10 Types of Jade Plants and How to Care for Them

Jade plants are prized for their resilience, glossy foliage, and forgiving nature. Yet there are so many varieties that house owners often get confused in identifying them or how to care for each one. 

Though often grouped together, each variety has its own appearance and subtle differences in care requirements. In this guide, you’ll find ten popular jade types. For each, you’ll learn how to recognize its unique traits and keep it healthy year-round.

Quick Identification & Care Guide Table for Jade Plants 

What are the 10 Best and Easy-Growing Jade Plant Varieties?

1. Mini Jade (Crassula ovata)

Identification

• Height up to 2 ft (60 cm) at maturity.
• Smooth, tear-drop leaves up to 3 cm long.
• Brownish, thick trunks develop with age.

Mini Jade is the classic jade most people picture. Its compact size and simple shape make it ideal for desks or small shelves. As it grows slowly, about 5–10 cm per year, it remains manageable without frequent pruning.

For expert tips on light, watering, and potting, check out our detailed guide on how to care for Crassula ovata.

Quick Care Tip
Water only when the top 2 cm of soil is dry; avoid standing water to prevent rot.

2. Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)

Identification

• Tubular leaves 2–4 cm long, ending in a trumpet-like opening.
• Red coloration appears on the tips under bright light.
• Can reach up to 3 ft (90 cm) tall when unstaked.

Named for its resemblance to long, curved fingers, Gollum Jade adds a playful texture. Leaves curl inward at the tip, forming little cups. It demands more light than Mini Jade to achieve its reddish edging and maintain compact growth.

Discover the ideal lighting setup in our Jade plant care guide on sunlight and positioning.

Quick Care Tip
Place in a south- or west-facing window for several hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun.

3. Lemon Lime Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Obliqua’)

Identification

• Leaves have a yellow margin surrounding bright green centers.
• Foliage is often speckled with small red or orange flecks.
• Height typically 1.5 - 2 ft (45–60 cm).

Lemon Lime offers a splash of brightness with its variegated leaves, almost like planting sunshine. In lower light, margins may fade to green; in full sun, they deepen to chartreuse. This variety can spread wider than tall, making it suited to shallow containers or a trailing basket.

If you're exploring how plants like Lemon Lime can enhance indoor wellbeing, take a look at our guide on the best indoor plants to improve your health.

Quick Care Tip
Rotate the pot weekly to ensure even sun exposure on all sides of the plant.

4. Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’)

Identification

• Tubular leaves curl inward, forming tight rings.
• Deep green coloring with subtle red edges when stressed.
• Mature height around 3–4 ft (90–120 cm).

Hobbit Jade’s curled leaf form resembles a whimsical hat, giving it a sculptural quality. This variety thrives under moderate stress: a slight drought or brighter light will bring out red tones. Gardeners often prune its lower stems, using the cuttings to start new plants or bonsai projects.

For clean cuts and better propagation success, explore our range of essential garden tools for pruning and planting.

Quick Care Tip
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to develop a sturdy trunk.

5. Variegated Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’)

Identification

• Creamy white and green marbled leaves up to 5 cm wide.
• Sunlight can turn the margins pink or pale red.
• Height potentially exceeds 6 ft (180 cm) if unpruned.

Variegated Jade is sought after for its dramatic leaf patterns. Because the white sections have less chlorophyll, it needs slightly more light than all-green varieties. Too little light causes the white to dominate and foliage to thin out.

During colder months, follow our winter care tips for indoor plants to avoid leaf loss from low light.

Quick Care Tip
Avoid deep shade; aim for bright, filtered light and keep away from hot midday sun.

6. Botany Bay Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Botany Bay’)

Identification

• Fat, rounded leaves mottled in green and yellow.
• Leaves flush red under drought or bright sun.
• Grows up to 3 ft (90 cm) as a small tree.

This cultivar was first collected from Botany Bay, Australia. Its spotted foliage gives a mottled appearance, adding visual interest in mixed succulent arrangements. A couple of weeks of drought stress yields the brightest red edges.

