Help with succulent ID

9 years ago

I got this a few years ago in a clearance section at home depot and just assumed it was just a common jade plant [Crassula ovata] but I recently discovered saw a small leaf jade [Portulacaria afra] and I'm having no luck in differentiating between the two. And help would be greatly appreciated! My photobombing canine friend would also be grateful :)

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Comments (4)

Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
9 years ago
Definitely a Jade looks like the mini jade.

The one on the left is Portulacaria Afra, Mni Jade, and regular Jade:).

Portulacaria Afra on left mini Jade on right:).

Portulacaria Afra has a neat purplish stem too:).

Jade's leaves are generally more oval and PA are more heart shaped:). I've noticed a lot of people confuse the two. So you're not alone;).
Shawn thanked Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
Good pictorial by Kara :)

Portulacaria afra is not jade, not even related, even if often referred to as mini jade (incorrectly).
Shawn thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
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Karen S. (7b, NYC)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Not only are the stems different btwn Jades & P afra, but in P afra the leaf shape is very consistent, not so variable as Jades (Crassula ovata usually meant here).

Your Jades look nice, but the pot seems a bit large for the plant's size. Am hoping since you've got nice looking gritty type mix, I can assume the pot has a hole in it.

Otherwise, looks pretty good from here.
Shawn thanked Karen S. (7b, NYC)
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
9 years ago
Port a's will also grow short spines when they get around a foot tall, my variegated type has just started to do this. Jades of any type will never ever grow spines.
Shawn thanked greenclaws UK, Zone 8a