Jade plants bring a touch of magic to any home. These small green trees with thick leaves catch the eye and last for years. Most of us know the common jade plant. Yet, did you know there are many types of jade plants? Each one has its own look and charm!
In this post, I want to share some of the most eye-catching jade plant types. From ones with red tips to those with leaves like tiny cups, the world of jade plants is full of fun finds. These plants not only look good but also bring good luck to many homes.
I’ve grown jade plants for many years. Over time, I’ve found and grown many unique types. Let me take you on a trip through the most striking jade plant types you can add to your plant family. So, let’s dive in and find the jade plant that will steal your heart!
Table of Contents
The Jade Plant Family
Before we look at the types, let’s learn a bit about jade plants as a group. Jade plants are part of the Crassula family. This big plant group has more than 350 types! They come from the dry parts of South Africa.
Jade plants store water in their thick leaves. This helps them live through dry times. The leaves feel firm and waxy when you touch them. Most jade plants grow slowly. But with the right care, they can live for many years, even up to 100 years or more!
These plants are known to bring good luck in many parts of the world. In Asia, they are seen as “money plants.” The round leaves look like coins, which stands for wealth and good luck.
Now, let’s check out some of the most eye-catching types in this big plant family!
1. Classic Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Let’s start with the jade plant most of us know and love – the Classic Jade Plant or Crassula ovata. This is the type you’ll find most often in shops and homes.
The Classic Jade has thick, shiny green leaves that look like small ovals. Over time, it grows into a tree-like shape with a thick, woody stem. The leaves grow in pairs on the stems, and they have a deep green color that gives the plant its name. Just like the jade stone, these leaves have a rich, deep green hue.
In the right light and cool temps, Classic Jade plants can bloom! They make small, star-shaped white or pink flowers in late winter or early spring. The blooms smell sweet and add a nice touch to this plant.
While the Classic Jade may seem plain next to some of its fancy kin, its clean, bold look has made it a long-time hit with plant fans. It’s also one of the most hardy types, which makes it great for those new to plant care.
2. Hobbit Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’)
Next up is one of the most fun jade plant types – the Hobbit Jade. As the name hints, this jade has a whimsical, story-book feel that makes it stand out from the rest.
The Hobbit Jade’s leaves are what make it so unique. They curl into a tube shape, and the tips have a red tint that looks like they’ve been dipped in paint. Each leaf forms a small “cup” at the end. Some say these look like the tips of Hobbit ears from Lord of the Rings, which is how this plant got its name!
The Hobbit Jade grows in a bush-like shape with many stems. It stays more small and dense than the Classic Jade. The mix of green leaves with red tips gives it a bright, fun look that draws the eye.
This plant is just as easy to care for as the Classic Jade. It does well in bright light and will get more red on the leaf tips with more sun. Like all jade plants, it’s best not to water it too much. Let the soil dry out well between drinks.
The Hobbit Jade brings a fun twist to the jade plant world. It’s a great pick if you want a jade plant with a bit more flair!
3. Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’)
Next in our jade plant trip is the Gollum Jade. This is a close kin to the Hobbit Jade, and some plant shops mix them up. But once you know what to look for, you can spot the small but key way they differ.
The Gollum Jade has tube-like leaves that form a much more clear “cup” or “spoon” shape at the tips. These cups can get a bright red rim in good light. The leaves are long, thin, and tube-shaped all the way, not just curled at the edges like the Hobbit Jade.
Named after the Lord of the Rings role (just like the Hobbit Jade), the Gollum Jade has a strange, alien-like look. The stems grow up and out, with the tube leaves stuck all over them like small green horns or pipes.
This is one of my own jade plants, and its odd look makes it a great talk piece. It grows a bit taller than the Hobbit Jade, and with time, it can form a small tree shape with a thick trunk.
Just like its kin, the Gollum Jade does well in bright light. More sun will bring out more of the red tips that make it so pretty. It’s just as easy to care for as the Classic Jade. Thus, it’s a great pick for those who want a unique plant that’s still hard to kill!
4. Silver Jade Plant (Crassula arborescens)
Moving on to a jade with a cool, calm feel – the Silver Jade Plant. This type has a blue-green color that sets it apart from most jade plants.
The Silver Jade has round, fat leaves with a blue-gray hue. The leaf edges can turn a soft pink or red in bright light or cool temps. Each leaf has a small dent at the tip. The whole plant has a cloud-like look, with its round leaves and full shape.
This type of jade can grow quite large over time, up to 4-5 feet tall in the right space. The stems grow thick and woody as the plant ages. The mix of blue-gray leaves with pink edges makes for a soft, pretty look that stands out from the deep green of most jade plants.
