Pay attention to this detail when caring for your jade tree, there are some things to know
Sometimes the exotic charm becomes so ingrained in our habits that it is almost imperceptible, this also applies to the jade tree , a plant imported from the African continent but which has spread throughout the Mediterranean and has become a custom in most homes. The appearance of this sapling , with few general needs, distantly resembles that of purslane , an edible grass found in our peninsula. The scientific name of this plant is Crassula Ovata and although it is easy to grow, there are some details you should know about its care, details that can make the difference between a flourishing plant and one that has difficulty making progress.
The Crassula Ovata, or Jade Tree, attention to sun exposure, there is a delicate balance that must be respected
Especially in the early ’60s, the spread of this plant in Italy has experienced exponential growth , so much so that it has become a regular guest in mothers’ gardens, a guest that shows infinite resistance as well as considerable beauty.
Crassula Ovata is a succulent plant, which means that it stores moisture in its oval, semi-soft leaves, a characteristic that allows it to thrive even in dry conditions . However, the love of heat should not be misleading, because the jade tree, although hardy, needs special attention to thrive , especially when it comes to sun exposure.
The origins of the Crassula Ovata , in fact, take it back to the hot and humid regions of South Africa , where the sun’s rays, although constantly present, are never too intense or direct. This is the key to understanding the delicate relationship between the Jade Tree and solar radiation and to give this plant the right balance so as not to risk ruining it.
Therefore, although light is welcome, it is good not to exceed the exposure time of 4-5 hours a day so that your little tree grows luxuriantly. Especially in this hot period, when the sun’s rays are too direct, the plant could be affected and lose too much moisture, a factor that would make the leaves wrinkled and ugly.
The ideal environment would be a sunny place but not exposed to direct light , such as a balcony, perhaps in the presence of other plants that can shield the most direct light. This place is also ideal for the cold season, to protect the plant from the icy winds and low temperatures that your Crassula does not like.
In summary, watering should not be excessive , this plant has in fact evolved precisely to resist drought and continuous stagnation of water would cause the roots to rot and the plant would also die. The relationship of your jade tree with sun and water is therefore a delicate and balanced relationship that you must respect if you want to enjoy its timeless beauty for a long time.
