Jade Variegated 4”

Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’, commonly called variegated jade, is a classic succulent with thick, oval leaves marked in green, cream, and often pink along the edges. The leaves grow in dense clusters along sturdy, woody stems, giving it a compact, tree-like structure over time. The variegation and subtle pink tones make it brighter and more decorative than standard jade.

Light is key to keeping the variegation strong and the plant compact. Place it in a south or west-facing window where it receives the strongest natural light, or directly in an east window if that’s your brightest option. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K at 1500–3000 foot-candles. Too little light will cause the variegation to fade and the plant to stretch with wider spacing between leaves, while strong light enhances the pink edging and keeps growth tight.

Watering should be minimal and controlled. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let it dry again. Use a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark to keep it fast-draining. If leaves begin to space out along the stem and lose their stacked look, it’s reaching for more light. If the leaves wrinkle slightly but stay firm, it’s ready for water, while soft, yellowing leaves indicate it’s staying too wet rather than drying out.