This Hardy Little Plant Survives In Jars And Needs Almost Nothing

If you're an aspiring gardener with not much know-how and minimal equipment at your disposal, the jade plant (Crassula ovata) might just be the answer to your green thumb prayers. Hailing from South Africa and Mozambique originally, jade plants are slow-growing, compact, and incredibly drought-tolerant — three traits that make them perfect for jar life. Unlike fussier houseplants, they don't need special care and attention. Their fleshy leaves store water for weeks, which means you can forget about them without guilt. In fact, overwatering is the only thing to watch out for, as they are susceptible to root rot.

You don't need much to get your glass jar nursery off the ground, either. Aside from the jar (which you more than likely already have on hand), all you need are a few other items you can pick up at your local plant shop. If your interest in the jade plant is already piqued, there's something else that's going to make it even more appealing to you. Known as "money trees" or "money plants" in feng shui circles, jade plants are believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and success, making them a popular pick for homes and offices alike. Plus, there are also 12 unique varieties of jade plant to choose from. 

Start by selecting your glass jar or container. You can use anything from a mason jar to an old coffee pot, so long as it's big enough to house your plant comfortably. Add 1–2 inches of small stones or pebbles to the bottom to assist with drainage. Next, you'll need a thin layer of activated charcoal to aid in filtering the water and serve as a room freshener for your plant's glass home. Adding a breathable barrier (landscape fabric or mesh) will keep the soil from clogging the drainage layer. For the soil, go for a well-draining mix. A basic potting soil will do, but it helps to stir in some perlite to make it more breathable. A good starting point is roughly two scoops of potting mix for every scoop of perlite. Go ahead and place 2–3 inches on top of the layers already in your jar. 

It's finally time to repot your jade plant. Remove it from its temporary home and nestle it into the prepared glass jar. Make sure it's snug by pressing lightly on the soil. Hold off watering your newest family member for about a week. After that, wait until the soil feels dry a little way down — typically every few weeks — before giving it another drink. Place your jade plant somewhere it'll get around six hours of bright exposure daily like a sunny kitchen windowsill or a well-lit office.

Jade plants aren't just easy to care for, they also hold a special place in feng shui thanks to their rich symbolism. With their plump, rounded leaves that resemble coins, these tough little succulents have earned nicknames like "money plant" and "money tree." Many believe they help attract abundance, success, and prosperity, which is why they're often found in homes and office spaces.

Feng shui principles suggest placing a jade plant in the southeast area of your home or office — known as the "wealth corner" — to encourage financial growth and opportunity. They're also thought to enhance the flow of positive energy, particularly when placed near entryways or on a work desk to promote motivation and clarity. Just be thoughtful about where you place yours. Bathrooms are considered inauspicious, and you'll first need to feng shui your bedroom before adding one there. But other than that, just about any other spot in your home can benefit from the jade plant's lucky charm energy — not to mention its good looks.