Commonly known as:Â Mini Jade Money Plant
Botanical name: Crassula ovata ‘Minor’
If you like Jade Money Plants but want something smaller, Crassula ovata ‘Minor’ is the one to look for.
The most obvious difference is the foliage. Mini Jade produces much smaller, rounded leaves than the standard Crassula ovata. The leaves grow closely together along branching succulent stems, giving even a relatively young plant a dense appearance.
As the plant matures, those green stems gradually thicken and become woody. With time, a Mini Jade starts looking increasingly like a miniature tree, particularly if you occasionally prune the growing tips to encourage further branching.
And it’s incredibly easy to look after.
Jade Plants store water in their thick leaves and stems, so they don’t need constantly moist growing medium. Give the plant a thorough watering, allow the growing medium to dry substantially, and then water again. This makes Mini Jade a very forgiving option if you’re someone who occasionally forgets about watering.
Light is where you shouldn’t be stingy. This is a succulent and wants plenty of natural light. Keep it close to a bright window and give it some direct morning or afternoon sun if possible. Strong light produces sturdier growth, tighter spacing between the leaves and a much better-shaped plant.
Regular feeding during active growth will encourage new branches and help the stems thicken. Combined with good light, this allows a relatively small 14cm plant to gradually develop considerably more character with age.
Mini Jade also responds extremely well to pruning. You can simply allow it to grow naturally, or trim longer shoots to encourage a compact, heavily branched plant.
Supplied in a 14cm pot, it’s a smaller-growing alternative to the standard Jade Money Plant while retaining everything that makes Jades such reliable plants: plenty of character, very little fuss and the ability to keep growing for many years.
Mini Jade Money Plant Care Guide
Watering – How often should I water it?
Water thoroughly and then allow the growing medium to dry substantially before watering again. Its thick leaves and stems store water, so Mini Jade copes far better with a short dry period than permanently wet roots. During winter, watering will naturally become less frequent.
Light – How much light does a Mini Jade Money Plant need?
Lots. Position it close to a bright window where it receives strong natural light. A few hours of direct morning or afternoon sun is excellent. Plants grown in insufficient light will stretch, producing longer stems with larger gaps between the leaves.
Humidity – Does it need high humidity?
No. These plants do perfect in any type of humidity. No extra attention is needed.
Soil – What growing medium should I use?
Drainage is particularly important for Jade Plants. Use an open growing medium that doesn’t remain saturated after watering. Milled Bark Growing Medium combined with additional Perlite works well.
Feeding – Should I fertilise my Mini Jade?
Yes. Jades may be tough plants, but regular nutrition produces much stronger growth. Controlled Release Fertiliser provides a balanced, convenient feed consistently over time. You can also use Grobest Organic Fertiliser during active growth.
Pruning – Can I prune Mini Jade to keep it compact?
Absolutely. Jade Plants respond very well to pruning. Trim longer shoots just above a pair of leaves and new branches will develop below the cut. Repeated pruning is one of the best ways to develop a dense, heavily branched plant.
Repotting – When should I repot it?
There’s no need to rush. Jade Plants grow perfectly well when reasonably snug in their pots. Once the roots have filled the 14cm container, move up by only one pot size, preferably during the warmer growing months.
Outdoors – Can I grow Mini Jade outside?
Yes. Jades grow exceptionally well outdoors in bright conditions and can handle direct sunlight once properly acclimated. Introduce an indoor-grown plant to stronger sun gradually to prevent scorching.
Pests – What should I look out for?
Mealybugs and scale are the main pests worth checking for. Look closely where leaves meet the stems and between dense branches. Regular inspections make them easy to catch before an infestation develops.
Temperature – What temperatures does it prefer?
Warm conditions encourage active growth, but established Jade Plants are quite tolerant. Protect the plant from frost and avoid combining cold temperatures with wet growing medium.
FAQ’s
Q: Is Mini Jade Money Plant different from a normal Jade Money Plant?
Yes. Crassula ovata ‘Minor’ naturally produces much smaller leaves and more compact growth than standard Crassula ovata. It still develops the thick stems and woody branching associated with mature Jade Plants.
Q: How is Mini Jade different from Compact Jade Money Plant?
Mini Jade is specifically grown for its noticeably smaller foliage and miniature proportions. Compacta also has a dense growth habit, but we’ll list it separately as the Compact Jade Money Plant so the two forms are easy to distinguish.
Q: Is Mini Jade Money Plant easy to care for?
Very. Plenty of light and avoiding excessive watering are the two most important things. It’s an excellent choice if you want a plant that doesn’t demand constant attention.
Q: Can I keep Mini Jade in a sunny window?
Yes. In fact, strong natural light is one of the best things you can give it. Introduce direct sun gradually if the plant has previously been grown under filtered light.
Q: How do I make my Mini Jade bushier?
Give it plenty of light and prune the growing tips periodically. Each cut encourages branching below it, gradually producing a denser plant.
Q: Why are the stems becoming brown and woody?
That’s normal and desirable. As a Jade matures, older succulent stems thicken and become woody, eventually giving the plant its characteristic miniature-tree appearance.
Q: Can Mini Jade become a bonsai?
Its small leaves, thickening stems and excellent response to pruning make it particularly well suited to bonsai-style training. You can also simply allow it to develop naturally.
Q: Is the Mini Jade Money Plant actually associated with money?
Yes. Jade Plants have long been associated with prosperity and good fortune and are frequently given as housewarming or business gifts. Their rounded leaves are traditionally compared with coins.
Q: Is Mini Jade Money Plant pet safe?
No. Crassula ovata is considered toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
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