How to Grow Crassula ovata, the Succulent That Feng Shui Says Brings Luck and Prosperity
Bringer of luck and prosperity according to Feng Shui, Crassula ovata, or jade, is an easy-to-grow succulent plant. It does not require pruning, just regular watering and exposure to full sun.
Native to Africa, Crassula ovata is also known as the jade tree . It is a succulent , which belongs to the Crassualaceae family and the Crassula genus , which you have probably already noticed. It is, in fact, on the market at most nurseries and, in some cases, even in the gardening section of some supermarkets. Easy to grow both in the ground and in pots and, in the right conditions, it could surprise you with the beauty of its flowering. And it doesn’t stop there. If you were to grow this succulent in pots, place it to the right of the main entrance and the house , facing north. according to Feng Shui , in fact, it is the most appropriate apposition for the plant to bring luck and prosperity to the house and those who live there.
Plant Characteristics
Crassula ovata has the appearance of a shrub with a light brown, very branched stem. The leaves are oval in shape, very fleshy and light green, sometimes bordered with red. Another characteristic of the leaves of Crassula ovata is that they contain a large amount of water and for this reason they are always very turgid. Even its stems have a fleshy consistency and branch giving life to a rounded hair.
Exposure
The Crassula ovata loves light and heat: for this reason it appreciates a position in full sun , even better if it is approached to a wall, so that the temperatures remain high even at night. Instead, pay attention to low temperatures, as this succulent is not able to withstand temperatures below –7°C.
Bloom
The flowering of Crassula ovata is concentrated between April and June . Its flowers are soft pink or white, with a characteristic star shape and all grouped in clusters on the tops of the plant’s branches.
Soil and fertilizer
The best soil for Crassula ovata is a mixture of equal parts green topsoil and sand . In the ground, this succulent grows well in sandy or gravelly soils, which provide good water drainage . Regarding fertilization, however, during the period of vegetative activity, therefore from May to November, it is necessary to give the plant a specific product for succulents with balanced amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and important microelements to ensure the development of the plant.
Watering
The Crassula ovata must receive water regularly, whenever the soil is dry on the surface. The ideal is to always use water at room temperature and, preferably, collected from precipitation, then rainwater .
Pruning
This plant is easy to grow (we said it), so it doesn’t require pruning . Simply remove branches and leaves that dry out.
Diseases and pests
Not particularly prone to diseases and pests , when growing Crassulla ovata it is necessary to pay attention to watering and its exposure. Too much water can rot the stem, too little water can cause the leaves to lose color. Instead, drafts or low temperatures can cause the leaves to drop and the plant to wilt. Last but not least: beware of mealybugs which should be removed with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol and water.