The Silver Jade needs the same care as other jade plants – bright light, sparse water, and well-drained soil. It may grow a bit more slowly than some types, but with time, it forms a striking plant that adds a cool, calm vibe to any room.
If you want a jade plant with a more soft, cool tone, the Silver Jade is a great choice to check out!
5. Harbour Lights Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Harbour Lights’)
For those who love a splash of color in their plant set, the Harbour Lights Jade is a true gem. This type shows off bold red leaf edges that make it a real eye-catcher.
The Harbour Lights Jade has the same leaf shape as the Classic Jade – thick, oval, and plump. What sets it apart is the bright red edges on each leaf. These red rims get more bright with lots of sun and in cool temps. In the right spot, the whole plant can take on a red glow that looks like it’s lit from the inside!
This jade grows in a tree-like shape, with stems that get woody over time. It can grow to be quite full and bushy with the right care. The mix of green and red makes it one of the most bright and bold jade plant types.
While all jade plants like bright light, the Harbour Lights needs it to show off its best red colors. A south-facing window is great for this plant. Like all jades, it’s best to let the soil dry out well between drinks.
The Harbour Lights Jade is a must-have for those who want to add a pop of color to their jade plant set. Its red-tipped leaves bring a warm, bright touch to any plant shelf or window sill.
6. Sunset Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Sunset’)
Next on our list is a jade plant that lives up to its name – the Sunset Jade. This show-stopper blends hues of green, gold, and red that bring to mind a bright sunset sky.
The Sunset Jade has the same leaf shape as the Classic Jade but with a color scheme that’s all its own. The leaves start with a soft green in the middle, then shift to a gold or yellow hue, and end with bright red tips. The whole plant has a warm, glowing look that can light up a room.
This jade grows in the same tree-like form as the Classic Jade, with stems that get woody with age. The play of colors on each leaf makes it one of the most bright and eye-catching jade plant types you can find.
To get the best colors, the Sunset Jade needs lots of bright, not hot sun. It also shows more red and gold tones in cool temps. This makes it a great pick for the fall and winter months when its warm hues can add a cozy touch to your home.
The Sunset Jade brings a rich mix of colors to the jade plant family. It’s a top pick for those who want their plant set to have a warm, glowing touch of the sun!
7. Variegated Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’)
The Variegated Jade brings a fun splash of light and dark tones to the jade plant world. This type is like the Classic Jade but with a key twist – its leaves have cream or white marks mixed with the green!
Each leaf of the Variegated Jade is a unique mix of deep green and cream or white. No two leaves look the same. Some may be half white and half green, while others have small white dots or stripes. The mix makes this jade look like it was hand-painted by a fine artist.
The Variegated Jade grows more slowly than the all-green types. This is due to the white parts of the leaves, which don’t have the green stuff that helps plants make food from light. But this slow growth just adds to its charm, as it stays neat and small for a long time.
This type needs a bit more care than some jades. The white parts of the leaves can burn in too much sun, so bright but not hot light is best. It may also need less water than other jades, as it grows more slowly.
The Variegated Jade is a real treat for plant fans who want a jade with a bit more flash. Its mix of green and white makes it look like a living work of art!
8. Miniature Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Minima’)
For those with small spaces or a love of tiny plants, the Miniature Jade is a pure joy. This cute small form of the jade plant packs all the charm of its big kin into a tiny frame.
The Miniature Jade has the same leaf shape as the Classic Jade but much, much smaller. Each leaf may be just a half-inch long! The whole plant grows slowly and stays small, rarely getting more than 8-12 inches tall. This makes it a great pick for small pots, dish plants, or small spots.
Don’t let its small size fool you – the Miniature Jade is just as tough and long-lived as its big kin. It forms the same tree-like shape, with a trunk and stems that get woody over time. The small leaves grow close to each stem, giving it a full, dense look.
The mini size makes this jade a great fit for desk tops, small shelves, or as part of a dish plant set. It needs the same care as all jades – bright light, sparse water, and well-drained soil.
The Miniature Jade proves that good things do come in small packs! Its cute size and full shape make it a must-have for those who love small plants or have tight spaces to fill.
9. Pink Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Pink Beauty’)
For those who love a soft blush of color, the Pink Jade is a true charm. This type has a soft pink tint that gives it a warm, rosy glow.
The Pink Jade has the same leaf shape as the Classic Jade, but each leaf has a soft pink rim or blush. In bright light or cool temps, the pink can spread over more of the leaf. The end look is a plant that seems to glow with a warm, rose-gold hue.
This jade grows in the same tree-like form as the Classic Jade. The stems get thick and woody with age. The mix of green and pink gives it a soft, warm look that stands out from the all-green types.
