You can find Jade plants practically anywhere nowadays – but they are native to Africa (specifically South Africa – at least most).
And like every African plant, THEY’RE GORGEOUS!
There’s no doubt about this. Even the smallest, less quirky jade plant is a wonderful addition to any garden or household.
Here, we want to show you the BEST types of jade plants to take home.
Whether you’re looking for something showy and ultra-weird or the most standard variety of jade plants – WE HAVE THEM ALL!
By the way, we’re also telling you what they need to grow, how you can make them bloom, and whether they’re ideal for your environment or not. Care to learn about them all? Take a peek below!
23 Jade Plant Varieties You Should Know About
1. Baby Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Minima’)
Many people confuse it with other types of Crassula because it has tiny, elongated, cylindrical leaves coming off the branches.
But this one boasts something others do not: it grows bushy and dense vegetation. That’s why it’s one of the most sought-after, both for indoor and outdoor environments.
A typical Baby Jade Plant is small, growing no more than 2 feet high, and typically staying tiny enough to fit in small containers.
You will need full sun exposure to make it grow larger, but it still survives in low-light areas without problems.
TO CONSIDER: You may notice reddish tips on the leaves that make it sufficiently eye-catching anywhere you place it.
2. Baby’s Necklace Jade Plant (Crassula rupestris)
The name comes from the ability to grow super-long branches, often extending up and to the sides, boasting colorful tones in the process.
Most Baby’s Necklace varieties tend to be greenish, often pale, with dark areas. But some of them can grow reddish and pinkish, making them extremely attractive. Also, the size may differ – some of them growing up to 2 feet high while others stay smaller than afoot.
This is one of the easiest to grow as it withstands temperatures as little as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet, they prefer full sun exposure and temperatures over 70 degrees.
WORTH KNOWING: It survives with little to no humidity like most succulents. You can water it less than once a week, and it won’t mind.
3. Bear Paw Jade Plant (Crassula Pubescens)
The name comes from the curious paw-like shape of the leaves with seemingly hairy surfaces. It is one of the most popular varieties for that reason.
But people also like that it grows no more than 6 inches in most cases. It’s also a fast-growing and ground-covering variety, so you may find it growing less like a shrub and more like a crawler.
An exciting part of the Bear Paw jade is how easy it is to grow. Keep it in temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will thrive.
IMPORTANT FACT: You will notice yellow to pinkish flowers appearing in the summer. They add a ton of color to the already vibrant green leaves.
4. Blush Plakkie Jade Plant (Crassula cultrata)
You may find it as the Blush Plakkie, Sharp-leaved Jade Plant, and many other curious names. The reason? It’s one of the weirdest out there.
It looks like any other type of jade plant, but there’s something about it that stands out: each leaf can get to over 1 foot long. Not the plant – THE LEAVES!
The plant itself typically grows to about 32 inches in the right conditions. And like other succulents and jade plants, it requires consistent sun exposure and little humidity to thrive.
BY THE WAY: You will also get yellowish flowers from time to time, growing in clusters that add a bit of color to the lively reddish leaves.
5. Bonsai Jade Tree (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’)
You won’t find any Bonsai Jade Tree growing more than 12 inches. Most of them stay within the 4 and 8-inch range. That’s where the name comes from.
It looks like other jades in some way, with greenish leaves growing from a super-short branch. These leaves look like a tiny finger with a reddish tip.
You may notice the leaves also look like corals, which is an eye-catching feature to enjoy. The color and texture are undoubtedly among the most exciting.
EXTRA FEATURE: It may also bloom in the summer, showing white flowers that grow in clusters that easily make the plant gorgeous.
6. Fairy Crassula (Crassula multicava)
Few jade plants have left as thin as the Fairy Crassula. It looks like other types of succulents instead of jade. However, it’s still impossible to dismiss, given the shape and colors.
