12 Unique Varieties Of Jade Plant To Spruce Up Your Household Plant Collection

The Jade plant, scientifically known as Crassula, is a cheerful and verdant plant that can make any space look and feel nicer. Plants, in general, have been proven to improve feelings of well-being, and the appeal of jade plants is that they are easy to care for, long-lived (with proper care, a jade plant can survive for up to 100 years), and evergreen, so you'll never be without their bright green beauty — a very real reason that you need a jade plant in your home office or anywhere else for that matter! If you're interested in sprucing up your household with some jade varieties, there are plenty to choose from.

The jade plant is native to South Africa, and its exotic charm is well-loved by homeowners the world over. Of course, prior to selecting your newest green addition, it's ideal to brush up on how to successfully care for a jade plant, as these plants require a good balance of sunlight and proper soil conditions for a long and healthy life. They are well-suited to living in warm locations, which means that they can thrive as indoor houseplants with a little knowledge and practice. If you're not sure what the exact aesthetic is you're hoping to achieve with a jade plant, the good news is that there are over 300 varieties of the plant to peruse before committing to one — each with its own look — here are a number of crowd pleasers to consider.

Skinny fingers (Crassula ovata 'Skinny Fingers'), or ET's Finger jade, is a Crassula variety featuring elongated leaves that resemble finger-like extensions — hence the name. The tips of the fingers may be either green or feature a red hue. It's simple to care for, requiring partial-to-full sunlight as well as well-draining soil (ideally of a sandy composition). It thrives in indoor conditions, thanks to the warmer, climate-controlled temperatures. Try placing one of these jade plants in your kitchen windowsill or bathroom to brighten up the space.

Craving something dainty to add to your space? You can't do much better than the mini jade variety (Crassula ovata 'Minima') — a scaled-down variety of the full-sized jade plant. Though small, the mini jade can grow up to 2½ feet tall, so bear that in mind when figuring out where to install it at home. Give this plant as much sunlight as possible as well as well-draining soil. Don't overwater this succulent — just provide it with a little water once the soil is fully dried out.

The ripple jade (Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia) features a bit more visual intrigue than the aforementioned mini jade. This is thanks to its wavy leaves that grow in rather tight bunches. You'll find success in growing this plant when it's placed in bright sunlight with dry, well-draining soil to avoid root rot. Bear in mind that the ripple jade can grow up to 4 feet tall, so you'll want to plan out where to position it in your home. 

Crassula perforata,  also known as the string of buttons jade, is an interesting plant with delicate triangle-shaped leaves. The leaves turn reddish in sunnier locations or green when out of direct sunlight. You'll have success growing this cute plant without much maintenance, but be sure to give it porous soil, or it will quickly decline in health. Water thoroughly and let the soil dry out before watering again. This jade can grow to be over 3 feet tall, so provide plenty of space.

If you've had enough of the cutesy jade varieties, why not go for something with a creepier namesake? Gollum jade (Crassula ovata 'Gollum') is similar to 'Skinny Fingers' and other ovata cultivars in appearance and care. It comes in regular and variegated forms, allowing you more choice in its appearance. When fully grown, 'Gollum' jade can reach 3 feet in height. Not sure if you're drowning or depriving your plant of hydration? Here are the surefire signs you're overwatering your jade plant.

The 'Comet' jade plant (Crassula sarmentosa 'Comet') offers a unique spin on the other jade varieties up to this point. It is a fast-growing variety and can reach about 2 feet in height. The variegated leaves have serrated edges, giving you an entirely different aesthetic than the plump leaves of the Skinny Fingers or mini jade. You'll have the best chance of growing this jade in a bright, sunny location indoors. Of course, be on the lookout for fungal diseases, like root rot, which may require repotting.

An entirely different type of jade plant, the 'Buddha's Temple' variety, is a hybrid of the Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata var. falcata. It is this unique crossing of plants that gives it the stacked leaves appearance, which is reminiscent of the iconic places of worship dedicated to Buddhas (hence the name). The warmest area of your home will be best suited for this plant, and you'll want to ensure it has plenty of sunlight, as well as soil that drains well and is very porous to prevent the accumulation of water.

This gorgeous variety of jade, known fondly as the rosary vine (Crassula rupestris), is a wonderful addition to your indoor plants. Since it wants sunlight, keep it close to a bright window to ensure healthy growth and keep its soil composition draining well. If you're unsure where the best place for a jade plant in your home is, you can start here for some tried-and-true guidelines. While the exact size of your rosary vine will depend on the particular plant, it may reach 20 inches in height.

Fairy jade (Crassula multicava) is a very delicate version of this beloved plant. When it flowers, you can expect to see enchanting little bunches of star-shaped blooms, which make it all the more endearing to behold. This jade plant stays pretty small, not usually exceeding 16 inches in height. You can successfully grow it in a pot, so long as you keep it in a bright spot indoors.

Want a splash of color in your jade display? 'Campfire' jade (Crassula capitella 'Campfire') is just the plant you've been looking for. Its red-to-orange-tinged leaves bring to mind cozy evenings gathered around the flames of a warm fire. Grow this jade inside where they can get full sunlight — such as in a bright kitchen window. Fully grown, 'Campfire' jade won't reach taller than a foot, although they do grow fairly wide, reaching a few feet in their span.

The Crassula 'Blue Bird' (Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia 'Blue Bird') is a unique-looking jade plant that is sure to delight you every time you see it. This jade plant will thrive indoors where it can get adequate sunlight (partial sunlight is best, so you can place it in a window of your choosing). Keep an eye out for fungus taking over on this jade's roots by repotting as needed. You'll also need to learn how to spot and treat these common problems with indoor jade plants like mealybugs. 

The pink jade plant (Crassula ovata 'Pink Beauty') is a timeless addition to your household plant collection. Featuring the iconic plump and shiny leaves that are featured on many jade plants, this variety puts out lovely pink flowers that are as cute as they are beautifully scented. Grow this plant somewhere warm, where it can reach 5 feet when fully grown. Keep up the standard protocol for jade care with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. If you're struggling to get your jade plant to bloom indoors, here are some tips to help.