Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, is a popular succulent native to South Africa and Mozambique. This hardy plant is well-loved for its thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and tree-like appearance. It’s often grown as a decorative houseplant, but it can also thrive outdoors in certain climates. Understanding how big Crassula ovata can grow is essential for proper care and for ensuring that it fits well into your space. In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that influence its growth and how it changes based on where it’s grown—indoors versus outdoors.
What Is Crassula Ovata?
Crassula ovata is a type of succulent, which means it stores water in its thick leaves and stems. Its leaves are typically shiny, dark green, and sometimes tinged with red at the tips, depending on the amount of sunlight it receives. The plant is known for its low-maintenance care and long lifespan, making it a favorite choice among novice and experienced gardeners alike.
How Big Can Crassula Ovata Grow Indoors?
When grown indoors, Crassula ovata typically grows to a manageable size that makes it suitable for houseplant cultivation. Its size indoors is primarily influenced by factors such as light, water, and pot size.
Growth Potential Indoors
On average, Crassula ovata can grow up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) tall indoors, but some lucky or highly cared-for plants can reach even taller heights. The plant grows slowly, adding only a few inches per year. Since it’s often grown in a pot, the size of the container plays a big role in limiting the plant’s growth.
In optimal conditions, the jade plant can develop a thick trunk and sturdy, branching structure that resembles a small tree. However, it won’t grow as large indoors as it might outdoors due to space restrictions.
Factors Influencing Indoor Growth
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Light: Light is one of the most important factors for determining the size of a jade plant. It requires bright, indirect light to grow well indoors. If it doesn’t receive enough light, it may become leggy, meaning its growth will be stunted, and the plant may not develop its characteristic thick, bushy appearance. A jade plant placed near a window with plenty of sunlight will likely grow taller and fuller.
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Watering: Like many succulents, Crassula ovata is quite drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can stunt its growth. It’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. In general, watering once every two weeks during the winter and once a week during the warmer months should be enough.
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Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 75°F (24°C). If your indoor environment is too cold or too hot, it may not grow as quickly or as large as it would in its ideal temperature range.
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Pot Size: The pot size also limits the growth of the jade plant. A plant in a small pot will have a restricted root system, which can stunt its overall growth. If you want your jade plant to grow bigger indoors, choose a pot that allows the roots to spread comfortably, but be careful not to over pot it, as too much space may cause the plant to become too dry.
How Big Does Crassula Ovata Grow Outdoors?
When grown outdoors in the right conditions, Crassula ovata can grow significantly larger than it does indoors. The plant has the potential to reach its full size and develop a much more tree-like appearance.
Growth Potential Outdoors
In ideal outdoor conditions, Crassula ovata can grow as tall as 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters), and sometimes even taller. Under the right circumstances, it can become a small tree with a thick, woody trunk and branches. Outdoors, the jade plant can grow more rapidly compared to indoors, especially if it’s given plenty of sunlight and room for its roots to spread.
However, the size of a jade plant outdoors can be influenced by several environmental factors, such as climate, sunlight, and soil conditions. The plant will grow best in areas with mild winters and warm, dry summers, such as in USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Factors Influencing Outdoor Growth
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Climate and Temperature: Jade plants are not frost-tolerant. In regions where temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C) in the winter, the plant may not survive outdoors. For the best growth, the plant should be kept in a mild climate, such as in coastal areas or Mediterranean-like environments. In places with cold winters, jade plants are often grown in pots so they can be moved indoors during the colder months.
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Sunlight: Outdoors, Crassula ovata thrives in full sun. The more sunlight it receives, the stronger and bigger it can grow. However, in very hot climates, the plant might need some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn, especially in the peak summer months.
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Soil: The soil in which jade plants are planted also affects their growth. They prefer well-draining soil that prevents water from sitting around their roots. Sandy or loamy soil is ideal for Crassula ovata. Heavy, clayey soils can retain too much moisture, leading to root rot.
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Watering: Outdoors, jade plants need less water than many other plants. The key is to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of poor growth and plant death.
How to Encourage Larger Growth
To promote larger growth of your Crassula ovata, both indoors and outdoors, there are a few strategies to keep in mind.
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Pruning: Regular pruning helps remove dead or damaged stems and encourages new growth. For indoor plants, this can also help keep them from becoming too leggy. When pruning, remove any weak or thin growth to allow the plant to focus on developing a thicker trunk and stronger branches.
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Fertilization: Although jade plants don’t need much fertilizer, using a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season can promote faster growth. Avoid fertilizing in the winter, as the plant goes dormant during this time.
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Repotting: Over time, your jade plant may outgrow its pot, especially if it’s kept indoors. Repotting into a slightly larger container once every 2-3 years will allow the plant’s root system to spread, giving it the space it needs to grow. Be sure to use fresh, well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Common Issues Affecting Growth
While Crassula ovata is relatively easy to care for, it’s not immune to problems that can affect its growth.
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Leggy Growth: This often happens when the plant isn’t getting enough sunlight. The jade plant becomes stretched out with long spaces between leaves. If you notice this, move the plant to a brighter location.
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Overwatering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can stunt the plant’s growth and even kill it. Make sure the plant is in well-draining soil, and always let the soil dry out before watering again.
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Pests: While not very prone to pests, Crassula ovata can occasionally be affected by aphids or mealybugs. These pests can slow down the plant’s growth. Regularly inspect the plant for pests and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crassula ovata is a relatively slow-growing but hardy plant that can grow to impressive sizes both indoors and outdoors, depending on the environment and care it receives. Indoors, it typically grows to about 3-4 feet tall, but outdoors, in ideal conditions, it can grow as tall as 7 feet or more. To promote healthy growth, make sure to provide the plant with plenty of sunlight, and well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering. By following these care tips, you can help your jade plant grow into a beautiful, thriving addition to your home or garden.
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