Do you want to add a touch of greenery to your home, but don’t know what type of plant or tree to get? Look no further than the jade plant and jade tree.
While both are beautiful, they are different in many ways.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two, from their physical attributes to their care and maintenance.
We’ll also discuss their temperature and lighting requirements, as well as fertilization tips and pest control measures.
Read on to learn more and find out which one is right for you!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent shrub that originates from South Africa while the Jade Tree (Crassula arborescens) is a more upright, tree-like succulent native to South Africa.
The Jade Plant has thick leaves that are oval in shape, while the Jade Tree has flat, wide leaves that are more scale-like in appearance.
In terms of care, the Jade Plant requires more attention and needs to be watered more frequently than the Jade Tree.
What is a Jade Plant?
A jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a type of succulent that is native to South Africa and is widely grown as an ornamental houseplant around the world.
It is an evergreen shrub with thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that can range in color from green to grey-green.
Its stems are woody and the plant can grow to over three feet tall in ideal conditions.
It produces small, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in summer.
The jade plant is easy to care for, requiring only minimal attention and is known to be a long-lived houseplant.
It is drought-tolerant and prefers bright, indirect light.
It is also known to be a hardy plant, and can handle some neglect, making it a good choice for busy gardeners and beginner plant owners.
What is a Jade Tree?
A jade tree is a species of succulent plant native to South Africa and belonging to the portulacaria family.
It is a popular houseplant due to its easy care requirements, attractive foliage, and long-lasting flowers.
Its leaves are small and delicate, with a light green hue and smooth texture.
The jade tree produces larger, pinkish-white flowers, which are a welcome sight in the home.
The jade tree is more tolerant of cooler temperatures than the jade plant and can handle full sun, making it a great choice for those looking to add a splash of color to their home.
It is also drought tolerant, so it can be placed in areas with low light and still thrive.
With proper care, a jade tree can live for many years, adding a touch of beauty to any home.
Physical Attributes of Jade Plant vs. Jade Tree
When it comes to the physical attributes of the jade plant and jade tree, there are some clear differences.
The jade plant is a type of crassula, a genus of succulents, and has thick, fleshy leaves that are a deep, glossy green color.
It can reach a height of up to four feet, and its branches have a distinctive treelike shape.
The jade tree, on the other hand, is a species of portulacaria and has small, delicate leaves that are usually a lighter green color.
It is usually smaller than the jade plant and can reach a height of only two feet.
Both plants are drought tolerant and prefer bright, indirect light.
However, the jade tree is more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle full sun.
When it comes to flowers, the jade plant produces small, star-shaped white blooms, while the jade tree produces larger, pinkish-white blooms.
The jade plant blooms in the spring, while the jade tree blooms in the summer.
Both plants are known for their long-lasting flowers and can bloom for several weeks.
Overall, the jade plant and jade tree are both popular houseplants due to their easy care, attractive foliage, and long-lasting flowers.
They have distinct physical attributes that set them apart, and gardeners should be aware of these differences when selecting one for their home.
Temperature and Lighting Requirements
When it comes to temperature and lighting requirements, the jade plant and jade tree are two distinct species of succulent plants.
The jade plant is a type of Crassula and is more sensitive to temperature changes and needs bright, indirect light.
It is best suited to warmer temperatures, but can tolerate some cool weather.
The jade tree, on the other hand, is a species of Portulacaria and is much more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle full sun.
It is an extremely hardy plant, so it can survive temperatures as low as 40F (4.
4C).
Both plants are drought tolerant and should be watered only when the soil is dry, but the jade tree is more tolerant of dry conditions than the jade plant.
When it comes to lighting, the jade plant does best in bright, indirect light, while the jade tree can tolerate full sun.
Both plants prefer bright, indirect light, but the jade tree is more tolerant of direct sunlight.
Care and Maintenance
When it comes to care and maintenance, there are a few key differences between the jade plant and jade tree.
The jade plant is generally more tolerant of low light and warm temperatures, making it an ideal houseplant.
It prefers bright, indirect light, and should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
The jade tree, on the other hand, is more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle full sun.
It is more drought tolerant than the jade plant, and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.
When watering, it’s important to use lukewarm water and avoid over-watering, as this can cause root rot.
Both plants benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season and should be pruned in the spring to encourage new growth.
Fertilization Tips
Fertilizing your jade plant and jade tree is an important part of caring for these beautiful succulents.
Both plants need extra nutrients to stay healthy and grow strong.
For the jade plant, use a balanced fertilizer once a month during its growing season in the spring and summer.
For the jade tree, use a diluted liquid fertilizer once every two weeks during its growing season in the spring and summer.
Both plants prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic soil when fertilizing, so be sure to use a soil specifically for succulents.
Both plants also benefit from added micronutrients such as kelp meal, fish emulsion, or Epsom salts.
Furthermore, its important to keep an eye on the soil moisture level.
The jade plant should be watered regularly, but the jade tree needs to dry out between watering.
Over-fertilizing can cause root burn and should be avoided.
Pest Control
When it comes to pest control, both the jade plant and jade tree are relatively low-maintenance.
If you find that your plants are infested with pests such as aphids, mealybugs, or scale insects, the best way to deal with them is to isolate the infected plant and then use a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap to treat the infestation.
Additionally, you can reduce the likelihood of pests by regularly cleaning and inspecting your plants, as well as ensuring they’re not overly crowded in their pot.
For both jade plants and jade trees, it’s also important to keep the soil dry to prevent fungal diseases.
If you notice any signs of fungal growth, such as white spots or powdery mildew, treat the affected area with a fungicide.
Final Thoughts
The jade plant and jade tree are two different species of succulents that have their own unique physical attributes, temperature and lighting requirements, and care and maintenance tips.
The jade plant has thick, fleshy leaves and produces small, star-shaped white flowers.
The jade tree has small, delicate leaves and produces larger, pinkish-white flowers.
Both plants are drought tolerant, but the jade tree is more tolerant of cooler temperatures and can handle full sun.
If youd like to bring either of these plants into your home, make sure to research the best care and maintenance practices for it, as well as any fertilization and pest control tips.
With the right care, the jade plant and jade tree can bring a vibrant, lush look to any room.