The Jade Tree became a favourite houseplant back in the ’70s when I first grew one in a terrarium. I liked that Crassula ovata is such a funky, almost fake-looking, evergreen plant.

It’s so tough & forgiving that it’s perfect for the newbie grower. I forgot to water every once in a while and it didn’t die. (Aren’t drought-tolerant succulents great?)

The Jade tree propagates like a dream – who would guess that accidentally knocking off a leaf or a branch would result in a whole new plant? Yup — it’s just that easy. 🙂

It seems to be happy in a tiny pot for years. Happy plants are beneficial for newbies. Success is almost like drugs. I bravely added other succulents & tropicals to the big glass jar. Perhaps that’s where my addiction started?

It wasn’t until I saw a Jade in an Australian garden that it even occurred to me that these houseplants could grow outside…
and that it could get big ! (Over waist-high.)
much less bloom !! (Even the flowers look fake.)
I had new goals to strive for.

Yup – these South African natives can grow outside in our Pacific Northwest, if only for the summer. I bring the pot outside in May after the last frost & set it in dappled shade for a few weeks. Like me, The Jade tree sunburns easily.

Eventually, I shift it into full sun & the sucker starts to grow like mad.

Ahead of autumn’s first frost, I carefully spray the plant, removing any insects, before moving it inside the house.

After a of couple weeks inside I was stoked to discover our Jade Tree coming into flower!

The pot sat beside the cool basement window where it only got sunlight during the day. I rarely go into that room in the evening, so the Jade Tree was in the dark for long periods. It acts just like a poinsettia! They won’t flower either unless the light is limited for a while. What a happy outcome – – I wasn’t even trying to get blooms! (That dream died long ago.)

The circle of buds open slowly, one by one, giving me weeks of enjoyment. Now my plan is to repeat this process next year – – then, just maybe, if it’s blooming even more profusely… we can call the Jade our Christmas tree.

Do you think C would go for that?

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