Jade Plant Bonsai (Crassula ovata)

🌿 The Jade Plant, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, is a succulent from the Crassulaceae family. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, this resilient plant thrives in rocky, arid regions where it stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves. Trained as a bonsai, the Jade develops a miniature tree-like form with a thick trunk and structured branching that mimics ancient trees. This is a beginner-friendly plant that tolerates neglect better than overcare. Fun fact: in its natural habitat, mature Jade plants can live for over 100 years and develop trunks as thick as small trees.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The Jade bonsai grows upright with a thick, woody trunk that develops character and gnarled texture over time. The branches are sturdy and can be shaped through pruning and wiring. Leaves are oval, plump, and succulent with a glossy dark green colour. Some varieties develop a reddish edge when exposed to bright light. The foliage is smooth and waxy to the touch, designed to minimize water loss.
FLOWER DETAILS
Mature Jade plants produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in white or pale pink. The blooms have a subtle, sweet fragrance and appear mainly in winter or early spring. These delicate flowers create a beautiful contrast against the thick, dark foliage. Flowering is infrequent indoors and typically occurs only on older, well-established plants. To encourage blooming, provide cooler temperatures in fall, reduce watering slightly, and ensure the plant receives plenty of bright light during shorter winter days.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright indirect to direct sunlight. Needs 4-6 hours of light daily. South or west-facing windows work best. Can tolerate some direct morning sun.
💧 Water: Water deeply when soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks in growing season, monthly in winter. Let water drain completely. Bottom watering works well. Overwatering causes root rot.
🌡️ Humidity: Thrives in low humidity, 30-50%. Average home conditions are perfect. No misting needed.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add perlite or coarse sand for extra drainage. Avoid moisture-retaining soil.
🏺 Potting: Shallow ceramic or terracotta bonsai pot with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot slightly larger than root mass to maintain bonsai proportions.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow growing. Adds 2-3 inches per year. Reaches 6-12 inches in bonsai form over several years. Can grow to 3 feet if unpruned.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer or succulent formula. No feeding in fall and winter during dormancy.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Contains compounds that can cause vomiting and slow heart rate if ingested in quantity.

WHERE TO PUT IT
Place your Jade bonsai on a bright windowsill, desk near a window, or sunny shelf where it receives several hours of direct or bright indirect light. Living rooms, home offices, and bedrooms with good natural light are ideal. Display on a plant stand or table where its sculptural form can be appreciated. Avoid placing in low-light corners, bathrooms with high humidity, or areas with poor air circulation. Keep away from cold drafts and heating vents that cause temperature fluctuations.
RARITY ASSESSMENT
common