In contrast with other jades, this one forms a mat anywhere it grows. Whether you place it in a pot or garden, it will easily cover large areas and create gorgeous sights.
This one typically grows to about 6 to 12 inches. Given it is exposed to temperatures higher than 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it won’t mind.
TO CONSIDER: It prefers full sun exposure over partial shade, but it grows pretty much anywhere. However, more sunlight provides more colorful leaves and flowers.
7. Golden Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’)
A medium-sized variety that typically grows no more than 3 feet and boasts some of the most eye-catching colors among jades.
Its golden tones with bright green hues are impossible to dismiss. The “Hummel’s Sunset” comes from the ability to SHINE as the sun hits the leaves. You may notice a reddish tone in the edges.
This plant grows like a bonsai, with short branches and stems but large and thick leaves. More sun exposure makes it grow longer branches and thicker leaves.
CURIOUS FACT: It also produces white flower clusters once a year. The combination of golden foliage with white blossoms is unbeatably beautiful.
8. Gollum’s Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)
Called the Ogre’s Ears due to the quirky shape of the leaves, this jade is eye-catching as they come. The vibrant light-green leaf color plus the reddish tip is impossible to dismiss.
It’s also easy to grow as it requires little humidity and prefers full sun exposure over partial shade. You will need temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it healthy.
Another vital part to consider is how GORGEOUS it is when it blooms. The white-to-pink clusters are visually touching.
ESSENTIAL FACTOR: It only produces flowers after about 3 years of growth. You won’t notice signs of blooming before that.
9. Jitter Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Undulata’)
You may also find it the Undulated Jade, given the unique leaf shape that makes it so attractive. This pairs up with a gorgeous show of colors, combining a pale green with a reddish edge on the leaves.
The leaves are also slightly hairy, offering a unique texture that makes them stand out. These waxy leaves are also thick and grow wide and long (compared to other varieties).
Apart from that, this is a desert plant. It requires little humidity and 8 hours of sun exposure to thrive. Temperatures need to be higher than 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
EXCITING FACT: The flowers are white with a pinkish tone, ensuring a more colorful blooming season.
10. Miniature Pine Tree Jade Plant (Crassula tetragona)
Its pine-like leaf shape gives them such a curious name. These needle-like leaves boast a light-green tone that’s also super-attractive. You may notice the leaves almost shining when the sun hits them directly.
The plant itself grows to about 4 feet, given enough sun exposure and little humidity. Apart from that, the plant has thinner stems than the typical jade, with far-reaching branches.
As long as it stays in temperatures higher than 60 degrees Fahrenheit and you can keep it away from winter frosts, it will grow without issues.
WORTHWHILE FACT: It may also survive as an indoor variety with little to no sunlight –keep it away from too much humidity or freezing temps.
11. Money Tree Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The most popular and common type of jade plant – the Money Tree is what most people think of when a Crassula is mentioned.
This plant thrives in extra-warm environments of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or more. But that also means it can grow to heights of over 6 feet with ease.
You can keep it in partial shade if you don’t care that much about growth. However, it will require a lot of sun exposure to get to higher heights.
Generally, the plant boasts 2-inch leaves that are oval and thick. The colors are dark-green to pale, with reddish stains (especially in the summer).
This variety also blooms in early spring and summer, giving white-to-pink flowers to enjoy.
DON’T FORGET: As long as the surface is dry, you can grow it in gravel, rocks, and even sandy soils without problems.
12. Moon Glow Jade Plant (Crassula mesembryanthemoides)
Thanks to the particular leaf shape and texture, the Moon Glow jade is a super-interesting type to consider.
Its dark and pale green leaves are covered in “hairs” that set it apart from other varieties. The branch tends to be a bit thinner than others, almost entirely covered by the elongated yet pointy leaves.
You won’t find this variety growing longer than a foot long, with the leaves themselves making for up to 10 inches of its height.
