Doesn't look like a jade to me, but what do I know?

Hey,
I think you do have a silver dollar jade, but please forgive me if I am wrong (I am new to this forum as well and just recently started collecting various succulents and cacti, so I am a beginner by all means). This is the website that I went to to find a couple pictures, the care, and other information on the silver dollar jade.I really think your plant resembles these pictures! Hope this was helpful!

Here is a link that might be useful: Silver Dollar Jade- www.desert-tropicals.com

Yes plantomanic you're right. I have known this plant as Cotyledon, which according to your site is a synonym. I wonder if the entire Cotyledon genus is now considered Crassula or just this species?

If this is a Silver Dollar Jade, it's either not in the best of health, a mutant, or has experienced very different environmental conditions than the ones I am used to. The coloration is typical of this type of Jade. Silver Dollar Jade does have the red edges and "chalkiness", but the leaf thickness and form is a little atypical. The link in plantomaniac's post looks much more like what I am used to.

Thanks for all your input. I agree Brandon...the leaf thickness is definitely atypical. But I think it's a mutant...because it's very healthy. It actually has new growth in the center and has been widening pretty quickly in the few weeks I've had it. Does anyone happen to know about the trunk question? I only have one trunk....will it grow just from that trunk or will more trunks develop? I've seen so many pictures of a full plant with many trunks and was wondering if mine will look like that or if I have to propagate it in order to get more trunks. Thanks again!
Gabi

Gabi,
According the the website I provided you, you can propogate it by leaf or stem cuttings. I am not sure what this means exactly, but maybe you could search online on one of the search engines like Ask or Google on jade plant (specifically silver jade plant) propogation... if you cannot find anything on jade plant propogation, try general succulent propogation. I do not know what to say otherwise concerning your question. I wish I could be of more help but all the succulents I have either came with babies in the soil already (I have a Echeveria that has a baby sitting beside it) or have more than one branch. Please let me know what you find!

Elizabeth

Fred you know plenty. It doesn't look like one to me either. Crassula 'Silver Dollar' has a more or less round leaves that are opposite on the stems. It also has a horney or red/purplish border, covered with a gray bloom. Most showing hydathodes (tiny pores spots) all over the leaves. The leaves are very roudish, and not oblong unless very old and grown in too much shade. It was once classified as a Cotyledon. Would you please do a measurment on those leaves that will make a big difference. This plant will grow a thick trunk just like a Crassula ovata. Mine has one trunk with many branches comeing off of it like a oak tree. I think if you want more that one brance it must be cut all the way down in it's early life to forse more branching to form at the very begining. Branches from from the nodes. You can propagate them just like any other Crassula species stem or leaf. I use stem only the largest I can take off. I let it dry until I see roots form, and set it down into the soil until the roots are covered with soil, this I do in the Spring. It is no longer considered a Crassula cotyledon names have changed and been reclassified. The flowers are not that of a Cotyledon. Norma

Here are the leaf measurements:
The biggest leaves are about 5" in length and 3" in width (at its widest part. It's difficult to measure because the leaves are quite curved, which doesn't seem to be the case of the "silver dollar jade".

As for propagating, I always feel better using leaves to propagate. I get worried cutting branches! I have a bunch of succulent leaves that I've acquired and I'm trying to propagate them, but I think it's going to be very difficult in New York winter!

Thanks again,
Gabi

Gabi,
I could very well be wrong and Fred could very well be right. I thought it looked like a silver dollar jade on www.desert-tropicals.com, but I am new not only to this forum but to owning cacti and succulents as well. I find it difficult to identify half of the ones I own as they look very similar to pictures that I find online, but then as in your case, there are some things I notice with mine that do make them appear different that the pictures... I always like trying to help people though!

A possible id that was suggested to me is Cotyledon orbiculata. This species has several forms, so there can be some variability from one plant to another. Cotyledon is still considered a valid genus within the Crassula family (Crassulaceae). The blooms are larger and more bell shaped than are individual Crassula flowers, so it will be easier to confirm the id if you can get it to flower.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pictures of Cotyledon orbiculata

Thanks RJM! That's definitely my plant, without a doubt! I'm glad I finally have the right id.

