Crassulaceae
Chinese jade: Low Water Needs
Sinocrassula yunnanensis
Thrives in bright light and requires very little water; ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Every 14 days
Bright indirect
10° - 35°C
20% - 50%
Categories
What is Chinese jade?
Chinese jade (Sinocrassula yunnanensis) is a medium-care plant from the Crassulaceae family. Sinocrassula yunnanensis, commonly known as Chinese Jade, is a small, clump-forming succulent native to the Yunnan province in China. It features dense rosettes of fleshy, dark green to nearly black, needle-like leaves that are covered in fine, soft hairs. When it blooms, the monocarpic rosettes pro...
Chinese jade grows up to 10cm, spread of 15cm, watering every 14 days, 10°C – 35°C, 20–50% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Chinese jade is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Chinese jade?
TLDR: Chinese jade needs Bright indirect, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 10-35°C with 20-50% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Chinese jade?
Use the 'soak and dry' method. Water deeply until it drains out the bottom, then wait until the soil is bone-dry throughout.
How Much Light Does Chinese jade Need?
Provide bright, indirect sunlight or partial sun. Intense afternoon sun can deepen the dark foliage color but may cause scorch in extreme heat.
What Is the Best Soil for Chinese jade?
Use a specialized cactus and succulent mix with added perlite or pumice for maximum aeration.
What Pot Should You Use for Chinese jade?
Terracotta or porous ceramic pots with large drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Chinese jade and Where Does It Come From?
Sinocrassula yunnanensis, commonly known as Chinese Jade, is a small, clump-forming succulent native to the Yunnan province in China. It features dense rosettes of fleshy, dark green to nearly black, needle-like leaves that are covered in fine, soft hairs. When it blooms, the monocarpic rosettes produce a tall, branched inflorescence with tiny, star-shaped flowers, after which the flowering rosette dies, leaving behind numerous offsets.
How to Propagate Chinese jade?
Offset Separation
- Do not water the new offset for the first week to prevent rot.
- 1 Identify Offsets
Locate small baby rosettes growing at the base of the mother plant.
- 2 Separate
Gently pull or cut the offset away from the main plant, ensuring it has a small piece of stem.
- 3 Callous and Plant
Let the offset dry for 2 days, then place it on well-draining succulent soil.
Materials needed:
Leaf Propagation
- Avoid direct sunlight during the rooting phase.
- 1 Leaf Removal
Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring a clean break.
- 2 Drying
Allow the leaf to callous in a shaded area for several days.
- 3 Incubation
Place the leaf on top of moist soil and wait for roots and a tiny rosette to appear.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Chinese jade Grow?
TLDR: Chinese jade can reach up to 10cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
10cm
Spread
15cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with resilience and endurance due to its ability to grow in rocky crevices.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
