Money plant is a common name most often applied to Crassula ovata, the Jade Plant, a succulent with thick, woody stems and glossy green leaves that is widely associated with good fortune in Chinese and feng shui traditions. Available in a range of sizes from small tabletop specimens to large statement trees, it is one of the most forgiving and long-lived houseplants available for UK beginners.
From ancient Chinese folklore to modern feng shui traditions, money plants have been associated with wealth, good fortune and positive energy for centuries. Today, they remain a favourite choice for new plant owners because they are hardy, adaptable and beginner-friendly.
If you’re unsure where to start, this guide will help you understand what makes money plants special, how to care for them, and which varieties are best for indoor growing.
For most beginners, the Petite Jade Plant is the right starting point. Move up in size as your confidence and space allow.
Money plants are ideal for beginners because they are incredibly forgiving and thrive with very little care. They tolerate low-maintenance watering routines, adapt well to bright or moderate indoor light, and bounce back quickly if neglected. Their thick, fleshy leaves store moisture, making them naturally resistant to underwatering.
Alongside easy care, many people choose money plants for their traditional symbolism. Legends describe money plants bringing luck, prosperity and good fortune, an added bonus to owning an already beautiful and resilient indoor plant.
Money plants thrive best in bright, indirect light, though they can tolerate partial shade. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering is the most common issue for beginners. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. With occasional feeding during the growing season and light pruning when needed, money plants remain healthy, vibrant and easy to manage year-round.
£15
The Petite Jade Plant is a compact starter specimen suited to desks, shelves and narrow windowsills. Its small size makes it ideal for beginners with limited space who want to learn Jade Plant care without a large financial commitment. Requires bright indirect light and minimal watering.
£35
The Triplet Jade Plant features three stems trained to grow together, creating a more developed and characterful display than a single-stem starter. At £35 it makes a considered gift or a natural step up for growers who have outgrown a smaller specimen. Suits the same care routine as all Jade Plant varieties.
£120
The Crassula Ovata Jade Plant at this size is a mature, well-developed specimen with multiple woody stems and dense, glossy foliage. At 120cm, it makes a strong statement in living rooms, hallways and office spaces. Supplied in a complementary pot, it requires the same minimal care as smaller Jade Plants; bright indirect light, infrequent watering and well-draining soil. In our experience, growers who invest in a specimen at this size are rarely disappointed; the Jade Plant’s slow growth means a mature tree of this character takes many years to develop naturally.
For most beginners, the Petite Jade Plant is the right first choice, affordable, compact and genuinely hard to kill. In our experience, the most common mistake is overwatering. Jade Plants store water in their leaves and need far less watering than most beginners expect, particularly in winter. Start small, learn the plant’s rhythm, and move to a larger specimen when you are ready.
Buying money plants from Miyagi Bonsai
Miyagi Bonsai stocks a carefully chosen range of Jade Plant money trees across budget, mid-range and premium price points, with next working day UK delivery available on most orders. The plants and recommendations in this guide reflect what we stock, use and see working for our customers every day. We are rated 5 stars across over 100 Google reviews, and our team is on hand by email and phone if you have any questions about choosing or caring for your money plant.
If you’re new to money plants, you may have questions about their care, watering needs, sunlight requirements and growth habits. These quick FAQs cover the essentials to help beginners confidently grow and maintain a healthy, thriving money plant indoors.
Yes, money plants like Jade (Crassula ovata) are succulents with thick leaves that store water. This makes them hardy, drought-tolerant, and perfect for beginners learning indoor gardening. Their succulent traits also mean they thrive in well-draining soil and require less frequent watering.
Money plants can live outside in mild climates but need protection from frost and extreme sun. Outdoors, they grow well in partial shade with proper drainage. In colder regions, bring them indoors during winter to prevent leaf damage.
Money plants need bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. While they can tolerate some direct light, harsh midday rays may scorch leaves. Low light will slow their growth and reduce leaf colour vibrancy. Place near a sunny window for healthy foliage.
Water your money plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering may lead to shriveled leaves. In summer, watering is more frequent, while in winter the plant needs less moisture.
Money plants are easy to grow from cuttings. Place a stem in water or moist soil until roots develop. Once rooted, transfer it into a pot with well-draining soil. Regular watering, bright sunlight, and occasional feeding encourage lush growth.
Yes, some varieties like the Jade plant can produce small white or pink flowers under ideal conditions. Flowering usually happens in mature plants kept in cooler, drier winter months. Flowers are rare indoors but a sign of good care.
The Jade Plant and other money plant species have been associated with prosperity, good luck and positive energy in Chinese culture and feng shui tradition for centuries. The rounded, coin-shaped leaves of the Jade Plant are said to resemble coins, reinforcing its association with wealth and abundance. Many people gift money plants at housewarmings, new year celebrations and business openings for this reason.
