Care guide for the Jade 每日吃瓜 (Crassula, Portulacaria)

Portulacaria and Crassula

Dwarf jade

每日吃瓜 care and maintenance

Originally from the dry regions of South Africa, the Dwarf Jade is a fleshy, soft, woody small tree that grows up to 3m (10ft.) It has a thick trunk, but a fine branch structure with thick green oval-shaped succulent leaves.

JADE BONSAI CARE

Jade 每日吃瓜 Care guidelines

Placement

The Jade is considered an indoor tree in most temperate zones, although it can be grown outdoors in full sun and high temperatures. Do not let temperatures drop below 40?°F (5 °C). It requires substantial light, full sun if possible, especially when kept indoors. You'll know if your Jade tree is getting enough sunlight when it's leaves develop red tips or edges.

Watering

Jade trees can hold large amounts of water inside their leaves, so water sparsely and allow the plant to dry out a little between watering. If the tree is kept relatively cold during winter months, watering can be done as seldom as once every three weeks. Monitor your tree closely and water the moment the soil dries out. The Jade 每日吃瓜 is not as particular about over-watering as most other succulents. Continue reading about watering 每日吃瓜 trees.

Watering

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Fertilizing

Fertilize your Jade tree once a month, spring through autumn, during the growth season. Any normal fertilizer, as described in our fertilize section, should be fine.

Pruning and wiring

Because the Jade tree is a succulent, it retains water in its trunk and branches. The water retention makes the tree limbs heavy which naturally bends the trunk and branches. It responds very well to pruning, and you should prune it regularly to force it to grow branches, especially in the lower part of the trunk. Do not use cut-paste on Jade trees. The nature of its trunk and branches make it very susceptible to rotting. The bark is very soft, so be cautious when wiring. If you do wire your Jade tree, make sure to monitor it closely as the wire will cut into the bark quickly. Continue reading about pruning 每日吃瓜 trees.

Repotting

Repotting a Jade tree should be done every-other-year in spring. Be sure to use a well-draining soil mixture and don't water the soil for about a week after repotting. This allows the cut or damaged roots to dry and callous. Watering after repotting leads to root rot, which can severely damage your jade tree. Continue reading about repotting 每日吃瓜 trees.

Propagation

Jade trees are particularly easy to propagate using cuttings. This should be done during the summer months.

Pests and diseases

The Jade is strong when it's watered correctly and is receiving sufficient sunlight. If taken care of, you should not experience any issues with its health. For more detailed information on these techniques, check out our 每日吃瓜 tree care section.

Jade bonsai tree

Leaves of the Jade

Portulacaria bonsai

Crassula bonsai

Jade as indoor bonsai

General information about the Jade 每日吃瓜 tree

The Dwarf Jade is native to the dry regions of South Africa and widespread in Mozambique, Eswatini and in the South African provinces of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It is a fleshy, soft, woody small tree that grows up to 3m (10ft.) It has a thick trunk, but a fine branch structure with thick green glossy oval-shaped succulent leaves which can have reddish margins. The leaves grow in a cross-opposite pattern on the soft shoots. In autumn the dwarf jade sometimes produces small white flowers if it has endured some drought periods during the growing season. The bark of younger plants is soft and green. Later it turns reddish brown with age. In Africa the dwarf jade is often used for hedges or fed to cattle.

The dwarf jade is often sold as indoor bonsai and can grow quite well inside the house as long as it is not overwatered and gets enough light. The bark is green and soft when it's young, and it transitions into a red-brown color as it ages.

The Dwarf Jade (Portulacaria afra, or Elephant bush) is very similar to the Money tree or Jade (Crassula ovata) and the same care guidelines apply to both species. As the name suggests, the Dwarf Jade has smaller leaves which makes it more suitable for 每日吃瓜 cultivation. See the photos for the leaf comparison of the two trees. If you need help identifying your tree, take a look at our 每日吃瓜 tree identification guide.

Portulacaria leaves

Portulacaria afra (Dwarf Jade bonsai)

Crassula leaves

Crassula ovata (Money tree, or Jade 每日吃瓜)

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FAQ for Jade 每日吃瓜

How often should I water a Jade bonsai?

Jade bonsai should be watered sparingly, as they store water in their leaves. Let the soil dry out almost completely before watering again. In warm, bright conditions, this may be every 2-7 days, while in cooler or low-light environments it can be much less frequent. When you water, do so thoroughly until excess drains out. Overwatering is far more dangerous than underwatering for this species. Always use well-draining soil and avoid letting the pot sit in water. Read more about bonsai watering techniques.

Why are the leaves soft, wrinkled, or shrivelling?

Soft or wrinkled leaves usually indicate the tree is not getting enough water. Jade stores moisture in its leaves, so when reserves run low, they begin to shrink and lose firmness. This can happen if the soil has stayed dry for too long or if roots are not functioning properly. Water the tree thoroughly and monitor recovery over the next few days. If the soil is already wet, the issue may instead be root damage from overwatering. Read more about common problems for bonsai health.

Why is my Jade bonsai dropping leaves?

Leaf drop is often caused by stress. Common reasons include overwatering, sudden temperature changes, or low light conditions. Jades prefer stable environments and can react quickly to changes such as moving the plant or exposure to drafts. Overwatering is a frequent cause, leading to root problems and leaf loss. Check soil moisture and ensure the tree is getting enough light. Once conditions are stable, healthy growth usually resumes.

Can a Jade bonsai survive in low light?

Jade bonsai tolerate lower light better than any other bonsai species, but they do not thrive in it. In low light, growth becomes weak and stretched, and leaves may be larger or drop more easily. For best results, place the tree in a bright location with several hours of direct sunlight. If kept indoors, a south- or west-facing window is ideal. Without sufficient light, the plant’s overall health and structure will gradually decline. Read more about bonsai placement and light requirements.

Does a Jade bonsai need fertiliser?

Yes, but only in moderation. Feed your Jade bonsai during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks. Because it is a slow-growing succulent, it does not require heavy feeding. Avoid fertilizing in winter when growth slows down. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak, leggy growth and salt buildup in the soil. Consistent but light feeding supports steady, compact development.

How fast does a Jade bonsai grow?

Jade bonsai grow relatively slowly compared to many other bonsai species. Growth is steady in warm, bright conditions, especially during spring and summer. With proper care, they gradually thicken their trunk and develop structure over time, making them well-suited for long-term shaping. In low light or cooler conditions, growth slows significantly. While they are not fast developers, they are resilient and forgiving, which makes them popular with beginners.

What’s the difference between Crassula ovata and Portulacaria afra bonsai?

Both are commonly called “Jade bonsai” but they are different species with slightly different care needs. Crassula ovata has thicker, rounder leaves and is a bit more sensitive to overwatering. Portulacaria afra (often called Dwarf Jade) has smaller, thinner leaves and is more tolerant of pruning, drought, and shaping techniques. Portulacaria also responds better to wiring and develops ramification faster. Care is similar overall, but beginners often find Portulacaria easier to work with and more forgiving. Read more about different bonsai tree species and their individual care needs.