It is not considered a Crassula, it is of the Crssulaceae
family. It is coltyledon, judged and classified by the flowers which hang down. It is not listed as so in any current book, I have Gordon Rowley book (he is the authority of this species), in front of me. It is not listed. It also not listed in the Illustrated Handbook of Succulents Crassulaceae either. Crassula arbaroescense 'Silver Dollar' (commercial name) is just that. and a memeber of Crassula of C. ovata 'Jade' which there are at leat 20 different varieties/ cultivators/forms . There is not such thing as a 'Silver Dollar' Jade" not all Crassula are called "Jade" plants. Now this can be researched, and backed up. I call mine Chuck, however I'm certainly not refeerring to the plant with that name, nor do I sell it with that name. Nor do I use that name here to confuse the naming process, nor anyone here. Norma

Hi Norma...
I'm confused by your post. I know that not all Crassula are called "jade" plants...of course (I have a few crassula plants and they are definitely not jade). I wasn't saying that. It sounds like you're saying I was using the name "silver dollar jade" to confuse people...that's not what I was doing at all! All I was trying to do was get some help in identifying this plant. It was sold to me on ebay with the name "Crassula Arborescens - silver dollar jade". I didn't believe that, so that is why I asked for opinions on what this plant is called. By the way, RJM confirmed that the plant was a Cotyledon orbiculata, but thanks for your input anyway.
Thanks,
Gabi

See Norma? This is the post I was referring to (one of many that you are rude in). If anyone is curious as to what I'm talking about - I posted a comment towards Norma (who appears to go by 2 member names - Norma and Dufflebag, and both are mean people who sign the name "Norma" at the end of the post, so it's the same person) in a thread with the title of leaf propagation or something like that.

Look at your last post in this thread. you seem to be so protective of your plant "names", but you can't even spell the names right!!! Looking back at your post, I'm just curious - what is a "Crssulaceae"???? And what is "Crassula arbaroescense"? Just wondering - because you really shouldn't "confuse the naming process" by misspelling names of plants.

Merry Christmas everyone.

I was reading your message and it I interrupted as meaning that you thought Crassula arboresces as a 'Jade' plant which it is not. Two different species of Crassula plants. Are you mad because you corrected me for leaving a letter out. This has been my speciality for the past 15 years, and I am also published. No one corrected by spelling or how I pronounced a word. My daughter spelled the word prositution wrong seventeen times on a college paper, and
received an A+ on the paper. I sorry I am so mean, I guess I shouldn't take the time here to do any research for this group. I think you need to look up the word Crassulaceae, instead of asking me, perhaps I will spell a word wrong again. Norma Dufflebag2002 No Babi I thought you were confused actually trying to straightout the mistake. Plantaclaus, look up your own words, surely you can do this because you know how to spell. Plantaclause I was responding to Garbo and was trying to give her information, I'm sorry that I have been rude to the rest of you. Norma

Splantaclaus, it looks like you just joined yesterday, but seem to be very familiar with DuffelbagÂs posts. If you are going to challenge someoneÂs credibility on forum, you might post under your regular GW name. Otherwise, it looks like you are a troublemaker. If you look at her post, she is defining criteria in which to identify this plant, which can be very difficult to identify. You do not just look at another similar plant & say "thatÂs the ID" Â you need to painfully look at the aspects she is trying to point out. In seeking information, I would personally choose "rude & credible" over "nice & wrong" any day.
High level academics misspell all the time & frequently have horrible grammar. However, if they provide substantive material worthy of publication, it ends up in print. Spelling is important, but credence lies in content. DuffelbagÂs post is credible, substantive, & has worthwhile content.

I have read many of Norma's posts and have found them to be intelligent, blunt and to the point, but never rude.

It may be difficult to view the posts objectively, but you really should try not to take them personally.

Just my two cents!

Happy Holidays! May Peace and Joy fill all of your hearts!

I am familiar with Dufflebag's postings like i said in my other post. B/c i have been reading for a long time the posts here. Not just here on cacti and succulents, but on other forum areas. I did not post or join to be a troublemaker. I wanted to join in the past because I have a lot to offer and a lot to learn, but felt negative energy. I think I'm being looked at negatively cause i'm new and have something to say about someone that knows a lot and has been on here for a while. But i'm really not new, i have been reading the posts on here now and then for about a year. I had an opinion, and wanted to state it. My intentions were not bad, i thought others may agree, but it appears you don't. That's ok, i'll just find another forum where people are friendlier and willing to give help without being rude about it. I really do think that other people agree but do not want to be the bad guy. There is a way of sharing knowledge with people without sounding arrogant. That is all I'm saying.

Gabi I sorry that I confused you. Botanical Science is not that easy. Do I need to explain it in a different way. Tell me what you don't understand.

