Crassula ovata ‘Undulata’ (‘Jitters’)

I get acclimated to many of the plants I once just couldn’t live without. Novelty fades. Maybe living with splashy variegation turns out to be a bad idea, or the perfect focal point turns out to be too domineering, a visual bully. The wavy leaf jade plant has a contained exuberance that never grows tiresome. It’s slowly, neatly filled out its container like a one-scoop ice cream cone. (And then there’s that growing resemblance to Sideshow Bob.) It puts some serious spin on the ubiquitous jade plant. In climates too cold to grow outside, I think its slow growth and compact form would justify giving it a berth indoors for the winter. And then there’s that indomitable will to survive that all jade plants possess. You just can’t kill them.

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What would become exhausting in human form is endlessly charming in a plant. All that busy, wavy personality really grows on you.


This entry was posted in plant crushes, pots and containers, succulents and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

7 Responses to Crassula ovata ‘Undulata’ (‘Jitters’)

  1. Jon says:

    I have a similar affinity for jade of all types – this one is wonderful! However, I have a question. In recent months I’ve had a few come down with a fuzzy white fungus that centers around the leaf nodes. It has completely decimated my largest specimen and now I’ve noticed some spots on my very favorite little guy that I have [proudly] bonsai’d over many years from nothing but a fallen branch portion into something quite attractive. Any tips on fixing this problem? It only seems to affect the jade and aloes (and I have quite the variety of succulents throughout the house.)

    I live in Baltimore, MD – i.e. much of the time my plants are indoors.

    I love your blog! Fantastic pictures and writing.

  2. Hoov says:

    How about that, I was just looking at that plant at the nursery today. It does look like an ice cream scoop of plant.

  3. I have to admit to not being find of most Crassula, this one however is awfully cute.

  4. Denise says:

    @Jon, I’ve got a bonsai’d jade plant too, with a huge trunk — neglect produces awesome bonsai specimens 😉 As far as the fungus, yikes! Is it mealy bugs? A 1:3 mix of plain isopropyl alcohol to water I’ve read can be effective. Keeping succulents alive over winter indoors — my hat is off to you!
    @Hoov, at a nursery today? Good to know. I haven’t seen it for sale. This was a gift from Dustin.
    @Loree, jade plant loathing, I completely understand.

  5. Correctly, this plant is Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia.

  6. Denise says:

    Appreciate that info. Thanks, Lonnie.

  7. Denise says:

    Lonnie, thanks so much for the info!

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