Crassula ovata, commonly known as Jade Plant, Money Plant, Dollar Plant, Friendship Tree, Pink Joy, or Lucky Plant, is a succulent shrub with thick leaves and small star-shaped flowers. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique and is one of the most popular houseplants grown worldwide.
This succulent is evergreen with thick branches and smooth round leaves that grow in opposite pairs along the branches. They are vibrant jade green, although some may appear to be more of a yellow-green. Some varieties may develop a red tinge on the edges of the leaves when exposed to high levels of sunlight. New stem growth is the same color and texture as the leaves but becomes brown and woody with age. Jade Plant may produce small, white or pink flowers under the right conditions during the winter.
Jade Plant is a popular good luck charm in Asia thought to activate financial energies. The vibrant green leaves of this beautiful plant are symbolic of growth and renewal, closely resembling jade coins, symbolic of wealth and prosperity. It is a traditional gift for businesses. Many business owners place a Jade Plant near the entrance of their restaurants or shops or in a southeast location to bring prosperity and success. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, Jade Plants are set on top of stock and investment certificates to increase in value during the coming year.
According to Feng Shui practices, it encourages placing Jade Plants in east locations for family harmony, health, initiation of projects, and scholarly pursuits; in southeast locations for wealth luck; in west locations for creativity or children luck; and northwest locations for the luck of mentors, teachers, and helpful people.
Jade Plant is a perfect present for a friend. If it flowers, it is the result of great care given to the plant. Flowering Jade Plant reflects well on the owner and symbolizes great friendship, luck, and prosperity. The green leaves signify energy and the joy of friendship, and the flowers represent the fragrance of great friendship.
May your new Jade Plant bring you lots of good fortune and prosperity!
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus