Crassula ovata f. variegata | Variegated Jade Plant
€10,60
🌱 Morphology
Jade tree · Jade plant. Shrubby, perennial, and highly branched succulent that can reach approximately 1–2.5 m in mature specimens. It develops a thick, woody, twisted-looking trunk with gray bark that peels off in brownish horizontal strips with age. The branches are succulent, robust, and can also become lignified.
The leaves are opposite and decussate, forming perpendicular pairs, generally sessile or with a very short petiole. They are fleshy, green, shiny, elliptical to obovate in shape, with a narrowed base and an acute or slightly mucronate apex. A narrow reddish hue on the margins is frequent, especially with intense lighting and some water restriction. This clone presents variegations on its leaves, showing epidermal areas in white or yellowish tones due to a lack of chlorophyll.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Family Crassulaceae. It is a species endemic to South Africa, distributed mainly throughout the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It inhabits rocky slopes, outcrops, and protected ravines, forming part of scrubland communities, Albany Thicket, savannas, and other subtropical and semi-arid vegetation formations. It is found from approximately 50 to 1800 m in altitude.
In the wild, it usually grows in places with good drainage, where the roots can access rainwater but the soil does not remain saturated.
❄️ Temperature
USDA Zone 9b–11b. It tolerates relatively low temperatures when dry and well-acclimated, but it must be protected from intense frosts and, especially, from the combination of cold and moist substrate. Cold tolerance also depends on water status, acclimation, and the duration of the episode. It tolerates minimum temperatures of -5 °C.
☀️ Lighting
Intense lighting is recommended, with a target of 15–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR during the growth period. High light availability promotes compact growth, thicker leaves, and the reddish coloration of the margins.
Specimens grown in low light should be progressively acclimated to direct sun to avoid burning.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Summer dormancy. It is an adaptable species, but in cultivation, it responds especially well to a cycle of activity during seasons with moderate temperatures, reducing its activity when temperatures are extreme.
During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry out completely before watering again. It is not advisable to provide small amounts of water frequently, as constant moisture promotes root problems.
In cold periods with low vegetative activity, watering should be reduced considerably. The species has high drought tolerance and can withstand prolonged periods without water.
🌸 Flowering
Flowering occurs mainly from late autumn to winter and early spring, depending on cultivation conditions. In Madrid, it is recorded mainly between December and February.
The flowers appear grouped in rounded terminal inflorescences, forming numerous clusters. They are small but abundant, star-shaped, white or pinkish-white, with purple anthers. In well-lit specimens, they can form authentic floral masses and emit a light, sweet fragrance.
🌿 Nutrition
During the growth period, Desert CHOICE® Succulents is recommended, applying it after the plant has clearly resumed its vegetative activity. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering to promote inflorescence formation.
Do not fertilize during dormancy periods or when the plant is subjected to extreme temperatures.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.
📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:
S -> 9cm x 9cm
M-> 14cm x 14cm
L-> 16cm x 16cm
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the shipped specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly, because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 9x9 cm pot.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the shipped specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly, because, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
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