Overview

Introduce a fascinating botanical specimen to your collection with the Crassula ovata Variegated, commonly known as ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade Succulent Plant. This live plant boasts distinctive, tubular leaves with vibrant variegation, creating a truly otherworldly appearance. As a member of the Crassula genus, this succulent is celebrated for its resilience and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned plant enthusiasts and beginners alike. The unique form of the ‘ET’s Fingers’ variety adds architectural interest to any space, thriving with ample sunlight and minimal watering. Its robust growth habit and intriguing aesthetics ensure it remains a focal point in any indoor garden or sunny outdoor display.

The variegated jade succulent is a delightful twist on the classic jade plant, offering splashes of creamy white and yellow amidst the green foliage. This particular cultivar, ‘ET’s Fingers’, gets its whimsical name from the elongated, finger-like leaves that often develop a reddish tint on their tips when exposed to strong sunlight. This plant is not just a visual treat; its hardy nature and ability to reproduce easily make it a rewarding plant to grow. Whether placed on a windowsill, a desk, or as part of a larger succulent arrangement, this Crassula ovata Variegated is sure to captivate and charm.

Key Benefits

The Crassula ovata Variegated offers numerous advantages, making it a highly desirable plant for various settings. Its unique characteristics contribute to both aesthetic appeal and ease of care, providing a rewarding experience for plant owners.

• Unique Aesthetic Appeal: The distinctive tubular, finger-like leaves with beautiful variegation create a captivating and unusual visual interest. When exposed to bright light, the tips often develop a charming reddish hue.
• Drought-Tolerant Nature: Like most succulents, the ET’s Fingers Jade plant is highly drought-tolerant, requiring infrequent watering. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals or those looking for a low-maintenance plant.
• Easy to Propagate: This plant readily reproduces from cuttings, allowing you to easily expand your collection or share with friends. Its vigorous growth ensures new plants can be established with relative ease.
• Air Purification Qualities: While not as prominent as some other houseplants, succulents like this variegated jade succulent contribute to improving indoor air quality by absorbing certain toxins and releasing oxygen.
• Versatile Placement: Suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments (in appropriate climates), it can thrive in pots, rock gardens, or as part of a succulent arrangement. Its compact size makes it perfect for windowsills or desks.
• Resilience and Hardiness: Succulents are renowned for their robustness. This Crassula ovata variety is no exception, tolerating a range of conditions once established, contributing to its reputation for being a very forgiving plant.
• Symbolic Value: Jade plants are traditionally associated with good luck, prosperity, and friendship in many cultures, making them thoughtful gifts and meaningful additions to a home or office.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Proper care is essential for ensuring your Crassula ovata Variegated thrives and displays its best colors. This succulent is relatively easy to care for, but understanding its specific needs will help you maintain a healthy and vibrant plant. The most crucial factor is providing ample sunlight. Succulents naturally grow in sunny areas, and the ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plant is no exception. A south-facing window is often recommended for indoor placement, ensuring it receives several hours of direct sunlight each day. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and diminished variegation.

Watering is another critical aspect of Crassula ovata care. These plants are drought-tolerant and do not like to sit in wet soil. The ‘soak and dry’ method is ideal: water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. During dormant periods (typically winter), reduce watering frequency significantly. Overwatering is the most common cause of succulent failure, leading to root rot. To create an adequate cactus mix, simply add pumice, perlite, or grit to standard potting soil to ensure proper drainage. This porous, well-draining soil prevents water from accumulating around the roots.

Temperature and fertilization also play a role in the health of your drought-tolerant succulents. The ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plant prefers warm temperatures, typically between 65-75°F (18-24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost. If grown outdoors, bring it inside before temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). Fertilize sparingly, usually once or twice during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for succulents. Avoid fertilizing during fall and winter. Regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Watch out for common pests like mealybugs, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Size & Details

The Crassula ovata Variegated ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade Succulent Plant is typically shipped as a bare-root specimen, ensuring a healthy transition to its new home. While exact sizes can vary, plants are usually well-established, ready for potting. When mature, this succulent can grow to be a compact bush, typically reaching a height of 1-3 feet and a similar spread, though it can be kept smaller with regular pruning. Its growth rate is moderate, allowing you to enjoy its development over time. The plant’s unique finger-like leaves are typically 1-2 inches long. It is a long-lived plant if cared for properly, offering years of enjoyment. You will receive a plant very similar to those shown in photographs, though natural variations in shape and color are to be expected, especially depending on seasonal light exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does the Crassula ovata Variegated ‘ET’s Fingers’ plant get? A: This Crassula ovata Variegated can grow up to 1-3 feet tall and wide when mature, but its size can be easily managed through pruning, especially when grown in pots indoors.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Indoors, it thrives in bright, sunny locations. Outdoors, it can be grown in USDA zones 9-11, provided it is protected from frost.
• Q: How much sunlight does the variegated jade succulent need? A: This variegated jade succulent requires ample bright light, preferably several hours of direct sunlight daily, to maintain its vibrant variegation and compact growth. A south-facing window is ideal indoors.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the ET’s Fingers Jade plant is considered very easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Its primary needs are plenty of sunlight and infrequent watering.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: Most plants are shipped bare roots, meaning without the pot and soil. This method helps reduce shipping costs and prevents damage during transit, ensuring you receive a healthy specimen ready for potting.
• Q: How often should I water my Crassula ovata Variegated? A: Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry to the touch, then allow it to dry out again before the next watering. Overwatering is detrimental to this drought-tolerant succulents.
• Q: What kind of soil is best for Crassula ovata care? A: A well-draining soil mix is crucial for proper Crassula ovata care. Use a cactus and succulent potting mix, or amend regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to improve drainage.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), it’s best to bring your ‘ET’s Fingers’ Jade plant indoors for the winter, as it is not frost-tolerant.
• Q: Is the Crassula ovata Variegated pet-safe? A: No, like many jade plants, Crassula ovata varieties are considered toxic to pets if ingested. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious animals.
• Q: Can I propagate this plant easily? A: Absolutely! The Crassula ovata Variegated is very easy to propagate from stem or leaf cuttings. Allow cuttings to callus for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil.