The Tiger Jade succulent is a popular choice for plant enthusiasts due to its striking appearance and straightforward care. Its distinctive leaves and compact growth make it suitable for indoor settings or garden landscapes.
What is a Tiger Jade Succulent?
The Tiger Jade succulent, Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi, is a compact perennial belonging to the Crassulaceae family, native to South Africa and Lesotho. It forms tight, low-lying clumps, suitable for rockeries or underplanting.
Its narrow, pointed leaves are densely packed with fine hairs and boldly patterned with green and burgundy striping, creating an animal-printed appearance. Leaves are dark green with small dots and a purple underside, growing up to 2 inches long and 1 cm wide.
In bright conditions, it spreads quickly, forming tidy clusters. During summer, leaves can develop purple and grey tones. Tiny, cup-shaped flowers, white to pink, may emerge on short stems.
Tiger Jade Succulent Care
Light Needs
Tiger Jade succulents thrive in bright light, from full sun to bright indirect. Shield them from intense afternoon sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, a south or west-facing window provides sufficient light. Insufficient light causes etiolation, where the plant stretches with wider spaces between leaves.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is fundamental for Tiger Jade succulents, which store water in their fleshy leaves. They prefer infrequent watering, requiring the soil to dry out completely between applications. Overwatering leads to root rot. Ensure thorough drainage and avoid standing water. Reduce watering significantly during dormant winter months.
Soil Requirements
Tiger Jade succulents need a well-draining, gritty soil mix to prevent waterlogging. Use a specialized cactus or succulent potting mix, or create your own by adding mineral grit like coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Good drainage is crucial as they are susceptible to root rot in moist environments. A pot with drainage holes, preferably terracotta, aids moisture evaporation.
Temperature and Humidity
Tiger Jade succulents prefer warm environments, ideally 18-25°C (64-77°F). They are not frost tolerant; protect them if temperatures drop below freezing. Average household humidity is suitable, as they thrive in arid conditions. Low to average humidity is preferred, as excessive humidity can cause issues.
Fertilization
Tiger Jade succulents require minimal fertilization. If fertilizing, apply a balanced, diluted succulent fertilizer lightly during their active growing season (spring and summer). Dilute to half strength to prevent root burn. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
Pruning and Grooming
Pruning Tiger Jade succulents involves maintaining shape and removing dead or damaged leaves. Trim leggy growth to encourage a bushier, more compact form, and remove drooping branches. Make clean cuts just above a node or branching point to encourage new growth. Regularly wipe dust off leaves with a moist cloth for efficient light absorption and pest deterrence.
Propagating Tiger Jade Succulents
Propagating Tiger Jade succulents is easy, typically done via stem or leaf cuttings.
For stem cuttings, snip a healthy section with a few leaves. Allow the cut end to callus for a few days to a week to prevent rot, then insert into well-draining succulent soil.
For leaf cuttings, gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem, ensuring the entire base is intact. Allow the leaf to callus for several days. Place the calloused leaf on top of or slightly pressed into moist succulent soil. Roots and new plantlets will emerge from the calloused end. Water sparingly until new growth is established.
Common Problems and Solutions
Tiger Jade succulents can encounter common issues related to pests, diseases, and environmental factors. Early detection helps resolve most problems.
Pests
Mealybugs and spider mites are frequent invaders. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses, often in leaf axils. Spider mites cause fine webbing and speckling on leaves. Wipe pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use a strong water stream. Avoid harsh chemical insecticides.
Root Rot
Root rot is the primary disease, almost always caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing or wilting leaves, mushy stems, and blackened roots. If suspected, remove the plant, inspect roots, and prune away soft, dark, or decayed portions. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil and adjust watering to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Environmental Issues
Etiolation manifests as stretched, leggy growth with widely spaced leaves, indicating insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location, gradually acclimating it to prevent sunburn. Leaf drop can occur due to overwatering, severe underwatering, or sudden temperature changes. Observe leaf appearance (shriveled from underwatering, yellow/mushy from overwatering) to diagnose the cause.