Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi, commonly known as Tiger Jade, is a distinctive succulent that originates from the diverse landscapes of South Africa. This plant is characterized by its compact, mat-forming growth habit, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for low-maintenance yet visually interesting specimens.
With its ability to adapt to indoor conditions, you’ll find Tiger Jade to be a resilient addition to your collection, thriving with minimal care.
Table of Contents

Tiger Jade boasts a palette of colors, from green to plum tones, enriched by small speckles on its leaves that capture the essence of its nickname. You can expect a neat rosette formation that, over time, develops into an impressive colony.
This succulent’s charm is further enhanced when it blooms, producing tiny, pale pink flowers that can add a touch of elegance to your indoor garden.
Caring for your Tiger Jade involves providing abundant, bright light, and making sure it’s placed within proximity to a light source, like a sunny window. This placement ensures your plant receives the light it needs without the stress of extreme weather conditions.
In terms of watering, Tiger Jade requires a modest approach – a thorough watering every twelve days should suffice, preventing common issues associated with overwatering.
Plant Characteristics

Your Tiger Jade plant, a distinctive succulent, requires specific conditions to display its unique traits fully. Its features, from the leaf coloration to its growth pattern, underscore its uniqueness in the succulent world.
Identification
You’ll recognize your Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi, commonly known as Tiger Jade, by its low-growing, mounding habit.
It’s a dwarf variety that forms rosettes—clusters of leaves growing in a circular pattern. These rosettes often start with a lush green but can develop green to plum tones over the growing season or in response to sun exposure. The leaves of your Tiger Jade are typically speckled, sporting small dots that add to its ornamental appeal.
Leaf Characteristics | Description |
---|---|
Shape | Small, with a tendency to form clusters on branches |
Color | Ranges from green to plum tones, often speckled with dots |
Texture | Succulent and fleshy, indicative of water-storing capabilities |
Varietal Distinctions
As a dwarf variety of the larger Crassula genus, your Tiger Jade is exceptional for its ability to fit well in smaller spaces, such as office desks and windowsills. Expect new growth to maintain the characteristic spiral of tight rosettes, no more extensive than a few inches across.
This succulent’s leaves may shift in color from a vibrant green to deeper hues, a transition accentuated during cooler, sun-deprived periods or when exposed to full sunlight.
Care Guide
Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi, commonly known as “Tiger Jade”, is a resilient succulent that thrives with proper light, watering, soil, and temperature conditions. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure healthy growth and vibrant foliage.
Light Requirements
Tiger Jade requires abundant bright light. For optimal growth, place your Tiger Jade within one foot of a window to provide it with direct sunlight. If the natural light is too intense, such as in hot summer climates, a sheer curtain can help diffuse the light.
Watering Techniques
Use a consistent watering schedule, providing 0.8 cups of water every 12 days, ensuring the soil is completely dry before the next watering. Overwatering is a common issue, so it is crucial to adhere to these guidelines and adjust only if environmental conditions demand it.
Soil Composition
A well-draining soil mix is essential for Tiger Jade. Combine a standard succulent or cactus potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Ensuring you provide excellent drainage will help prevent root rot and other water-related issues.
Temperature Tolerance
Tiger Jade is tolerant of typical indoor temperatures, but it should be protected from extremes. Aim to maintain a temperature range between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). During cold winters, it is important to keep Tiger Jade away from drafty windows to avoid chill damage.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi “Tiger Jade” can be effectively done using stem cuttings and leaf propagation. Both methods allow new plants to grow and thrive, given the proper conditions. Remember to allow a callus to form over the cuttings to prevent rot.
Stem Cuttings
To propagate by stem cuttings, choose a healthy and disease-free stem. Follow these steps:
- Cut: Using a sterile and sharp knife or scissors, cut a 2-3 inch section from the parent plant’s stem.
- Callus: Allow the cutting to dry for a couple of days until the cut end forms a callus.
- Root: Place the callused cutting in well-draining soil and keep it in a bright area without direct sunlight.
- Water: Once the cutting has rooted, which may take several weeks, water it whenever the soil has dried out completely.
Leaf Propagation
You can also propagate “Tiger Jade” by using individual leaves:
- Twist: Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem. It’s crucial that the leaf is removed cleanly without any part left on the stem.
- Callus: Set the leaf aside in a warm, dry place to allow for callusing.
- Plant: After a callus has formed, place the leaf on top of well-draining soil and mist it occasionally without saturating the soil.
- Growth: Roots and a new plantlet will develop from the callused end. Once established with its own roots, it can be potted separately as a new plant.
Remember to provide gentle but consistent care throughout the propagation period to encourage healthy root and plant development.
Troubleshooting
When growing Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi “Tiger Jade”, you may encounter pest infestations or diseases. Proper identification and prompt action are key to ensuring your plant remains healthy. Below you’ll find solutions to common issues.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These are the primary pests that might afflict your Tiger Jade. Look for tiny, white, cotton-like clusters on the leaves or stems. If you spot mealybugs, isolate your plant to prevent the spread to others. You can:
- Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to affected areas after repeated intervals until eradication is confirmed.
- Ensure your plant’s environment is not too humid, as this can promote their proliferation.
Disease Management
Overwatering is a common issue that can lead to serious diseases such as root rot. Be sure to plant your Tiger Jade in well-draining soil and follow a strict watering schedule. Signs of overwatering include:
- Leaves: Yellowing or becoming mushy.
- Stems: Soft or blackened at the base.
To avoid these problems, here’s what you can do:
- Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Reduce the frequency and amount of water during colder months when the plant’s growth slows down.
- If signs of overwatering and rot are present, remove the plant from its pot, trim any rotten roots, allow to dry, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this guide, we’ll answer common questions to help you provide the best care for your ‘Tiger Jade’ succulent, ensuring its optimal growth and health.
What are the optimal watering requirements for a Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi ‘Tiger Jade’?
To maintain the health of your ‘Tiger Jade’, water it sparingly. Approximately 0.8 cups of water every 12 days should suffice, but only water when the topsoil feels dry to the touch to avoid overwatering and root rot.
How should I properly care for my ‘Tiger Jade’ succulent to promote healthy growth?
Your ‘Tiger Jade’ prefers a well-draining soil mix and to be watered only when the soil is completely dry. Place in a bright area with indirect sunlight and ensure it’s planted in a container with proper drainage to prevent water accumulation.
What is the best location in a home to place a ‘Tiger Jade’ Plant for ideal light exposure?
Position your ‘Tiger Jade’ in an area where it can receive plenty of indirect light, such as a south-facing or east-facing window. Direct sunlight can be tolerated but should not be continuous to prevent leaf scorching.
Can you provide tips on fertilizing a ‘Tiger Jade’ succulent for optimal health?
Fertilize your ‘Tiger Jade’ with a diluted, balanced fertilizer designed for succulents during the growing season. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so limit feeding to once per month or less.
Are there any common pests or diseases to watch out for when growing ‘Tiger Jade’ succulents?
Keep an eye out for mealybugs, a common pest affecting ‘Tiger Jade’. These can be managed by wiping with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or using insecticidal soap. Also, avoid overwatering to prevent fungal diseases like root rot.
How can you propagate the Crassula exilis ssp. cooperi ‘Tiger Jade’ to grow more plants?
Propagate your ‘Tiger Jade’ through leaf cuttings or offsets. Allow the cuttings to callous over for a few days before placing them on well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until roots develop, then water as you would a mature plant.