Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) Crassula arborescens
Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) (Crassula arborescens) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Crassulaceae family, native to Western and Eastern Cape and the Karoo, South Africa. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
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Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 261–521 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Western and Eastern Cape and the Karoo, South Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇱 Israel |
Is Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Like the jade plant, eating it may cause vomiting and lethargy in cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant)
- How far apart should I plant Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 80 cm–1.2 m (31 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) flower?
- About 261–521 weeks after planting, for 4–7 weeks.
- Is Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Like the jade plant, eating it may cause vomiting and lethargy in cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Silver jade plant (silver dollar plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A plant of dry, sunny places: grow it in gritty, free-draining soil and water deeply but rarely; cold and wet together kill it faster than frost or drought.
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- A sturdy, tree-like succulent with round, silvery grey-blue leaves rimmed in red, and starry pale pink flowers in winter. Larger and paler than the common jade plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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