Today I will explain how to take care of a pretty little plant: the Tiger Jade Succulent.
This succulent plant is known for its small dark green leaves with black dots and purple undersides.
The long thin leaves have hair on their margins. These triangular leaves can reach up to 4.7 inches (12 cm) in length and 0.4 inches (1 cm) in width.
Furthermore, this succulent grows horizontally. Therefore, it can spread up to 8 inches (20.3 cm) while its height won’t exceed 6 inches (15.2 cm).
Originating from South Africa, the Tiger Jade succulent grows in a warm and moderately dry environment.
Hence, I recommend using these gorgeous plants as outdoor decor if you live in a warm area.
I find it a VERY enjoyable plant to watch, especially when it has flowered. Just loot these beautiful pink flowers.
So if you are considering growing the Tiger Jade succulent, here is what you need to know.
Read also: Black spots on succulent leaves: What to do
Tiger Jade Succulent Info Card
Here is a practical card for you.
| Scientific Name | CRASSULA EXILIS SUBSP. PICTURATA | |
| Common Name | Tiger Jade | |
| Genus | Crassula | |
| USDA Hardiness zone | 9b to 11b | |
| Temperature | 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C) | |
| Height | 4″ to 6″ | |
| Spread | 4″ to 8″ | |
| Propagation | By leaves (easiest), cuttings, offsets, or seeds | |
| Toxicity | Yes | |
| Watering Technique | Soak and Dry | |
| Flower color | Pink | |
| Blooming time | Late Summer |
Light requirements
The Crassula Picturata loves sunlight. In fact, if it doesn’t get enough sunlight, it will start to stretch and will lose its compressed nature.
The stretching process is called Etiolation, and it is characterized by elongated stems and spacing between leaves.
So, to preserve the rosette of your Tiger Jade, you will need to provide full sunlight for its growth.
Therefore, it is better to put it outdoor to provide it with optimal lighting. Still, you can also grow it indoors without any problems.
Just put it on a west-facing windowsill where it will get plenty of direct bright sunlight.
Additionally, direct sunlight will help dry up the soil and warm up the plant.
An alternative solution would be LED grow lights.
Watering needs
It is always better to err on the underwatering side since your plant will surely recover in that case. On the contrary, overwatered plants will probably die.
So for our little green friend, you’ll have to follow the old soak-and-dry method.
Start by watering the soil until the water starts exiting through the drainage hole.
Next, you should wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before watering it again.
If you follow these simple steps, you will avoid any overwatering issues.
Soil characteristics
Like most succulents, the Tiger Jade likes light, airy, well-drained soil.
I suggest you go with regular cacti soil that contains coarse perlite and sand.
Just make sure that the soil doesn’t retain too much moisture.
Moreover, the ideal PH is around 6, which means slightly acidic soil.
Potting & Repotting
There are two things to keep in mind when choosing your pot.
First, choose one with a drainage hole. It is necessary for your succulent’s well-being to avoid sitting in water. Drainage holes are there for this purpose.
Here is our pick for pots with drainage holes.
Second, I advise you to get a plastic pot. These pots won’t heat up and will allow the soil to dry up quickly.
Also, you will only need a small pot due to the small size of the plant.
On the other hand, you won’t have to repot your Crassula Picturata since its roots are small.
Temperature and Hardiness
I am lucky enough to live in a warm area where temperatures rarely drop below 60°F. My succulents benefit greatly from this fact.
The Tiger Jade succulent loves warmth. It will thrive in a temperature ranging between 65°F (18°C) to 70°F (21°C).
In addition, although it can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), I would recommend you avoid putting it in such cold temperatures. Furthermore, it is not frost-hardy.
It could be helpful to mention that the leaves will turn reddish when the plant is stressed due to extreme temperatures.
Propagation of the Tiger Jade Succulent
It is always gratifying to make your plants propagate and make new babies.
I will be honest with you the Tiger Jade succulent is one of my favorite succulent plants. So, I strongly encourage its propagation.
Although it can be done through different techniques, I suggest doing it with leaves. So have your pruning shears ready for some cutting.
Check our article on succulent leaf propagation to learn how.
FAQ
It is a succulent plant native to South Africa. The Tiger Jade is a compact-looking plant that seems almost stemless. The leaves are triangular and are spotted with black dots and purple undersides. They also are hairy on the margins (edges).
Yes. Tiger Jade succulent are poisonous when ingested. It will make your car or dog vomit amongst other symptoms. If it is the case, you will have to take your pet to the vet.
It is easy to take care of your Tiger Jade Succulent. You will need to provide plenty of sunlight and avoid overwatering your plant. Follow the soak and dry technique and only water your Tiger Jade when the soil has dried.
Yes. Tiger Jade succulents need plenty of sunlight. These succulents are native to South Africa and grow in a tropical climate, therefore, sunlight is primordial to their growth.
No. It doesn’t need misting. Water on the leaves may cause rotting.
Conclusion
To conclude, I hope I have convinced you to get this magnificent plant. As I have explained, it is a low-maintenance plant that will suit any beginner grower.
To succeed in growing and taking care of this succulent, avoid overwatering and provide enough light, and your plant will be happy.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Also, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us.
