Crassula arborescens, commonly known as the Silver Dollar Plant or the Chinese Jade, is a succulent belonging to the Crassulaceae family. Native to South Africa, this plant can grow up to 3 feet tall. It features thick, fleshy leaves that are round and silver-green with red margins. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem and can reach up to 2 inches in length.
The Silver Dollar Plant blooms with small white or pink flowers arranged in clusters during late winter or early spring. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires moderate watering during its growing season, which spans from spring through fall.
This plant is popular as an indoor houseplant due to its low maintenance requirements and appealing appearance. In warm climates, it can also be grown outdoors in well-draining soil.
Most people cultivate the silver dollar plant primarily for its foliage. However, the plant does have a chance of blooming, albeit a small one. When it does flower, the blooms can last for over 100 days. With proper care and attention, the silver dollar plant will eventually bloom. FUN FACT · FROM THE LIBRARY
Historically, Crassula arborescens has been used by indigenous people for its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, it is believed to bring good luck when placed near the entrances of homes or businesses.
In summary, Crassula arborescens is an attractive, low-maintenance succulent that is favored for both indoor houseplant cultivation and outdoor landscaping in warm climates around the world.
The Silver dollar plant has moderate disease resistance and is particularly sensitive to humidity. It is prone to illness when humidity is high and can develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, the Silver dollar plant is drought-tolerant but requires more water during the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely while it is dormant. The Silver dollar plant is suited to people with some growing experience, but it can be hard to care for, especially during the dormant period. It is most appropriate for those who can spend time attending to it during the winter months.
How to keep Crassula Arborescens.
Light
The silver dollar plant prefers substantial sunlight for healthy development, much like its native sun-rich habitat. It can also tolerate spots with less light. Excessive sun can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can result in weak growth.
Water
The silver dollar plant flourishes in dry environments by storing water in its thick, fleshy leaves. It requires minimal watering, about once every three weeks, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings. When kept indoors, the silver dollar plant prefers stable temperatures. During periods of active growth, it benefits from higher humidity levels.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
The silver dollar plant plant originates from warmer climates and does best in temperatures of 20 to 38 ℃ (68 to 100.4 ℉). It favors warmer conditions but can withstand cooler temperatures in winter. It is recommended to adjust temperatures gradually when the seasons change.
Fertilizer
For the Silver dollar plant, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooms.
Pruning
To keep your silver dollar plant well-shaped, it's important to prune it in both spring and autumn. This involves trimming back any dense or excess branches. For propagating the plant, cut sturdy stems that have 5-6 leaves. Apply sulfur powder to the cut wounds and let them heal before planting. Make sure to use a watering can to gently moisten the soil where the cuttings are planted.
Pot & Repot
When repotting a Silver dollar plant, choose a pot slightly larger than the current one that has good drainage. Use a gritty, well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, brush off excess soil, and place it at the same depth in the new container. Wait a few days before watering so any root damage can heal. Repot in spring or fall and put the plant in a brightly lit spot.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent, Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Crassula
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.3 m to 1.22 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver, Blue, Gray, Red
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, White
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Spring
- Planting Time
- Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Silver dollar plant?
To water Silver dollar plants properly, follow these steps for better timing and technique. First, wait until spring when new leaves are beginning to grow before watering. At this point, check if the soil inside the pot is completely dry before adding water. You can use tap water or distilled water for watering. However, avoid watering from overhead; instead, water at the base of the plant. Do this by applying water slowly and evenly across the entire surface of the soil. This ensures consistent moisture without dampening the above-ground parts of the plant, which your Silver dollar plant prefers. Lastly, you can continue watering until you see a light stream of excess water draining from the pot's hole.
Why should I add fertilizer to my Silver dollar plant?
To support the healthy growth of the Silver dollar plant, it is beneficial to apply plant food during the growing season. Despite the plant's ability to store water and nutrients, fertilizing adds additional nutrients to the growing medium. Moreover, fertilizing can also stimulate mature specimens to produce blooms during the growing season.
What are the sunlight requirements for a Silver dollar plant?
The Silver dollar plant thrives in environments that mimic its native, sun-drenched habitat, requiring a generous amount of sunlight for healthy growth. It can survive in less sunny areas as well, but too much sun can lead to leaf scorching, whereas too little sunlight can cause weak growth. It's important to provide the plant with more than 6 hours of sunlight daily for full sun conditions, or about 3-6 hours for partial sun, ensuring it receives the right balance of light and shade for optimal health.
What is the best temperature for the Silver dollar plant?
