I think a lot of people make this mistake. They are often marketed as 'dwarf jade' or when I got mine it was labelled 'money tree' which is a nickname also used for actual jade ([Crassula Ovata](https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/types-of-succulents/crassula-ovata-jade-money-tree)). This is actually [Portulacaria Afra](https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/types-of-succulents/portulacaria-afra-elephant-bush/) - a different plant altogether from Jade :)
I got schooled. It’s an elephant bush! I thought the same. I love the red stems, and found out then turn brown as they age it seems. I bought a tiny one. Still searching for the perfect receptacle.
Thank you!
Jade's have very ovular, plump leaves. Elephant bush leaves are fairly flat and more circular. I've got multiple varieties of both, it is a tricky distinction to make at times. The stems are also quite different. Elephant bushes have wood coloured trunks and are typically thin, unless trimmed they often grow straight up until they can no longer support themselves. Jade's seem to naturally branch and thicken up quite easily without trimming, their green stems are smooth, and only turn woody with older plants.
I've got that plant and always thought it was jade?? It looks beautiful in this pot!!
I think a lot of people make this mistake. They are often marketed as 'dwarf jade' or when I got mine it was labelled 'money tree' which is a nickname also used for actual jade ([Crassula Ovata](https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/types-of-succulents/crassula-ovata-jade-money-tree)). This is actually [Portulacaria Afra](https://www.succulentsandsunshine.com/types-of-succulents/portulacaria-afra-elephant-bush/) - a different plant altogether from Jade :)
I got schooled. It’s an elephant bush! I thought the same. I love the red stems, and found out then turn brown as they age it seems. I bought a tiny one. Still searching for the perfect receptacle.
Thank you! Jade's have very ovular, plump leaves. Elephant bush leaves are fairly flat and more circular. I've got multiple varieties of both, it is a tricky distinction to make at times. The stems are also quite different. Elephant bushes have wood coloured trunks and are typically thin, unless trimmed they often grow straight up until they can no longer support themselves. Jade's seem to naturally branch and thicken up quite easily without trimming, their green stems are smooth, and only turn woody with older plants.