'Tricolor' jade guide
Crassula ovata 'Tricolor', also called variegated jade, tricolor jade plant
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright direct
- Water
- When the soil is dry all the way down
- Humidity
- Dry room air is fine
- Temperature
- 13 to 27°C (55 to 80°F). Keep above 7°C (45°F).
- Soil
- Cactus and succulent mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer two or three times in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting and lethargy.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mature size
- 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 ft) tall, slow to grow
- Propagation
- Stem or leaf cuttings, dried and set on dry soil
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Tricolor' jade different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the jade plant care guide.
What it is
‘Tricolor’ is a variegated jade. Its leaves are green with cream and white stripes, and the edges blush pink in good light. It grows slower than a green jade because of the pale stripes.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Tricolor’ | Green with cream stripes and pink edges | Cream stripes through the leaf |
| ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ jade | Yellow and lime with red edges | Solid yellow, no stripes |
| Jade plant | Solid deep green | No stripes |
Care differences
The pink edges need bright light and some direct sun. The cream stripes can scorch in hot afternoon sun, so move it into stronger sun over a week or two.
It grows slow. Water less often than a large green jade.
Reverting
Branches that grow plain green leaves can take over. Prune them back to keep the variegated growth.
Grow it from a cutting
Take stem cuttings from striped branches. Let them dry for a few days, then set them on dry cactus mix. Leaf cuttings often grow plain green plants.
Buying it
‘Tricolor’ shows up at plant shops and some garden centers. Look for clear stripes on new leaves and firm, plump stems.