Like the red-tipped jade types, the Pink Jade needs lots of bright light to show its best colors. A south-facing window is great. In low light, the pink tones may fade to a more all-green look.
The Pink Jade brings a soft, sweet touch to the jade plant world. Its blush-pink tones make it a great pick for those who want a plant with a warm, rosy glow!
10. ET’s Fingers Jade (Crassula ovata ‘ET’s Fingers’)
Next up is one of the most strange and fun jade plant types – ET’s Fingers Jade. As the name hints, this plant has long, thin leaves that look like small green fingers from a sci-fi film!
ET’s Fingers is close kin to the Gollum Jade. But while Gollum has tube leaves with cup tips, ET’s Fingers has much more long, thin tubes that point up like small green spikes. The leaf tips are more closed and don’t form cups. Each “finger” can grow up to 2-3 inches long!
This jade has a wild, punk-rock look that makes it stand out. The stems grow up and out, with the long tube leaves stuck all over them. With age, the stems get thick and woody, just like all jade plants.
ET’s Fingers brings a bold, fun flair to the jade plant world. It’s sure to get lots of “what IS that?” from guests. If you want a plant with big sci-fi vibes that’s still easy to care for, this is the one for you!
11. Botany Bay Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Botany Bay’)
The Botany Bay Jade is known for its flat, wide leaves that have a fine red edge. This type forms a neat, dense plant that stays more small than some other jades.
The leaves of the Botany Bay Jade are more wide and flat than the thick, plump leaves of most jade plants. They grow in tight sets along the stems. Each leaf has a fine red rim that shows up best in bright light.
This jade forms a bush-like plant with many stems. It tends to grow more out than up, which gives it a full, wide look. The flat leaves with red tips give it a clean, neat look that works well in most home styles.
The Botany Bay Jade needs the same care as all jade plants – bright light, sparse water, and well-drained soil. It may grow a bit more slowly than some types, which just means you won’t need to move it to a new pot as often.
If you want a jade plant that stays neat and small but still has a touch of red flair, the Botany Bay Jade is a great choice!
12. Ripple Jade (Crassula arborescens undulatifolia)
The Ripple Jade stands out for its wave-like leaf edges that give it a fun, ruffled look. This type adds a touch of whimsy to the jade plant family.
The Ripple Jade has round, flat leaves like the Silver Jade, but with wavy, rippled edges that make it look like it’s in a breeze. The leaves have a blue-green hue, and the edges can turn pink or red in bright light or cool temps.
This jade forms a bush-like plant with many stems. The wavy leaf edges give it a soft, flow-y look that stands out from the neat, clean lines of most jade plants. It’s like the plant world’s take on a ruffle!
Like all jade plants, the Ripple Jade does best in bright light and needs well-drained soil. It’s just as easy to care for as the Classic Jade, which makes it a great choice for those who want a unique plant that’s still hard to kill.
The Ripple Jade brings a fun, wave-like feel to the jade plant world. Its rippled leaf edges make it a great pick for those who want a plant with a bit more flow and whimsy!
13. Crosby’s Compact Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’)
For those who want a jade plant that stays neat and small, Crosby’s Compact Jade is a great pick. This type forms a dense, small bush that’s just right for small spots.
Crosby’s Compact has small, thick leaves that grow very close to each stem. The leaves are a rich green and have the same oval shape as the Classic Jade, just much smaller. They grow so close to the stems that the whole plant has a dense, full look.
This jade grows more slowly than many types and stays small, which makes it great for desk tops or small shelves. It forms a bush-like shape with many stems, rather than the tree-like form of some jade plants.
Like all jades, Crosby’s Compact does best in bright light and needs well-drained soil. It’s very hardy and can bounce back well from dry spells, which makes it great for those who may forget to water now and then.
Crosby’s Compact Jade packs all the charm of a jade plant into a small, neat form. It’s a top pick for those with small spaces or who want a jade that won’t get too big!
14. Tricolor Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Tricolor’)
The Tricolor Jade is a true treat for the eyes, with its three-tone leaves that look like they’ve been painted by hand. This rare type is high on many plant fans’ wish lists!
The Tricolor Jade is a form of the Variegated Jade, but with a fun twist – its leaves mix green, cream, AND pink! Each leaf has its own mix of all three colors, and no two leaves look the same. Some may be half pink and half green, while others have cream spots or stripes mixed with the other hues.
This jade grows more slowly than the all-green types, just like the Variegated Jade. But the slow growth is worth it for the splash of colors it brings to your plant set. It grows in the same tree-like form as the Classic Jade, with stems that get woody over time.