It grows both in partial shade and full sun. Make sure temperatures don’t go lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
TIP TO CONSIDER: You may get pinkish flowers in the spring and summer, as long as it receives sufficient sunlight and little to no humidity.
13. Pink Jade Plant (Crassula ovata ‘Pink Beauty’)
The name may confuse you as the plant is green, one of the most vibrant green from the jade family.
However, it is the flowers that truly stand out. These colorful pink blossoms appear in the spring to add a unique appearance to the jade, making it stand out in any garden or household plant.
It prefers partial shade but grows without problems under 8 hours of sun exposure. Apart from that, it can grow up to 3 feet without issues.
CONSIDER THIS: The leaves may achieve a reddish tone in environments with high temperatures and little humidity.
14. Propeller Jade Plant (Crassula Falcata)
Another jade that’s impossible to dismiss is the Propeller Plant. The name comes from the particular shape of its leaves and the beautiful flowers it produces.
A set of long leaves with a pale color and a hairy texture increase the beauty of the plant. These leaves can reach 18 inches themselves on a plant that grows up to 3 feet.
Sure enough, the plant flourishes in the spring. These blossoms are bright red and grow in clusters directly from the plant’s center.
Keep it under full sun and warm temperatures for the best results.
VITAL PART: It doesn’t always flower, so you need to keep it in the absolute best of conditions. Ensure tons of sunlight and little humidity to enjoy its unmistakably stunning blossoms.
15. Red Jade Plant (Crassula coccinea)
Yet another jade with red flowers – the Red Jade or Crassula coccinea makes for an exciting addition to any outdoor garden.
It is a dwarf variety as it doesn’t grow larger than a foot and a half. But it’s not the size that stands out, but the impressive chain-like growth, producing elongated cones with tiny thick leaves growing from it.
You may notice red blooms appearing in the summer, among the most colorful flowers from jade plants out there.
WHAT TO KNOW: This variety grows almost exclusively outdoors, as it demands consistent sunlight and little to no humidity (it may even grow in crevices and on top of rocks).
16. Red Pagoda (Crassula capitella)
A two-tone jade plant features a vibrant green with bright reddish on the tips. It comes in many varieties, with the most common being the “Campfire” as it produces nearly all-red leaves.
The leaves are pointy, growing to about 5 inches each. This plant doesn’t grow more than 10 inches but tends to spread in containers and gardens truly fast (up to 3 feet of spread).
You may also notice flowers appearing in the spring. This will only happen if it’s exposed to 8 hours of sunlight and you water it once a week or so.
INTERESTING FACT: The leaves get a crimson red in the winter or coldest months, making them look more colorful.
BONUS READ: Althea Plant: How to Grow and Care in Your Garden
17. Ripple Jade Plant (Crassula arborescens undulatifolia)
Another super-popular variety is the Crassula arborescens or Ripple Jade. It stands out for the fast-growing nature of its branches that tend to ripple around and crawl high.
The leaves typically achieve a vibrant green tone with greyish hues from time to time. Their size sets them apart, being small enough to make the branches and stems look more prominent.
Because the branches are often more visible than the leaves, you may notice a bonsai-like growth. This pairs up well with the shrubby growth of the entire plant – making it super-interesting.
It grows both in full sun exposure and partial shade. Also, it can withstand mild humidity without issues.
EXTRA FACT: It is one of the easiest to grow as it can withstand low temps and high ones. The leaves don’t fall regardless of the season.
18. Sericea Jade Plant (Crassula sericea ‘Hottentotta’)
Among the weirdest jades out there, the Hottentota is a dwarf type growing no more than 6 inches tall and typically preferring to spread over growing tall.
You can find it under the sun, close to rocks and low-humidity soils. And sure enough, it also prefers temperatures over 35 degrees Fahrenheit and a ton of sunlight.
But if there’s something to love is the leaf shape. Its fuzzy and quirky foliage is thick and tiny, featuring greenish tones with reddish splashes on the tips.
