Crassula ovata is what most people think of as a "Jade" plant. C. argentea and portulacea are considered currently to be synonyms of ovata. C. arborescens is a different species, with larger, more blue-gray leaves. The name "Jade plant" is often used for other plants (which may or may not be in the family Crassulaceae), that may look similar to C. ovata. An example of this would be Portulacaria afra, known commonly as a Small leaf Jade, or Baby Jade. To further add to the confusion, there are many cultivated varieties of C. ovata (i.e., cultivars), such as 'Tricolor', 'Gollum', 'Hobbit', 'Hummels Sunset', and 'Crosby's compact'. HTH!

Hmmmm. I ask because my small-leaf jade has developed to the point where the leaves on the lowest couple inches of the plant are about the size of the leaves on the plants at work. I'd normally assume that they're the same species and the ones at work are building bigger leaves because they get better light, but when I put some cuttings of the small one outside this summer, they kept the same size -- it's only the relatively older plants that have suddenly started enlarging their lower leaves.

I'm not worried about it -- big leaves seem like a good sign, if anything -- but since I've never seen this plant do this, I'm just wondering what species I've actually got here. Thanks for the response.

Leaf size may be linked to genetics, but the environment plays a factor as well. Leaves in sun are generally smaller than leaves in shade. The leaves in shade need more surface area for food production, and are sometimes darker green in color. You'll notice this sooner with fast growing tropicals, but it can happen with succulents, too. You may also notice that the space between leaves (the internodes) is greater in lower light levels. Watering and fertilization levels can be a factor, also. Those who grow bonsai often manipulate the environment to grow a plant in a particular way.

I would need to see the leaves close up. Just a picture of one leaf up close natural if possible. I would also like a close up of the bark, (epidermis or skin) then perhaps I could ID the one you have. All 'Jades are Crassula ovata, there are many forms, I have 22+ and each is different to me, and can be seen once you study them. Norma

before reading this, i was wondering "what's the difference between a jade tree and a jade plant. I do have something called jade. *shrug* after reading these post....lol, now i'm just out and out all around confused period. what i have was a cutting from a garden center, and it looked like a tree that it was on.

miss daisy

This one I'm pretty sure I know.

Jade tree = jade plant.

Norma: I could do a picture, but my digital camera isn't good enough to get a close-up, so I doubt it would be taxonomically useful. There are hopes for upgrading the camera to something less crappy, but it could be a while.