Crassulaceae - Botanical Family

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a small plant native to South Africa's Cape Province. This small succulent ranges in size from 2 to 5 feet, with an ornamental foliage of rounded green leaves and clusters of off-white to white flowers. Although generally an easy and productive plant to grow, its needs must be understood and met in order to have success. The ideal light conditions for a Jade plant are full sun, semi-shade, or shade, with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 55F at night to 75-80F during the day. During the active growing cycle of spring and summer, the soil should be kept slightly moist, and should be watered liberally once per week, allowing for slight drying between waterings. A well-drained commercial potting soil should be used. Keep plant dry during the winter months. A mature Jade Plant can tolerate cold temperatures down to the 30s F for a short time, making this a great choice for those in colder climates. This plant is also an ideal choice for those living near the sea, as it is salt tolerant. In Southeast Asia, the Jade Plant is commonly known as the Money Plant, and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to its owner. With proper care, this ornamental plant can provide its owner with a lifetime of joy and beauty.

Crassula rupestris is a much-branched, succulent, perennial subshru. The stems are thin, fleshy near the growing tip, but rather woody lower down. Leaves are small, thick, opposite, ovate and lanceolate in shape, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and grayish in color (during the summer months the leaf margins turn a brilliant red or yellow). Flowers are grouped in clusters, deep pink to pale pink, star-shaped and up to 0.25 inch (6 mm) across.

Growing and plant care for Crassula sarmentosa is quite straightforward. It thrives in full sun or half-shade and requires moderate water, although it is drought-tolerant and can take some neglect. Once established, it requires minimal care and is low-maintenance. It can be grown in the ground or in pots, and can reach 2-5 feet in height and spread 2 feet across. To best encourage flowering, water the plant regularly, with an occasional deep soaking. If grown in colder regions, it is recommended to insulate the pot and place it in a sheltered area away from winds and drafts to protect the roots from freezing.

The foliage and flowers of Crassula sarmentosa add to its ornamental appeal. Its showy, ground-cover foliage is soft to the touch, slightly toothed and a pleasant dark green in shade, neon green in the sun. The white or off-white flowers appear throughout the year and add a delightful touch. This makes the Showy Trailing Jade an excellent choice for outdoor rockeries, pot plants and green roofs, as well as creating a delightful ground cover in USDA Zone 9-11.

The succulents in this group vary greatly in shape and size. Crassulas can be grown outdoors in regions where the temperature doesn't drop below 41F to 50F, depending upon the variety; some varieties can be grown in the greenhouse or home. Water is given freely to well-rooted plants in the summer but in the winter, just enough water should be given to prevent the shoots from shriveling. These plants will benefit from some pruning to maintain neat shapes, can be grown in sun or light shade.

This forest jewel with deep green and red leaves grows in the deep shade of the coastal forest growing the sandstone cliffs. The broadly elliptic succulent leaves are dark glossy green on the top, while the under surface is maroon to carmine giving it a striking appearance. Some forms have attractive white spots along the veins on the upper surface of the leaf.

A very similar plant is C. multicava, a popular garden plant much used as a ground cover.

Echeveria is a large genus of succulents in the Crassulaceae family. The genus Echeveria is named after the 18th century Spanich botanist Atanasio Echeverria Codoy. Several of these species are outstanding garden plants.

x Graptoveria 'Fred Ives' - Graptopetalum paraguayense X Echeveria gibbiflora

Pachyveria - hybrids between the Pachyphytum and Echeveria

Kalanchoe beharensis need full sun to part shade with intermediate to warm temperatures. Water sparingly at all times. The use of fertilizer is discouraged. They thrive in nutrient poor soils (equal amounts of loam and sand with gravel added for drainage). The stems are usually unbranched and may reach a height of 10 feet or more. Propagation: Kalanchoe beharensis is propagated by the removal of plants around the base of the main plant and by leaf cuttings. K.B.'Fang' is named for the stippled, fang-like texture on the underside of its leaves. A superb cultivar of beharensis. Habit of growth is similar to beharensis but the leaves are smaller. The leaves have brown margins in ideal light.

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a small shrub typically grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is a symmetrical plant with 2-5 feet tall and dark green leaves, and bears brightly colored flowers in the late autumn to early winter. The four petal flowers come in a a wide range of shades, from dark reds and pinks to oranges, golds and whites.

The plant enjoys full sun, but does tolerate some shade. It requires moderate amounts of water throughout the warmer months, but care must be taken not to overwater it, as too much can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to pests and diseases.

In cultivation, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is best suited to USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in cooler climates as an annual in pots. When planting, ensure the area is sheltered from strong winds and provides plenty of sun, and select a fast draining soil mixture, such as one with a large proportion of perlite and/or sand. For best results, regularly fertilize and water, and bring the potted plant indoors during the colder months.

This small shrub is tolerant of flooding and frost, however, it is not cold hardy and extreme temperatures can cause significant damage to the branches and foliage. In order to protect the plant, it is best to either bring it inside, or to place in a sheltered and sunny spot.