Crassula arborescens aka Ripple Jade

Crassula arborescens thrives in average room temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures down to about 25°F (-4°C) briefly but should be protected from frost. If you live in an area that gets colder than 30°F (-1°C), bring the plant indoors or provide frost protection. Avoid placing it near cold drafts or heating vents.

During spring and summer (active growing season), water every 2-3 weeks when soil is dry and fertilize lightly if desired. In fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month or less as the plant enters dormancy. Never fertilize during winter. If growing outdoors in USDA zones 9-11, bring plants inside or protect them before first frost. Indoor plants need bright light year-round.

The main subspecies is Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia, known for its distinctive wavy-edged, bluish-grey leaves. Popular cultivars include 'Blue Bird' (the most common, with blue-grey leaves), 'Blue Hale' (narrower, longer leaves than Blue Bird), 'Ripple Jade' (wavy margins), and 'Blue Bird Variegata' (yellow-edged leaves with green striping). These cultivars are slightly more challenging to grow than the standard species.

Crassula arborescens can grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9b-11b where temperatures stay above 25°F (-4°C). Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-draining sandy soil. In cooler climates, grow in containers that can be moved indoors before frost. The plant is native to the rocky, arid Western Cape of South Africa and thrives in similar Mediterranean or desert climates.

Crassula arborescens rarely requires pruning due to its slow growth rate. If needed, prune in spring or early summer to shape the plant or remove leggy growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. The plant develops a natural bonsai-like appearance with age.

Due to its slow growth rate, Crassula arborescens only needs repotting every 2-3 years or when roots start growing through drainage holes. Repot in spring using a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. Use well-draining cactus/succulent soil mix. Clay pots are preferred as they allow soil to dry more quickly. Handle the root ball gently and wait a week before watering after repotting.

Crassula arborescens propagates easily from stem or leaf cuttings. For stem cuttings, cut a 3-4 inch stem with a sterile knife, let it callous for 2-5 days, then place in well-draining soil. For leaf propagation, gently twist off a healthy leaf, allow it to dry for a few days, then lay it on moist soil. Both methods root best in bright, indirect light with minimal watering until established.

Yellow leaves on Crassula arborescens typically indicate overwatering, which is the most common cause of problems with this succulent. Check if the soil is staying too wet and reduce watering frequency. Other causes include poor drainage, insufficient light, or natural leaf aging on lower stems. If leaves are also mushy, root rot may have developed—check roots and repot in fresh, dry soil if needed.

Brown leaves or brown tips on Crassula arborescens can result from several causes: sunburn from sudden exposure to intense direct sun, underwatering causing dry, crispy leaves, or root rot from overwatering causing mushy brown leaves. Brown edges may also indicate salt buildup from tap water or fertilizer. Ensure gradual sun acclimation, consistent watering when soil is dry, and flush soil periodically.

Drooping in Crassula arborescens is usually caused by overwatering and resulting root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing water properly. The stems become soft and the plant loses its structural support. Check soil moisture—if wet, stop watering and check for rotted roots. Less commonly, severe underwatering can cause leaves to become shriveled and droopy. Insufficient light can also cause weak, drooping growth.

Leaf drop in Crassula arborescens is commonly caused by overwatering, underwatering, temperature stress, or sudden environmental changes. Overwatered plants drop leaves that are yellowing and soft, while underwatered plants drop shriveled leaves. Moving the plant to a drastically different location or exposing it to cold drafts can trigger leaf drop. Some lower leaf drop is normal as the plant ages.

Crassula arborescens is naturally a slow-growing plant, so limited growth is normal. However, extremely slow growth may indicate insufficient light (the most common cause), winter dormancy (growth slows naturally in cold months), nutrient deficiency (rare, but light fertilization in spring can help), or a pot that is too large keeping roots too wet. Ensure bright light and proper care during the growing season.

Crassula arborescens is susceptible to mealybugs, which appear as white cottony masses in leaf joints and on stems. Spider mites may occur in dry conditions, causing stippled leaves. Scale insects can also be problematic. Treat infestations with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or insecticidal soap. Fungal diseases, particularly root rot, occur from overwatering. Ensure good drainage and air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Crassula arborescens is pollinated by insects, attracted to its star-shaped white to pink flowers that appear in spring and summer. The flowers are arranged in clusters and produce nectar that attracts various pollinators. Indoor plants rarely flower due to insufficient light intensity. If flowers do appear, they can be hand-pollinated with a small brush to produce seeds, though propagation by cuttings is more reliable.

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Ripple Jade due to its easy-going nature.

Ripple Jade grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Ripple Jade’s native range is South Africa.

Ripple Jade does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

To keep your Ripple Jade healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Ripple Jade thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Pigs Ears.

Ripple Jade prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

The Ripple Jade is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Ripple Jade is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Yes, if you provide it with the correct amount of sunlight and water, you can witness your Ripple Jade blooming.