We’ve all seen a Jade, or Crassula ovata tucked away in the corner of our dentist’s office like a forgotten cluster of emeralds, or passed down to us from our grandmother, sitting on our kitchen windowsill watching as we do the dishes. It’s a familiar plant, and therefore often overlooked. After reading this, I challenge you to look a little bit closer. Notice the woody, corrugated trunk, pulsing with the energy of that of an ancient, wise tree. Notice the leaves, waxy and smooth like shiny green paddles, circumambulating the stems in a mesmerizing rhythm. The abundance of greenery and growth make it no surprise that this succulent is known for its lucky energy. When nurtured weekly during the season with quality plant food, it’s possible to coax your Jade into flowering in a shape no other than the lucky star.

In the 17th century, Dutch explorers visiting the Cape of Good Hope became infatuated with the native Jade plants growing large and impressive. They sent many back to Holland, kickstarting their popularity around the world. Being native to South Africa, Jades thrive when showered in warm, hot sun, namely, a Southern window. Some varieties will blush red at their tips when elated with their environment. While full sun is most appreciated, Jades are resilient and tolerant creatures. They can still survive in the bright, indirect light that shines from the North.

Just like their other succulent friends, Jades require a sandy, well draining soil and a watering routine that allows for 2-3 weeks of drying out, emulating their native environment. In these cold winter months, be conscious of where your heater vents or fireplace is in relation to your plants. Your baseboard heater may be warming your toes but severely drying out your plants, requiring more frequent watering.

Here at the nursery we harbor Jades like a dragon does with jewels. You’ll typically find them in our upstairs South-facing window, all shapes and colors, basking in the sun together. Arguably the oddest variety, “Gollum” Jade, mimics the fiery-tipped tentacles of a sea anemone. The Trunk Jade grows tall and bushy, with sturdy, bonsai-like trunks. The Tricolor Jades have white variegated leaves, the Sunset Jades redden with the deep oranges of a summer sun, and the Trailing Jades cascade over the edge of their pots like emerald coins tumbling down a cliffside.

If you find yourself in this grey limbo between winter and spring, unable to embark on your outdoor planting projects, look within your own home and what opportunities lay there. Maybe this is the perfect moment to commit to a new houseplant, or reinvest in a neglected one. Maybe you’ll thoughtfully choose a new Jade plant, place it lovingly in the warm light of your Southern window and gaze at it from time to time. And one of those times you look out the window, you’ll finally see the signs of Spring staring back at you, with a little luck from your Jade.