You will find two types of plants with the name of Jade: Trailing Jade and Jade plant. They are completely different plants with different appearance, features, caring needs and so on. In terms of Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant, Trailing jade with the scientific name of Peperomia rotundifolia is admired for its lush, round leaves with a glossy green colour, however, the Jade Plant with the botanic name of Crassula ovata is a small bushy plant that is celebrated for its waxy small, thick, deep green leaves that are often with red edges which give it a striking appearance.
In this post, I will compare almost all features of these plants from their appearance and growing habits to caring needs and even the Feng Shui beliefs about them. After reading this post, you can distinguish Trailing Jade from Jade Plant and know how to parent them along with facts about everyone. Let’s start with their Identification.
I recommend reading my other post “Trailing Jade Vs String of Turtles”.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Identification
Trailing Jade and Jade Plants have distinct appearances:
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Leaves: Round, fleshy, and glossy green, often paired along slender stems.
- Growth Habit: Trailing or cascading, making it suitable for hanging baskets or shelves.
- Size: Generally smaller, growing about 6 to 12 inches tall.
- Stem Structure: The stems are thin, and flexible, and can trail or cascade, allowing the plant to hang elegantly.
- Stem Texture: They are typically smooth and fleshy.
- Flowering: It can produce small, inconspicuous flowers, typically in clusters on slender spikes. The flowers are usually green or white and not particularly showy.
- Bloom Time: Flowers may appear in late spring to summer, but the plant is mainly valued for its foliage.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Leaves: Oval-shaped, thick, and shiny, typically darker green with a more robust texture.
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy form with a tree-like structure as it matures.
- Size: Can grow much larger, often reaching several feet in height.
- Stem Structure: The stems are thick and sturdy, resembling a small tree trunk, supporting a more upright growth habit.
- Stem Texture: Stems are fleshy but more rigid than trailing jade.
- Flowering: It can produce more prominent, star-shaped flowers, usually pink or white. The blooms grow in clusters atop tall stalks.
- Bloom Time: It typically flowers in winter or early spring, especially when the plant is well-cared for and mature.
Overall, trailing jade has a softer, cascading look, while the jade plant is more structured and bushier. In summary, trailing jade has delicate, trailing stems and less noticeable flowers, while the jade plant features thick stems and more prominent, showy flowers.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Light Requirements
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia):
- Preferred Light: Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Avoidance: Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, so filtered light is best.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Preferred Light: Prefers full sun to bright, indirect light, making it more tolerant of direct sunlight.
- Adaptability: It can adapt to lower light but may become leggy if not given enough light.
In summary, trailing jade prefers more filtered light, while jade plant thrives in direct sunlight, making it more versatile in brighter conditions.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Watering Requirements
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Watering Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.
- Moisture Preference: Prefers to dry out between waterings; overwatering can lead to root rot.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Watering Frequency: Water when the soil is dry to the touch, usually every 2-3 weeks, depending on conditions.
- Moisture Preference: Also prefers to dry out between waterings but can tolerate slightly drier conditions.
In summary, both plants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings, but trailing jade needs a bit more caution to avoid overwatering.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Growing Temperature
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Ideal Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
- Tolerance: Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but is sensitive to frost.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Ideal Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C).
- Tolerance: Can tolerate higher temperatures and is more resilient to cooler conditions, but should be protected from frost.
In summary, both plants thrive in similar temperature ranges, but jade plants are slightly more tolerant of temperature variations.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Humidity Requirements
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Humidity Preference: Prefers higher humidity levels, ideally around 40% to 60%.
- Adaptability: Can tolerate lower humidity but may benefit from occasional misting or placement near a humidifier.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Humidity Preference: Thrives in average household humidity (30% to 50%).
- Adaptability: More tolerant of drier conditions and does not require additional humidity.
In summary, trailing jade prefers higher humidity, while jade plants are more adaptable to a range of humidity levels, making it easier to care for in typical indoor environments.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Soil Mix
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Soil Type: Prefers a well-draining potting mix, ideally a blend of standard potting soil and perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
- Drainage: Needs good drainage to prevent root rot, as it is sensitive to overwatering.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Soil Type: Thrives in a cactus or succulent mix, designed for excellent drainage.
- Drainage: Requires very well-draining soil to accommodate its tendency to store water in its leaves and stems.
In summary, both plants need well-draining soil, but trailing jade does well in a potting mix with added aeration, while the jade plant benefits from a specialized succulent mix.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Fertilizer
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10) diluted to half strength.
- Frequency: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce or stop in fall and winter.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Fertilizer Type: A cactus or succulent fertilizer, often low in nitrogen (such as 2-7-7), is ideal.
- Frequency: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season and refrain in the dormant months.
In summary, trailing jade benefits from a balanced fertilizer, while jade plant prefers a specialized succulent formula, with both needing fertilization during active growth.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Propagation Methods
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Method: Can be propagated through leaf cuttings or stem cuttings.
- Process: Allow cuttings to dry for a few hours, then place them in soil or water until roots develop.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Method: Propagated primarily through leaf or stem cuttings.