For best results with light, watering frequency, and seasonal stress techniques, check out our Succulent Plant Care Guide, which covers optimal drought cycles and sun exposure for succulents

Quick Care Tip
Water thoroughly but infrequently, once every 2–3 weeks in summer, even less in winter.

7. Hummel’s Sunset (Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’)

Identification

• Leaves display a gradient from yellow at the center to orange or red at the edges.
• Typically 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) tall.
• Vibrant color develops under high light and mild drought.

Hummel’s Sunset lives up to its name; its glowing leaves can resemble a twilight sky. In consistent bright light, it keeps its colors year-round; in low light, it reverts to plain green. Ideal for a sunroom or a bright patio spot.

For tips on placing your plants for the right exposure, read our guide to understanding natural lighting for indoor plants.

Quick Care Tip
Provide bright, indirect light and skip feeding in fall and winter to maintain color intensity.

8. Silver Dollar Jade (Crassula arborescens)

Identification

• Round, silvery-blue leaves up to 5 cm across.
• Produces clusters of white or pink star-shaped flowers in late winter.
• Can grow 3–4 ft (90–120 cm) tall outdoors.

Though called “Silver Dollar,” this is a close relative rather than a classic jade. Its powdery leaf coating reflects light, lending an icy armature. Outdoors in mild climates, it forms large shrubs and blooms profusely.

Quick Care Tip
If indoors, keep humidity low and water sparingly to avoid fungal issues.

9. Coral Jade (Portulacaria afra)

Identification

• Tiny, round leaves on reddish stems.
• Quick-growing, sprawling habit up to 4 ft (120 cm).
• Commonly used in bonsai and landscape accents.

Also called “Elephant Bush,” Coral Jade grows faster than true jades, making it ideal for bonsai training. Its small leaves and flexible stems encourage intricate designs. As a C₄ plant, it tolerates higher temperatures and more light than many Crassulas.

Quick Care Tip
Water lightly every 10–14 days in summer; cut back if leaves become floppy.

10. String of Buttons (Crassula perforata)

Identification

• Leaves appear in pairs along thin stems, giving a stacked appearance.
• Pale green foliage often edged with pink.
• Trailing length up to 2 ft (60 cm).

String of Buttons looks charming in a hanging basket or atop a shelf where its stems can drape freely. Its flattened, triangular leaves give it an architectural look. It prefers slightly cooler night temperatures to encourage firm, compact growth.

Quick Care Tip
Place in an east-facing window for cool morning sun and bright, indirect light afterward.

General Care Guidelines for Any Jade Plants

Light

Most jades thrive on 4–6 hours of bright, indirect light daily. Variegated and Lemon Lime need more light, while Silver Dollar can handle dappled shade.

Water

Water deeply but infrequently. Let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again. Over-watering causes yellowing and root rot.

Soil

A well-draining mix, such as equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite, prevents moisture buildup.

For detailed guidance on soil types and ratios, see our perfect soil for succulent plants guide.

Temperature

Ideal daytime range: 18–26 °C (65–80 °F). Nighttime: 10–13 °C (50–55 °F). Avoid temperatures below 5 °C (40 °F).

Feeding

Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Skip feeding in dormancy (late fall–winter).

For more details on timing, dilution, and choosing the right mix, see our indoor plant fertilizer buying guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which jade plant is most beginner‑friendly?

Mini Jade (Crassula ovata) fares well under varied light and watering schedules, making it ideal for new growers.

2. Are jade plants toxic to pets?

Yes. Ingesting leaves can cause stomach upset in cats, dogs, and children. Place plants out of reach.

For safer alternatives, explore our low-light pet-friendly plants that are safe for cats, especially if you share your space with curious pets.

3. Why do jade leaves turn red or orange?

Exposure to intense light or mild drought stress triggers pigmentation in many cultivars, often seen as red or orange margins.