Jade plant
Crassula ovata
Family: Crassulaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Toxic to people and pets
A popular succulent with glossy green, oval-shaped leaves and a thick woody stem. Can develop a bonsai-like appearance with age.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To determine when to water, use a knitting needle or chopstick to test the moisture at various depths.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for succulents.
DIY Recipe
- 2 parts Coir, 2 parts Coarse Sand, 1 part Pumice.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for succulents every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 65-86 °F / 18-30 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 40%
Time to Maturity
- 3-5 years
Eventual Height
- 3-6 ft / 90-180 cm
Eventual Spread
- 2-3 ft / 60-90 cm
C. ovata ‘Gollum’
Narrow, finger-like leaves curled inwards.
C. ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’
Leaves have a reddish-orange margin.
C. ovata ‘Crosby’s Miniature’
Compact cultivar with smaller leaves.
C. ovata ‘Tricolor’
Green leaves with yellow and pink margins.
C. ovata ‘Obliqua’
Leaves are spoon-shaped and slightly twisted.
Jewel Orchid
Ludisia discolor
Family: Orchidaceae
Care Level: Easy
Toxicity: Non-toxic to people and pets
Known for its striking dark green to almost black velvety leaves with pinkish-orange veins. It produces small, white flowers on long spikes, typically blooming once a year.
Bright Indirect Light – 150-250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹
Place the plant 5 ft / 1.5m away from a south, west or east-facing window.
Ensure the plant does not have a direct view of the sky.
If direct sunlight on the leaves is unavoidable, a sheer curtain can be used to filter the light.
Consider a PAR Meter, or PAR Meter App to measure photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD (μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹).
Water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water.
To ensure optimal plant health, a pot with drainage holes is essential.
Water the plant thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes. Then, allow the excess water to drain completely before placing the pot on a saucer or in a decorative planter.
Water considerably less in the winter months when the plant isn’t actively growing.
Ready Potting Mix
- For optimal growth, use a specialty organic potting mix formulated for orchids.
DIY Recipe
- 4 parts Bark, 1 part Pumice, 1 part Biochar.
- Apply an organic fertilizer formulated for orchids every 2-4 weeks, from March to October.
Ideal Temperature Range
- 70-80 °F / 21-26 °C
Ideal Humidity
- 50-70%
Time to Maturity
- 2-3 years
Eventual Height
- 6-12 in / 15-30 cm
Eventual Spread
- 8-12 in / 20-30 cm
L. discolor var. alba
This variety has bright green leaves with white lines.
L. discolor ‘Dawsoniana’
This cultivar has deep green leaves with pink veins running through them.
L. discolor ‘Nigrescens’
This newer cultivar features one silver vein in the middle of each dark leaf.
L. discolor ‘Red Velvet’
This cultivar has red veins running the length of dark, velvety leaves.