It may also produce flowers in the spring, white and eye-catching clusters.
WHAT TO CONSIDER: It requires no soil to thrive as long as there’s a sufficiently rich environment (sand or gravel).
19. Silver Dollar Jade (Crassula arborescens)
The Silver Dollar jade is ideal for those who want a gigantic succulent in their garden. It is not precisely the biggest succulent, but among the largest from the jade family, growing up to 4 feet in some cases.
Another interesting part is the leaf size. Some can grow to over 12 inches long and feature an extra-thick body.
As a succulent, it prefers dry and warm environments to thrive. But you may also notice the plant growing in low temperatures (no lower than 30 degrees Fahrenheit) and partial shade. In these cases, however, it will be a lot smaller.
KNOW THIS: The leaves tend to be bluish and greyish that turn reddish when the hottest seasons arrive.
20. A string of Buttons Jade Plant (Crassula perforata)
Tiny and uniquely gorgeous, the String of Buttons grows to about 4 inches and boasts surprisingly colorful foliage.
The leaves, despite tiny, can achieve long growth to over 4 inches per branch. They grow small leaves from the branch with a green body and red tips.
Sure enough, the plant is primarily drought-friendly but may also withstand a bit of humidity. It won’t mind as long as it receives a lot of sunlight.
You may enjoy stunning yellow flower clusters in the summer. Keep it over 50 degrees Fahrenheit to enjoy that.
TOP FACT: It is one of the best indoor varieties, as it grows with some shade without affecting its colors.
21. Variegated Trailing Jade Plant (Crassula sarmentosa ‘Comet’)
The name is long for two reasons: it features light green/red hues that make it variegated, and it tends to trail around depending on where you place it and how often you prune it.
Indoors, the plant grows to about 6 to 8 inches and stays within a small pot. Outdoors, it can reach over 1 foot of height and grow leggy. Many people grow it as groundcover thanks to its trailing capacity.
Apart from that, it is a full-sun lover that can handle a bit of humidity. But of course, it’s still drought-tolerant and super-dependant on high temps (over 50 degrees Fahrenheit).
You may get cute white flowers in the fall. These are tiny buds.
DON’T DISMISS: The foliage tends to be slightly rugged on the edges, adding an eye-catching texture.
22. Woolly Crassula Jade (Crassula tomentosa)
You will know where the name comes from as soon as you look at the jade plant. Its hairy tips and matte texture are undoubtedly among the most exciting features of jade plants out there.
The plant typically doesn’t grow more than 2 feet, and its leaves can reach over 4 inches long each. What sets them apart is the oval yet thick shape with the hair on edge.
It is a slightly more cold-oriented variety, as it can resist temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, you can grow it in relatively humid environments with ease.
Last but not least, it may flower in the late spring, producing surprisingly large white flowers.
EXCITING FACTOR: You may get reddish leaves when temperatures increase too much (some varieties are completely pinkish).
23. Worm Jade Plant (Crassula marnieriana)
The name is no surprise once you look at it. Worm-like shapes plus a typically long-growing nature are impossible not to give names to.
You may find this jade growing to over 1 foot and growing like a trailing plant. That is, it may try to work as a groundcover despite its individual stems.
What sets it apart is the variety of colors it can have. Some are light green, others a bit darker, while a bit of them may grow reddish or pinkish.
Due to its remarkable growth and colors, this variety is also a cold-hardy type. In contrast with other jade plants, this one can handle light frosts without problems.
ANOTHER CONSIDERATION: It grows exclusively in dry environments, so it is essential to keep it indoors in the winter or rainy seasons.
Conclusion
It would be a pity to leave your garden jade-less after taking a look at the beautiful types of jade plants out there.
They’re all easy to grow, gorgeous in their way, and ideal for many different places. Regardless of where you live and how much attention you can give them – jade plants can be a fantastic addition to your garden.
So, why leave yours without one of these? Get the ideal one now!
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