Plantaclaus what is your regular Garden Web name, or are you afraid to use it. Norma Lewis
I at least sign my name, I have nothing to be ashamed of.
Usually when a person stricks out like you did it is a sign of jealousy, envy. I didn't join this group to learn spelling, or correct my typo error, this is only a hobby for me, and I do like to be accurate on facts. I do want to discuss plants, there are just too many beginners here that are searching for information. I'm 75 now and you won't have to put up with me for much longer. So be patient I won't be here forever. Norma

Gabi, The title of the tread is 'Silver Dollar Jade' so that is the why I thought that is what you thought you were showing us. I know that you weren't trying to confuse anyone, you just wanted to know the name of your plant, and I was just trying to help you, it is sad because if someone has knowledge of many years of growing these plants, that it should sound arrogant to others.
Why would anyone come here to help the beginners if they are called names, those who acknowledge that they are beginners, why should they correct others who have more than 50 years of experience, and formal training?. I'm here because I want to share what I have had the priviledge of learning. Spelling is important spelled incorrectly it can mean an intirely different plant, but I do make typo errors and so do the rest of you, and I think that is was an obvious typo error. If anyone here wants to critize than do so because I don't have tolerance, or that I don't have the knowledge. If others think I'm arrogant because I give information, if so I will not do so. I'm getting 25 new books next week, and I can spend my time reading about the plants instead. Really if I want an editor I will accept volunteers, if I was writing a book, I would have enough sense to get an editor, but this is not a book here, I thought I was helping friends. Norma

One of the reasons I post here is to learn from those who have more knowledge than I. It does not matter who this knowledge comes from - Baci, Pirate Girl or anyone else, including Norma. Knowledge is knowledge, period.
I appreciate what I have learned and who I have learned it from, trying to apply it when needed. You put out good plant karma, it comes back to you.
Splantaclaus - "I did not post or join to be a troublemaker". A private email might have been a much better alternative than to try and air dirty laundry, slamming someone in the Forum.
It might not be too late for an apology.

This will be my last post.
Borrego: A private email would have been another route, but I truly believed others felt the same way, and thought it needed to be said out in the open. So I will apologize for being wrong about that.
Norma: You just proved what I was saying about the arrogant attitude in your posts - "I do want to discuss plants, there are just too many beginners here that are searching for information". Without trying to be rude, if you don't want to be bothered with beginners then don't reply to them. Maybe you don't mean it to come out like that, but it comes out in a demeaning way, and you just admitted why. Maybe you should just 'plant talk' with experienced people. Just my opinion.

Just an FYI, the post I first said something on (about leaf propagation) was the one that really made me want to state my opinion because of the way she said something, as if she didn't want to be bothered. This thread about silver dollar jades was just an example of one of the many posts I've seen arrogance, and there are many more.

Just like people have said Norma is blunt, so am I. And it is a shame that I can't be a part of a wonderful site like this because I started off on the wrong foot. Maybe I should have waited until I got shot down by Norma by one of my 'beginner' posts, and then said something.

Maybe I'll have my girlfriend join so she can ask questions I may have (because obviously I'm not wanted here). I just hope she doesn't get eaten alive. We'll see. Merry Christmas.

Splanta,

It seems particularly duplicitious of you to keep repeating this complaint from one corner of yr. mouth, while repeatedly wishing us Merry Christmas from the other. Your commentary has certainly made it less so.

Many people here, have read folks long enough & well enough to understand the gist of their posts; while we (myself included) aren't always spot on w/ spelling, grammar, & sometimes even sensitivity, we ARE clear on the intent to share information w/ each other.

You seem to have joined simply to share yr. disgruntledness & apparently have been made to feel less that welcome in doing so. You have only yrself to thank for that. Perhaps you can keep lurking here or do searches here for the information you want which other people are asking. Given the nature of yr. comments, I will not be sorry if this is yr. last post.

Borrego: well said, I'm sure you speak for the majority of us.

Norma,

I just saw that you had replied to my post from awhile ago about me being confused from what you wrote. I wasn't confused about plant science....I guess I was confused because you thought I was trying to confuse others. But thank you for clarifying what you meant by that post.
Anyway, I have the id of my plant...at least I HOPE I do! Not sure why a lot of these messages are addressed to me. I'm satisfied with the info that RJM gave me. It seems as though some rucus (sp?) has been going on during the holiday! Hope all had a nice holiday.
Thanks,
Gabi

By what criteria is this plant considered Cotyledon orbiculata rather than Crassula arborescens? I would be interested in the criteria needed to differentiate between the two.

Norma said there is not such thing as a 'Silver Dollar' Jade." By that I assume she means crassula arborescens is not a jade (C. Ovata), but rather C. arborescens. The use of the term "jade" is slang, incorrect, & confusing. Correct me if I am wrong, Norma.

Norma, I am going to recap what you said, just so I understand it. Your criteria for
Crassula 'Silver Dollar' is:
More or less round leaves that are opposite on the stems.
Horney? or red/purplish border, covered with a gray bloom.
Hydathodes (tiny pores spots) all over the leaves.
The leaves are very roundish and not oblong unless very old and grown in too much shade.

