- Mature height
- 60cm to 1m
- Mature width
- 60cm to 1m
Crassula ovata 'Compacta' is the jade plant for people who like the look but not the sprawl. The leaves are smaller and the internodes shorter than the common jade, so it builds a tight, densely branched mound instead of throwing long bare stems that flop open with age.
The foliage is thick, glossy and rounded, deep green with red margins that colour up in bright light and through cold weather. Small clusters of white to pale pink star-shaped flowers appear in the cooler months, though the plant is grown for its form rather than its flower.
It is as tough as any jade. Full sun to part shade, sharp drainage, and very little water once established. The one thing it will not tolerate is wet feet, so heavy clay or a pot without drainage will kill it faster than neglect ever will. It is frost sensitive, so keep it protected or under cover in cold districts.
Use it in pots on a terrace or balcony, massed in a dry garden, or as low structure in a Mediterranean or contemporary scheme. The compact habit means it stays in proportion in a container for years without needing to be cut back.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Crassula ovata 'Compacta'
How is 'Compacta' different from a normal jade plant?
Smaller leaves and shorter spacing between them. The result is a tight, bushy plant that holds its shape, where the common jade tends to stretch and go leggy with age, especially in lower light. If you have been disappointed by a jade opening up and flopping, this is the one to plant instead.
How much water does it need?
Very little. Water deeply, then let the soil dry right out before watering again. Through winter it needs almost none. Overwatering is the single most common way people kill a jade, and it shows as soft, yellowing leaves that drop at a touch.
Is it frost tolerant?
No. Like all jades it is frost sensitive and will mark or collapse in a hard frost. In cold districts grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover, or against a warm north-facing wall.
Why do the leaf edges turn red?
Bright light and cool temperatures. The red margin is a stress response and a good sign, not a problem. Plants grown in shade stay plain green and also grow looser, so a sunny position gives you both better colour and a tighter plant.
Can it grow indoors?
Yes, in the brightest position you have, ideally right by a window. Indoors it will grow more slowly and hold less red in the leaf. Move it outside for the warmer months if you can and it will thicken up noticeably.
What soil and pot does it need?
A gritty, free-draining succulent and cactus mix, in a pot with open drainage holes. Terracotta suits it because it dries out faster. Do not overpot: jades are happier snug and a large volume of wet mix around a small root system is what causes rot.
How do I care for it?
Full sun to part shade, sharp drainage, and water only when the soil has dried out. Feed lightly with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Prune only to shape, and any pieces you remove strike easily from cuttings. Check for mealybug in leaf joints in warm humid weather.
