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Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, pink joy, jade, happy jade plant, jade tree plant, happiness plant money plant, and lucky plant, is an evergreen plant native to the southern region of Africa. The plant has spread and gained popularity in most parts of the world due to its beauty and versatility making it a perfect houseplant.
[Disclaimer: The jade plant is said to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. In addition, The Right Flowers is not a medical site. Knowledge of and information about the therapeutic benefits and applications of flowers, while known through the ages, does not constitute medical advice. If you are having health issues, you should consult with a physician.]
Pink joy grows like a tiny tree complete with a trunk and branches featuring thick, round, succulent leaves. Jade’s leaves can be dark jade-green when growing in the shade to green with red edges when exposed to full or direct sunlight.
As a houseplant, the jade plant can thrive in direct sunlight, partial shade, or even complete shade under the right conditions. This is part of the reason why it is considered a perfect house plant, as it can thrive in the complete shade as long as it is exposed to sufficient daylight. If the plant is not receiving sufficient sunlight, it starts stretching towards the sun and becomes long which destroys its ornamental value.
The lucky plant is not fussy and does not require intensive care. Unlike most plants that die off due to poor maintenance, jade plant is more likely to die due to excessive watering, or severe frosts. Normally, watering it deeply once a week is enough as long as the soil is not very dry. Here, you are better off erring on the side of irregular watering rather than overwatering it.
Pink joy produces tiny, white, or pink blossoms mostly during winter. When the money plant flowers, it is seen as a positive reflection on the owner symbolizing prosperity, friendship, and luck. The leaves signify hope and energy, and symbolize wealth, as they resemble jade coins.
The money plant is said to attract positive energy, wealth, luck, and friendship. In Asia, it is used as a good luck charm. It also makes for a great gift to business people, and you are likely to see it at the entrance of business premises to help in bringing success. The plant is also used during the New Year celebrations in China where it is placed on top of investment or stock certificates with the aim of increasing their value in the year ahead.
While the plant is more famous for its ornamental value compared to its benefits, the money tree has some herbal benefits. Its leaves and flowers have been used in folk medicine for years. One simple way of harnessing the herbal benefits of the plant is by crushing the flowers and leaves of the plant and applying the poultice over a wart. The topical treatment is repeated for several days until the wart falls off. The jade plant is also used to calm fever and manage diabetes.
So, if you intend to attract positive energy and prosperity, or want Lady Luck to smile on you, get the jade plant.