- Process: Similar to trailing jade, let cuttings callous for a few days before planting in well-draining soil.
In summary, both plants can be propagated using similar methods, but it’s important to let cuttings dry before planting for successful root development.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Pruning Comparison
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Pruning Needs: Requires minimal pruning. You can trim back leggy growth to encourage fuller, bushier growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves as needed.
- Timing: Best to prune during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy new growth.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Pruning Needs: May require more regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. Pruning can also help manage its size.
- Timing: Ideal to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, allowing the plant to recover quickly.
In summary, trailing jade needs less frequent pruning mainly for aesthetic reasons, while jade plants benefit from regular pruning to maintain their desired shape and size.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Repotting Comparison
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Repotting Frequency: Generally needs repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot, as it prefers slightly root-bound conditions.
- Soil Requirements: Thrives in a well-draining potting mix, often combined with perlite or sand for better aeration.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Repotting Frequency: Typically needs repotting every 2-4 years, depending on growth. It can tolerate being somewhat root-bound but should be repotted if roots start to emerge from the drainage holes.
- Soil Requirements: Prefers a gritty, well-draining cactus or succulent mix to prevent overwatering and root rot.
In summary, both plants benefit from repotting every few years, but trailing jade is more forgiving in root-bound conditions, while jade plants require a more specific soil mix to thrive.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Outdoor Growth Comparison
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Climate Adaptability: Best suited for indoor growth or mild outdoor climates; it prefers partial shade and is sensitive to cold temperatures, typically thriving in USDA zones 10-11.
- Exposure: Needs protection from direct sunlight, as too much can scorch its leaves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Climate Adaptability: Can be grown outdoors in warmer climates, typically in USDA zones 9-11. It tolerates a wider range of conditions and is more resilient to temperature fluctuations.
- Exposure: Prefers full sun to partial shade, thriving in direct sunlight, which enhances its growth and leaf colouration.
In summary, jade plants are generally better suited for outdoor growth in warmer climates, while trailing jade prefers a more controlled, sheltered environment.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Common Pests and Diseases
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Pests: Often affected by mealybugs and spider mites.
- Diseases: Prone to root rot if overwatered, but generally resilient to diseases.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Pests: Commonly face mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects.
- Diseases: Also susceptible to root rot; can experience leaf drop due to overwatering.
In summary, both plants can suffer from similar pests like mealybugs, and both are at risk for root rot, making proper watering essential for their health.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Growth Habit
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Growth Type: Grows as a trailing or cascading plant, making it ideal for hanging baskets.
- Height: Typically stays compact, reaching about 6-12 inches tall, but can spread outwards.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Growth Type: Grows as a bushy, upright succulent with a thick, woody stem.
- Height: Can grow taller, reaching up to 3 feet or more, depending on care and conditions.
In summary, trailing jade has a trailing growth habit suited for hanging, while the jade plant grows upright and bushy, making it a more sculptural choice.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Origin Habitat
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Native Region: Originates from tropical regions of South America, particularly in moist, shaded areas.
- Habitat: Typically found in forest understories, thriving in warm, humid conditions.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Native Region: Native to South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
- Habitat: Grows in arid, rocky environments, adapted to drought and direct sunlight.
In summary, trailing jade prefers tropical, humid environments, while jade plant thrives in arid, sunlit conditions, reflecting their distinct adaptations.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Feng Shui Comparison
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Symbolism: Represents growth and abundance due to its trailing nature, symbolizing the flow of prosperity and vitality.
- Placement: Ideal for hanging planters, especially in areas where you want to promote creativity and calmness.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Symbolism: Strongly associated with good luck, wealth, and prosperity, often referred to as the “money tree.”
- Placement: Best placed in the southeast corner of a room or office, as this area is linked to wealth in Feng Shui.
In summary, both plants are valued for their positive energy, but the jade plant has a stronger association with wealth while trailing jade promotes creativity and vitality.
Trailing Jade vs Jade Plant: Toxicity Comparison
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia)
- Non-toxic to pets and humans. It’s a safe choice for homes with animals or children.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Mildly toxic if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets (especially dogs and cats) and may lead to other mild symptoms in humans.
In summary, trailing jade is completely non-toxic, while jade plants can pose a mild risk if ingested, making trailing jade the safer option for households with pets or children.
Conclusion
Trailing Jade (Peperomia rotundifolia) can tolerate low light and, hence will add a refreshing touch to any space of your house. Its trailing growth habit creates a beautiful cascading appearance which makes it ideal for hanging baskets or shelves.
I love the compact size of Trailing Jade; I think its easy-caring factors make it a perfect choice for both beginners and those who are busy. Additionally, its ability to tolerate lower light conditions allows it to thrive in various indoor environments and enhances its popularity.
Unlike Trailing Jade, Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) has a bushy, upright growth habit that will add a sculptural element to any space of your house. I think it is an ideal choice for decorative arrangements. In addition, the Jade plant symbolizes prosperity and good luck that brings positive energy to your home or office.
Additionally, jade plants have minimal care and can produce small, star-shaped flowers under the right conditions which will enhance their charm.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.