been introduced to it over time. 

Q: When do I repot and what soil do I use?

A: You will know it’s time to re-pot when the roots have filled the pot, or simply when it’s time every 2 or 3 years. Use a well draining succulent and cactus mix, and ensure your pot has a hole for drainage as these plants prefer dry soil to wet soil.

Q: Is this safe to have around pets?

A: Various crassula ovata species, including this variegated one, are known to have mild toxicity and can result in vomiting/nausea in cats and dogs if they ingest/ chew it. To avoid this, it’s recommended to keep the plant on a high shelf or in an area where pets don’t spend a lot of time.