The Tricolor Jade needs a bit more care than some types. It can be more picky about light – it needs bright but not hot sun, as the pink and cream parts can burn in too much sun. It also grows more slowly, so it needs less water and food than fast-growing plants.
The Tricolor Jade is a true gem in the plant world. Its mix of green, cream, and pink makes it one of the most eye-catching jade plant types you can find. If you want a plant that looks like a living work of art, this is the one for you!
15. Blue Bird Jade (Crassula ovata ‘Blue Bird’)
Last but not least on our list is the Blue Bird Jade, a type with a cool, blue-green hue that gives it a calm, zen-like vibe.
The Blue Bird Jade has thick, oval leaves with a blue-grey tint. The leaf tips can turn a soft pink or red in bright light or cool temps. This color mix gives it a cool, calm look that stands out from the bright green of most jade plants.
This jade grows in a tree-like form, with stems that get thick and woody with age. It can grow to be quite large over time, up to 3-4 feet tall in the right spot. The mix of blue-gray leaves with pink tips makes for a soft, soothing look.
Like all jade plants, the Blue Bird does best in bright light. More sun will bring out more of the pink tints on the leaf tips. It needs well-drained soil and sparse water, just like its kin.
The Blue Bird Jade brings a cool, calm touch to the jade plant world. Its blue-grey leaves and soft pink tips make it a great pick for those who want a plant with a more zen, soothing feel!
How to Care for Unique Jade Plants
Now that you’ve seen some of the most eye-catching jade plant types, you might be eager to add some to your plant set! Here’s a quick guide on how to care for these unique plants.
All jade plants have the same basic needs. They are dry-land plants, which means they store water in their leaves and can go some time between drinks. Here’s how to keep them happy:
Light: All jade plants love bright light. Most types need at least 4-6 hours of bright, not hot sun each day. South or west-facing windows are great. More sun will bring out the best colors in the types with red, pink, or gold tints.
Water: Let the soil dry out fully between drinks. Then, water well and let all the extra water drain out. In spring and summer, you might need to water once a week. In fall and winter, cut back to once every 2-3 weeks. Too much water is the main way jade plants die, so when in doubt, wait a day or two.
Soil: Jade plants like soil that drains well. A mix made for cacti and dry-land plants works great. Or make your own with:
- 2 parts all-use soil
- 1 part small rocks or sand
- 1 part perlite or pumice
Pots: Use pots with drain holes. Clay or terra cotta pots are best as they let extra water out through the sides.
Food: Feed jade plants once every 3-4 months in spring and summer with a food made for dry-land plants. Use half the dose the box says. Don’t feed in fall or winter.
Temp: Jade plants like the same temps we do! They grow best in temps from 65°F to 75°F in the day, and not below 50°F at night.
Pruning: You can shape jade plants by pruning them in spring or summer. Use clean, sharp clips and don’t cut off more than a third of the plant at once.
With these care tips, your unique jade plants should thrive for years to come!
Where to Find Unique Jade Plants
So where can you find these eye-catching jade plant types? Here are some good spots to look:
Plant Shops: Check your local plant shops, as they often carry a few jade plant types. Call ahead to ask what types they have in stock.
Big Box Stores: Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart often have the Classic Jade and may have some of the more common unique types like Hobbit or Gollum Jade.
Online Plant Shops: Shops like Etsy, The Sill, or Plant Proper have a wide range of jade plant types. Buying plants online means you can find rare types that may not be in local shops.
Plant Swaps: Join local plant groups on social media to find out about plant swaps in your area. Many plant fans are happy to share cuttings of their jade plants.
Friend’s Plants: Since jade plants are so easy to grow from cuttings, ask friends if you can take a small piece of their plant to grow your own!
When buying jade plants, look for ones with plump, firm leaves and no soft, mushy spots. Small plants are often a better buy than large ones, as they adapt to your home more easily.
Final Thoughts on Unique Jade Plants
The world of jade plants is full of fun finds and eye-catching types. From the Classic Jade that’s been a hit for years to the wild, tube-leaved ET’s Fingers, there’s a jade plant type for every taste and space.
These plants are not just pretty – they’re also some of the most hardy and long-lived house plants you can find. With the right care, a jade plant can be with you for many years, even ages. They may grow slowly, but that just means you get to see and enjoy all the small steps as they change.
So which jade plant type caught your eye? The blue-grey Blue Bird? The three-toned Tricolor? Or the whimsical Hobbit Jade with its curled leaf tips? No matter which you pick, you’re sure to add a touch of green magic to your home with these unique plants.
And don’t forget – jade plants are said to bring good luck and wealth to the home. So maybe, just maybe, your new jade plant will bring you some good luck too! Happy plant growing!