Do you have any other criteria for this plant?

Thanks

Yes Baci, I think that's what Norma was saying, now that I take another look. I think the term "silver dollar jade" is what people use as a nickname of crassula arborescens. Even though it is not a "jade", that is what people call it. If you look on the internet, many nurseries and plant information sites call it that....I'm not saying that is correct, but that's just what people call it. I've seen many nicknames for crassula arborescens, such as "Silver Jade Plant", "Silver Dollar", "Silver Dollar Jade", "Chinese Jade". Unfortunately, even though it is wrong to call it a jade, that's what it has come to be called. But it's good to clarify that it's not actually a jade plant...many people don't know that.

This is one description I found at an online nursery:
"This plant is very similar to the more commonly cultivated Jade Plant, from which it differs by the silvery-glaucous (waxy) leaf surfaces and red-tinged leaf margins."

So just because it's similiar, they think it should be nicknamed that...which can be misleading. Unfortunately people will still be calling it those nicknames, right or wrong. I know I won't though :)

I didn't mean to cause any problems by making the title of the thread "silver dollar jade". That's just what it was sold to me as, and I had no clue that it was a "slang" term. But even if you do a search on here, lots of people refer to it as that. Unfortunately, the nurseries and ebay and lots of other sources give these nicknames, and they will continue to be used. Not too long ago I bought a "Strawberry Begonia", which is not really a begonia (it's a Saxifraga Stolonifera)...but it was sold on ebay like that, and many people call it that.

Baci, do you own a Cotyledon orbiculata? Just curious because I really do think that is what I have...I'm wondering if you are trying to differentiate between the 2 like I was. I know mine is definitely not a C. arborescens. When Cotyledon orbiculata was mentioned to me as a possible ID, I looked it up, and the pics and descriptions seemed to be the best match to my plant. But like Norma said, I may not know until it flowers. If you do have one, I'd love to see a pic if you don't mind.

Oh...I'm not sure if this is characteristic of a Cotyledon orbiculata, but the 2 tiny leaves on top of the plant (you can only see 1 in the pics) are full grown now! Not only that, but there are 2 new ones growing. This plant sure grows a lot in the winter.

I'm not mad at anyone, and all is welcome, lets just keep our manners. My style of writing is not like others, I'm sorry, if any one can't understand what I'm saying that is all they have to say so. No one needs to read my post if they are not well written, or they think I'm rude. I still think it's rude not to post your name. Lets turn it around, how do you feel if we would say to the world that you are rude? Would you be willing for me to ruin your reputation? Does this shoe fit? I just would like to know who you are so I need to send out any free plants to you if you go by a different name.
gabro, you must ID plants when the leaves are full grown, and not their new growth. If they get too much shade we can't ID them. If bought half dead we can't ID them. All of us, try to do the best we can to help, and get along. Norma

Norma,
The leaves ARE full grown. I was just talking about new growth and pointing out that my plant is a fast grower, that's all. I think you read just my last post and not the one above it. Again, I already have an ID....I wasn't asking for one. Of course, I can't be too sure until I see flowers...which is what I said in my long post (and acutally learned from you). I'm really not sure why you are responding to me like that.
Gabi

gabro14, I am kind of beyond the conflict; I am just trying to find information. Apologies are unnecessary. Norma, I do not find you rude, but to be rude myself the splanta galÂs comments are not worth wasting words on. I have no further comments on the conflict above, other than I have seen one member split forum before, & am glad to see the cohesive nature of this forum.
The main problem I see in terms of the use of silver dollar jade is that it is limited in terms of key word searches on the net. Other key words would include Crassula arborescens & Crassula arborescens subspecies undulatifolia. Because of limited info on this subject, all key words have merit.
My question on how to differentiate the two was not to cause trouble, but to clarify some personal questions. For example, not all Crassula arborescens subspecies undulatifolia is of the cultivar silver dollar variety, & I am wondering if the other cultivars have names also.
Let me see what I have today in terms of Cotyledon orbiculata  I believe I have one. I can understand dufflebagÂs comments in regards to a bloom. I thought I was buying a totally different plant until I saw a larger plant with the bloom.

More information, the Japaneses and possibly Chinese, call the Portulacaria afra. 'Jade' or 'Money Tree' that is what my sons wife's family called them when they visited, I just kept my mouth shut, and I think at one time 50 years ago that was a common name for them, just as we have many common names, but now you can see why many of us are a confused about what common names to call them. I'm not blaming anyone. I just wanted to tell you the reason why this happens. Portulacaria as one time considered a Crassula, which it is not. Norma

Yes. What you have is a silver dollar jade plant. i am personally trying to find out how to take care of one myself.

That is 10 year old thread...