Fauna
Plant

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata

Also known as Lucky Plant, Money Plant, Money Tree, Friendship Tree

Jade plants feature thick, woody stems and glossy, oval leaves that store water, enabling them to thrive in arid environments. In late winter, mature specimens produce star-shaped pink or white flowers in response to cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. These long-lived succulents form dense, tree-like structures over decades and are widely cultivated around the globe as symbols of good fortune.

SucculentEvergreenHouseplant
Jade Plant reference1 / 7
(c) Christiaan Viljoen, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale insects
  • Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat conversion in native range, root rot from overwatering
HabitatsArid rocky hillsides, succulent scrub, indoor pots
Life span50–100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderSaxifragales
  2. FamilyCrassulaceae
  3. GenusCrassula
  4. SpeciesCrassula ovata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested; keep out of reach of household pets.
Why it is dangerous
Contains unidentified compounds that cause vomiting, lethargy, and slowed heart rate in cats and dogs when consumed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its fleshy, teardrop-shaped dark green leaves attached opposite each other along thick, reddish-brown woody stems.
What to do
Place pots on high shelves or hanging planters well out of reach of roaming household pets.
Responsible observation
  • Watering: Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
  • Lighting: Provide bright indirect sunlight or direct morning sun for rich foliage.
  • Propagation: Root stem cuttings or individual leaves easily in well-draining soil.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Species set Pro

Windowsill Flora

Jade Plant is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

Unlock to track progress

Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…