Ferns & Focus
Blue Bird Jade
Succulent

Blue Bird Jade

Crassula arborescens 'Blue Bird'

The 'Blue Bird' Jade is an eye-catching succulent shrub known for its fleshy, silvery-blue foliage and sculptural growth habit. Its rounded, paddle-shaped leaves often feature delicate red margins, particularly when exposed to bright sunlight. Give it a sunny spot, let the potting mix dry between waterings, and use a planter with drainage holes.

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Light

Full Sun

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Water

Low

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Difficulty

Easy

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Humidity

Low

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Pet Warning

Contains glycosides and is considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination.

Full care guide

Blue Bird Jade Care

Keep Crassula arborescens 'Blue Bird' compact and blue with strong light, soak-and-dry watering, and a gritty mix that lets the roots breathe.

Read the guide

Care Notes

Full guide →

Light

Crassula ‘Blue Bird’ thrives in high light conditions. For the best leaf color and compact growth, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal. Lack of light will cause the plant to become ‘leggy’ and lose its distinctive blue-grey hue.

Water

Follow the ‘soak and dry’ method. Drench the soil thoroughly until water drains out the bottom, then wait until the potting medium is completely dry before watering again. During the winter dormancy period, water only once every 4 to 6 weeks.

Humidity and Temperature

This plant prefers warm temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C-27°C). It is not frost-tolerant. If kept outdoors, ensure it is brought inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). High humidity should be avoided as it can lead to fungal rot.

Soil and Planter

Use a gritty, well-draining soil mix specifically designed for cacti and succulents. Use a planter with drainage holes. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, though the plant does not mind being slightly root-bound.

Common Issues

  • Mealybugs:

Look for white, cottony tufts in the leaf axils. Treat with neem oil or rubbing alcohol.

  • Leaf Drop:

Usually caused by extreme underwatering or sudden temperature shifts.

  • Root Rot:

The result of overwatering or poor drainage. Stems will feel mushy.

In-Depth Care & Growth

Feeding & Soil

Fertilizer

Balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength

Soil

Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or pumice

Physical Attributes

Mature Size

2-3 feet tall and 2 feet wide

Growth Rate

Slow

Propagation

Stem cuttings, leaf cuttings

Common Varieties

Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia (Ripple Jade)

Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia (Ripple Jade)

Uniquely twisted, undulating blue-gray foliage that features a glaucous waxy coating and often develops subtle reddish-purple margins.

Crassula arborescens 'Silver Dollar'

Crassula arborescens 'Silver Dollar'

Characterized by its thick, round, glaucous-blue leaves, the 'Silver Dollar' jade features distinct maroon speckles and thin burgundy margins.