Curly Jade / Crinkle Jade - Crassula ovata 'Undulata'

Crassula ovata 'Undulata', known as Curly Jade or Crinkle Jade, is a distinctive and highly ornamental succulent that brings a sculptural quality to any garden or indoor setting. The fleshy, wavy-edged leaves are jade green with a smooth, glossy surface, and in bright light develop attractive red-tinged margins that add a warm accent to the overall appearance. Over time the plant develops thick, tree-like branching stems that give it an increasingly architectural and bonsai-like character, making it one of the most visually interesting succulents available for long-term growing.

Growing to approximately 30 to 60cm tall and wide, 'Undulata' is compact, upright, and rounded in habit, well suited to containers, courtyards, balconies, rockeries, and indoor settings where its sculptural form can be appreciated up close. It is a popular choice for bonsai styling and topiary due to its naturally branching structure and slow, manageable growth rate. The wavy leaf form sets it apart from the standard Jade Plant and gives it a more refined and distinctive appearance that works well as a feature plant or specimen in a curated succulent collection.

Highly drought tolerant and very easy to grow, 'Undulata' thrives in full sun through to semi shade in loam and sandy well-drained soils. Keep moist during dry periods and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Watch for aphids and mealy bugs and treat promptly if detected. One of the most rewarding and long-lived succulents available for Australian gardens and indoor spaces.

Key Features:

• Soil: Loam or sandy well-drained soil essential. Does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained conditions. For container growing, use a quality cacti and succulent potting mix with excellent drainage.
• Light: Full sun to semi shade. Leaf colour is most vibrant with red-tinged margins in a bright full sun position. Tolerates semi shade and indoor positions with good natural light well.
• Watering: Low. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings and keep moist during dry periods. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure. In containers, ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and never allow the plant to sit in water.
• Fertiliser: No regular fertilising required. If desired, a light application of a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring is sufficient. Avoid high nitrogen fertilisers which promote soft growth at the expense of the compact sculptural form.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Prune lightly to shape and encourage branching, or train as a bonsai by selective pruning of stems over time. Watch for aphids and mealy bugs and treat promptly with an appropriate insecticide or neem oil if detected.
• Flowering: Autumn. Small white flowers appear in clusters in autumn on mature plants, adding a delicate seasonal interest to an already highly ornamental foliage plant.

The key to long-term success with 'Undulata' is drainage. In Melbourne's heavier soils, plant on a raised bed or mound to ensure water moves away from the root zone, or grow in a container with a quality succulent mix and excellent drainage. In a well-drained position with good light, this plant will reward you for decades, slowly developing a more characterful and sculptural form with each passing year. The wavy leaf form is most pronounced and the red leaf margins most vivid in a bright full sun position, so prioritise light for the best ornamental result.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.