chinese money tree plant

What is the Chinese Money Tree Plant (Crassula ovata)?

The Chinese money tree plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent that hails from South Africa but has become incredibly popular worldwide, including throughout New Zealand. Its thick, oval-shaped green leaves are edged in red in bright conditions, making this plant a standout in any succulent collection. With its slow growth and ability to live for decades, the Chinese money tree plant is often passed down through generations, symbolising lasting luck and prosperity.

Benefits and Uses of the Chinese Money Tree Plant

This easy-going plant serves multiple purposes in the garden and home. The Chinese money tree plant is celebrated for:

• Air-purifying qualities, helping to refresh indoor environments.
• Decorative appeal, suiting office desks, coffee tables, and windowsills.
• Feng shui associations, where it’s believed to attract wealth and positivity.
• Adaptability, thriving in containers, rockeries, and succulent gardens.

Because it is drought-tolerant and slow-growing, the Chinese money tree plant is ideal for anyone wanting a low-maintenance indoor or patio feature. Looking to diversify your succulent groupings? The Chinese money tree plant pairs beautifully with relatives like Crassula arborescens and Crassula sarmentosa Comet for textured displays.

Care Tips for Crassula ovata

Caring for your Chinese money tree plant is straightforward:

• Position in bright, indirect light—outdoors in partial sun or indoors on a sunny windowsill.
• Use free-draining, sandy soil.
• Water deeply but infrequently—allow the soil to dry out between watering.
• Feed with a balanced, dilute fertiliser in spring and summer.
• Prune gently to maintain shape and remove any straggly growth.

If you want a smaller version, Crassula ovata minima makes an adorable compact alternative, perfect for tight spaces or gifting.

Other Unique Succulents for Your Collection

Building a diverse succulent garden is easy with varieties related to the Chinese money tree plant. Consider adding Crassula pellucida variegata for colourful foliage or the quirky Crassula lycopodioides for a unique texture. For a pop of floral colour, try Delosperma 'Violet Wonder' or Delosperma 'Peridot'. Broaden your horizons with striking succulents such as Agave victoriae-reginae, Aeonium Subplanum, and the frilly-leaved Echeveria shaviana.

Create Your Own Lucky Succulent Oasis

Whether you’re new to plant care or a long-time enthusiast, the Chinese money tree plant makes an exceptional, low-fuss option for New Zealand homes and gardens. Browse our full range of succulents to find the perfect companions to your Crassula ovata and create a space that’s bursting with good fortune, beauty, and year-round greenery.