To provide the best environment for a Silver dollar plant, it is recommended to maintain temperatures between 60-75℉ (15-25℃). They can tolerate slightly higher or lower temperatures, but this range is ideal for their growth. If temperatures drop below 40℉(10℃) or exceed 95℉(35℃), the plant will become dormant and stop growing. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 95℉(35℃) can cause damage or even kill the plant.
What should I do if I give my Silver dollar plant too much water or too little water?
Overwatering a Silver dollar plant is more common than underwatering. However, overwatering can be extremely harmful and lead to the plant dying quickly. To avoid overwatering, it is important to allow the soil to dry completely before watering. Many people mistakenly water the plant incorrectly, especially when it goes into dormancy. This guide will focus on addressing the issue of overwatering. If your Silver dollar plant shows signs of overwatering, it is advisable to remove it from its current pot. Assess the roots for any signs of rot or moisture-related diseases, and remove affected roots while cleaning others. Repot the plant in well-draining soil to reduce the risk of future overwatering. While rare, underwatering can also occur. To address this, water the plant slightly more frequently, being careful not to overcorrect and overwater.
When should I put fertilizer on my Silver dollar plant?
The Silver dollar plant only requires a small amount of fertilizer during the growing season, about 1-2 times a year. It is best to fertilize in the spring and autumn, avoiding winter and summer when the plant is dormant. If you have recently repotted your plant, be cautious with the amount of fertilizer and wait a couple of months before applying it.
How can artificial lighting support Silver dollar plant growth indoors?
When natural sunlight is not sufficient, especially during winter or in areas of the home that do not receive enough sunlight, artificial lighting can be a crucial aid for the growth of Silver dollar plants. LED lights are recommended for their ability to be customized to the specific light wavelengths needed by plants. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is needed, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. The artificial light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant and kept on for 8-12 hours per day to mimic natural daylight conditions.
Does the Silver dollar plant need different temperatures for different stages of growth?
The silver dollar plant goes through different phases of life that require different temperatures. During the summer, it enters a dormant phase, while in the winter, it enters a growing phase. To actively grow, the silver dollar plant needs cooler temperatures, but not too cold. If temperatures fall below 40℉(10℃), it will go into dormancy regardless of the season. Conversely, high temperatures can also induce a dormant state, limiting growth and reducing the plant's watering needs. It's important to avoid over-watering the plant during dormancy as this can lead to root rot. Only water the soil when it feels dry.
How frequently should I water my Silver dollar plant?
The Silver dollar plant is a type of succulent that doesn't require much water. It comes from a hot and dry region, so it's used to dry conditions. To take care of this plant, you should let the soil completely dry out before watering it again. Typically, it takes about two weeks to a month for the soil to dry completely. The frequency of watering depends on the season. During spring and summer, when the plant is growing, you can water it every 2-3 weeks. In these seasons, the soil may dry out faster. However, when the temperature drops below 60 degrees or goes above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant goes into a dormant or semi-dormant state. During this time, it doesn't need as much water. You should reduce or stop watering until the temperature is suitable for the Silver dollar plant to grow again.
When is it best to not fertilize my Silver dollar plant?
The Silver dollar plant, like other plants, goes into a period of dormancy where fertilizer applications should be stopped. This happens during the summer and winter when the plant stops growing. It's also recommended to avoid fertilizing for the first few months after repotting in the spring.
What symptoms indicate a Silver dollar plant is getting insufficient light?
Symptoms of insufficient light in Silver dollar plants include lighter-colored or pale new leaves, indicating a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients. The plant may exhibit leggy or sparse growth, with increased spaces between leaves or stems, leading to a stretched-out appearance. Other signs include faster leaf drop, chlorosis or yellowing of leaves due to excessive sunlight, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. Each of these symptoms reflects the plant's struggle with inadequate light conditions.
Here are three ways to keep the temperature of your Silver dollar plant in check.
Here are three tips for taking care of your Silver dollar plant: 1. Don't Over-Water When Temperatures Are High: Surprisingly, Silver dollar plants actually require less water during the summer. To check if the soil has enough moisture, stick your finger two inches below the surface. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Be careful not to over-water, as this can lead to root rot. 2. Don't Panic If Temperatures Occasionally Get Too High or Low: While it's ideal to keep your Silver dollar plant in the optimal temperature range, don't worry if the temperature fluctuates. These plants can survive short periods of time in temperatures below 0 ℃, though they may go into a dormant state and use less water. Return them to the correct temperature range as soon as possible. 3. Avoid Placing Your Silver dollar plant in Extreme Heat: Prolonged exposure to very high temperatures can cause damage to your Silver dollar plant. At first, the leaves may change color to red, yellow, or orange, which may seem visually appealing. However, this is a sign of sun damage and the plant will eventually wither and stop growing, leading to its demise.
