The Different Types of Baby Jade Plant

The baby jade plant, also known as the jade necklace plant or rupestris jade, is a charming and easy-to-care-for succulent. As its name suggests, it has a miniature size and dainty appearance reminiscent of jade jewelry. Let’s explore the various varieties of this cute little plant!

Overview of Baby Jade Plants

The baby jade plant belongs to the genus Crassula in the family Crassulaceae. Its scientific name is Crassula ovata ‘Rupestris’. Some other common names for it include jade beads jade necklace and Chinese jade plant.

This succulent is native to the eastern parts of South Africa In the wild, it grows in rocky slopes and outcroppings Its small size made it adaptable to living in tiny crevices and cracks in the rocks where water and soil collected.

The baby jade plant is a small, compact succulent that reaches heights of only 4-8 inches. It has a shrubby, dense growth habit and forms a nicely shaped miniature bush.

The fleshy leaves are plump, oval-shaped, and 1/2 inch long They are arranged closely along the stems, overlapping each other and creating the effect of beads on a necklace The leaves are light green to lime green in color.

One of the easiest succulents to grow, the baby jade plant thrives with minimal care. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions and irregular watering. A small container is perfect for growing this petite plant.

Popular Varieties of Baby Jade Plants

Many different cultivars of the baby jade plant have emerged through breeding programs and mutations. Here are some of the most popular types:

Crassula ovata ‘Minima’

This dwarf jade plant is even smaller than the regular baby jade, growing only 2-4 inches tall. It has rounded, 1/4 inch long leaves that form a tight, dense bush. ‘Minima’ maintains its extremely compact shape without the need for pruning. It works great in miniature fairy gardens.

Crassula ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’

Crosby’s compact jade is another tiny variety, reaching just 3 inches tall. The small, plump, rounded leaves emerge in a rich red color before turning green. The foliage is dense and full, giving this cultivar a cozy, mounded look. It stays redder in high light.

Crassula ovata ‘Pink Beauty’

If you want some extra color in your baby jade, try ‘Pink Beauty’. This variety produces delicate pink flowers in winter. The oval leaves occasionally take on a pinkish tinge as well. It has an open, spreading habit and can reach up to 12 inches tall.

Crassula ovata ‘Rupestris’

This is the original wild species of baby jade plant that the others were bred from. It forms a 4-8 inch tall bush covered in small, plump, oval green leaves. ‘Rupestris’ tends to be more sparse and open in growth compared to some of the compact cultivars.

Crassula ovata ‘Hottentot’

‘Hottentot’ is a fuzzy-leaved form of baby jade. The leaves are densely covered in tiny white hairs, giving them a soft, velvety texture. The hairs also give the foliage a slightly lighter blue-green tone. Like ‘Rupestris’, it reaches about 6 inches tall with a spreading shape.

Crassula ovata ‘Lydia’

‘Lydia’ is a less common cultivar with dainty pink-tinged foliage. The margins of the leaves turn a pretty rosy color. This gives the whole plant a subtle glow. Like most baby jade varieties, ‘Lydia’ remains quite small and compact.

How to Care for Baby Jade Plants

Caring for baby jade plants is simple since they adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for keeping them healthy and looking their best:

• Light: Bright light encourages compact growth, but baby jades can tolerate low light. Direct sun may scorch the leaves.

• Water: Allow the soil dry out between waterings. Water less in winter. Take care not to overwater.

• Soil: Use a sandy cactus mix. Make sure the soil drains well to avoid rot.

• Temperature: Average room temperatures of 65-75°F are ideal. Avoid cold drafts.

• Fertilizer: Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength during the growing season.

• Pruning: Remove damaged leaves and leggy growth as needed to keep the plant compact.

• Repotting: Repot in spring every 2-3 years when rootbound. Use a container only slightly larger than the roots.

Baby jade plants are not heavy feeders, so organic compost or slow-release granular fertilizer applied once a month during spring and summer is sufficient. Watch for mealybugs, scale, and fungal diseases, treating promptly to keep your plant healthy.

Tips for Displaying Baby Jade Plants

A key appeal of the baby jade plant lies in its petite size. Take advantage of its diminutive stature by showing it off in fun ways:

• Group several baby jade plants together in a cluster for a fuller look.

• Combine them with other miniature succulents like echeverias and haworthias.

• Plant in a shallow bonsai-style container like a tray or low bowl.

• Use baby jade plants as a border along walkways, edges of beds, or in rock gardens.

• Place them in diminutive decorative pots like tea cups or tiny planters.

• Arrange them on office desks, tabletops, nightstands, bathroom counters, or bookshelves.

• Include baby jades in terrariums, fairy or gnome gardens, centerpieces, and living wreaths.

The baby jade plant brings adorable scale and texture to both indoor and outdoor spaces. With very little maintenance required, this charming succulent is ideal for beginners and busy gardeners. Give the jade necklace plant a try if you’re looking for a uniquely petite addition to your plant collection!