image: @c_plus
Even if youâve never been a plant person youâve probably owned a Jade plant. It might have been on the balcony when you moved into your shared apartment. Maybe itâs the plant thriving in the corner of your office, even though youâve never seen anyone pay it any attention. Once you start looking, youâll see them everywhere and itâs because, like many other succulents, theyâre immortal.
If Iâm honest, thatâs the number one trait I look for in a plant. I write about it a lot. Donât get me wrong; caring for plants is part of the appeal. But fill your apartment with ferns and philodendrons and youâll need to spend a lot of time tending to their every need.
The Jade plant goes by many names, and thatâs because of its popularity as a houseplant around the world. Itâs also known, as the âfriendship treeâ or âlucky plantâ. In some areas of the world it earned the name âmoney treeâ because of its round, flat and fleshy leaves that look a bit like coins.
Itâs native to South Africa and Mozambique and will survive without water for months. If you do give your Jade plant a bit of love, and itâs in the right conditions, youâll be rewarded with small pink or white flowers in winter. The plant also has a special trick up its sleeve to protect its foliage from harmful UV-rays. Some varieties of the plant will produce red or yellow pigments when grown in direct sunlight.
image: @botanicafloribunda
Donât bother spending your hard earned money on a Jade plant. In my experience, the Jade plant is one of the easiest to propagate. You can try your luck propagating the plantâs leaves. Twist a few leaves off the stem and place them on a bed of soil. Keep the soil moist and a baby plant will begin to grow.
image: @jess.cost
An easier option is to take a cutting (with permission from the plantâs owner of course), stick it in water and it will live for forever. Once itâs developed some roots, stick it in some soil and youâre done. Itâs most suited to well draining cactus or succulent soil and will grow extremely large if youâve got the patience.
So get yourself a Jade plant and bring some good fortune into your home. #itplantporn
Jessica Hill is a freelance journalist who is interested in the relationship between plants and people. Follow her on Instagram @plantsunknown.