I went through a succulent plant phase. I was creating a potted plant area and thought succulents were tough and easy to grow. So I was on the lookout for succulents. They say that succulents are hard to kill but I have killed them before – yes, succulents require little water but little water does not mean no water! And that’s how I killed them.

The lady who gave me some potted succulents dropped around some eggs one day. When I told her what happened, she didn’t believe me. I felt foolish as I showed her that yes, I did kill them. I was apologetic. She did say she would drop more potted succulents off but although she has come back a few times to drop eggs off, she never has dropped off any more potted succulents!

I was at a friend’s house and wanted to raid her garden for cuttings. When I saw her Jade plant, I asked for a few leaves so I could propagate them. I had to do a Plant ID on Jade plants (Crassula ovata) when I was at TAFE so I knew they were super easy to propagate from the leaves. However Juliet told me traditionally in China, it is better luck if someone gives you the plant.

A few weeks later Juliet visited and presented me with a Jade plant cutting in a cute terracotta pot. Woohoo! Good luck come my way. Originally, I had put this in the area where the other potted succulents were going to live. It became apparent after a month that this area wasn’t the best for pots. The place that I had chosen was the top of an old filing cabinet. What happened was the top of the filing cabinet became hot during the day. I guess all that heat didn’t do the pots any good because the succulents were suffering in their pots even with watering.

I didn’t want my good luck to die with the Jade plant! It wasn’t looking too good. Time to move the pot. It is now is by my front door. It is a beautiful plant to have by the front door. I find the vibrant green of the leaves welcoming. When I come back home, I often take a moment to say hello to my Jade plant.

In Asia, business owners place Jade plants by the entrance of their shops or restaurants to encourage success and prosperity. I just found this out while writing this post…maybe I could place another pot near the office door.

7 Facts about Jade Plants

• Popular good luck charm in Asia
• The deep green round leaves represent coins. Coins represent prosperity. The Jade plant is also known as the Money Tree.
• A good friendship gift. If the Jade plants flowers, it is because it has been given great care by its owner. This symbolises a great friendship.
• There are many species in the Crassula family. The rare ones can fetch a high price while some are considered guarded family heirlooms and wouldn’t be sold at any price.
• Can develop a red tinge around its leaves when grown in bright sunlight.
• Overwatering can kill Jade plants.
• Want to give bonsai a go? Then Jade plants are great to start off with.

OK, so propagating a Jade plant may not bring about the same luck as if it were given to you by a friend but if you were interested in propagating a Jade plant, then check out this link from Mr Brown Thumb.

Do you have a Jade Plant? What has your experience been? We would love to hear it. Please feel free to share in the comments below.