Crassula sarmentosa 'Variegata' (4 inch) #590

About Crassula sarmentosa 'Variegata'

Crassula sarmentosa 'Variegata', commonly sold as Variegated Trailing Jade or Showy Trailing Jade, is a quick-growing trailing succulent valued for its cascading stems and two-toned foliage. It is native to the rocky slopes of northeastern South Africa, where it grows in warm, dry conditions. The leaves are small, fleshy, and almond-shaped, glossy green with creamy yellow to white variegated margins, and the edges are finely serrated. The stems trail outward and can reach 2 to 3 feet in length, making this an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, or containers where the foliage can spill over the edges. Under bright light or slight stress, the leaf margins and stems often take on reddish or pinkish tones. In cooler months, it may produce clusters of small, star-shaped white to pale pink flowers at the stem tips.

How to care for Crassula sarmentosa 'Variegata'

Sun and Location: Provide bright light with some gentle direct sun. In hot summer conditions, semi-shade or protection from the most intense afternoon sun is safer, especially in small pots that dry out quickly. Bright light keeps the variegation vivid and the growth compact; insufficient light leads to stretched, leggy stems and faded colors. Indoors, an east- or west-facing window is a good choice, while a south-facing window works in winter but may scorch during summer.

Soil and Pot: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix amended with extra perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential, as this plant is prone to rot in waterlogged soil and may die if left in standing water. A pot with drainage holes is a must, and a hanging basket works particularly well to accommodate the trailing habit.

Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly and let excess drain away. This succulent stores water in its leaves and is far more forgiving of drought than of overwatering. A useful signal: if the leaves begin to wrinkle or the lowest leaves shrivel, the plant is ready for a drink. Never let water sit in the saucer or rosette.

Temperature: This Crassula prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. It is not frost-hardy and should be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F. It may tolerate brief dips to around 28–30°F, but protection is recommended, and container plants are more vulnerable than those in the ground. Keep it away from cold drafts in winter.

Propagating: Propagate easily from stem cuttings. Snip a healthy stem section, allow the cut end to callous for one to two days, then place it in well-draining succulent mix in a warm, bright location. Roots typically establish within a few weeks. Regular pruning also encourages a fuller, more compact shape rather than a sparse, leggy plant.

More Information

Primary color: Glossy green with creamy yellow to white variegated margins
Secondary color: Reddish or pinkish tones on margins and stems under bright light or stress
Bloom color: Small, star-shaped white to pale pink flowers in cooler months
Cold hardiness: Best suited to USDA Zones 9–11. Tolerates minimum temperatures down to around 28–30°F only briefly; bring indoors before temperatures drop below 40°F for safety
Product format: 4 inch pot
Suitability: Hanging basket, shelf, windowsill, cascading container, indoor succulent collection, beginner-friendly trailing plant
Propagation: Stem cuttings
Growth rate: Fast
Special characteristics: Trailing and cascading habit, variegated serrated leaf margins, color shifts toward red/pink under bright light, small star-shaped flowers in cooler months, drought-tolerant, pruning encourages compact growth, sap may cause mild skin irritation
Pet safety: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing vomiting, lethargy, and digestive upset. The sap can also cause mild skin or paw irritation. Keep well out of reach of pets and small children.

We pack all shipments by hand. 

We have many years of experience shipping live succulents and cactus plants. We pay close attention to packing and have developed an expert shipping method. All succulents are packed and protected with polypropylene cotton (this is a stuffing used for dolls). We find this is the most effective material for protecting live plants while in transit. It is important to us that you are able to Keep going and Keep growing without any stress about the quality of the product or packaging.

Shipping Speed

In general, it takes 3 to 10 days for plants to arrive after you place your order. All orders will be shipped out 48 hours after you place them. We ship the orders on work days(from Monday to Saturday) and all year round. In normal conditions, it will take 3-10 days for you to receive the package. Estimated shipping times are offered as needed.

HOLIDAYS: During weeks in which a holiday occurs - Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, etc. - shipping may be delayed until the following week.

EXTREME WEATHER NOTICE: The Next Gardener reserves the right to hold shipments during storms or periods of extreme heat or cold. This is to ensure your plant does not suffer while it is in transit.

Winter shipping

We insist on shipping succulents to our customers all year round. However due to the extreme winter weather, although we pack succulents with as much protective material as possible, plants are still at increased risk of frost on their way to colder areas. We highly recommend adding one 72-hour heat pack to your order or you can request a hold on the package until it warms up.

Please note that The Next Gardener is not responsible for packages that suffer cold damage without a heat pack. We cannot control the weather. Order at your own risk.

Hawaii, Alaska, and Other US Territories

Fortunately, shipping is available to Alaska, Guam, and other U.S. Territories. However, due to numerous factors beyond our control, including customs checks and shipping delays, free shipping to Hawaii and Puerto Rico is not an option. And we can not provide the 14-day quality guarantee for orders going to Hawaii and Puerto Rico. The buyer will assume all risk of damage when a delivery is delayed. We appreciate your understanding.

Sorry. No International Shipping for now!!!