The white flower jade, also called dollar plant, is an evergreen broadleaf from the Crassulaceae family. The plant is native to areas in South Africa and is hardy to plant outdoors in USDA growing zones 11 and 12 where there is no risk of frost. The plant is commonly grown indoors in cooler climates.
The white jade plant is a broadleaf evergreen that reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet with a branch spread of 2 to 3 feet when grown outdoors. Indoor houseplants reach a height of 18 to 30 inches. The plant has fleshy, oblong leaves that grow up to 2 inches long. Small star-shaped white flowers appear on outdoor growing plants in spring but rarely form on houseplants.
White jade plants prefer to grow in a well-draining soil, such as sandy loam. The plant prefers full sunlight for optimal flower production. The soil should be tested to verify it has a pH of 5.5 to 8. Ground rock sulfur can be worked into the soil at least two weeks before planting to lower the pH. You can grow white jade as a houseplant in cooler climates by planting it in a container with drainage hole filled with a high quality, well-draining soil. The plant will grow in a low humidity environment but requires bright sunlight.
The white jade plant requires supplemental water only when the soil is dry to a depth of several inches, as it does not respond to over watering. Indoor plants should not sit in water for extended periods. Fertilize white jade growing outdoors by mulching around the plant with organic compost. Indoor plants do not require regular fertilizer applications as long as the potting soil is high quality and nutrient-rich. Place indoor plants 2 feet from an eastern or western window where they can receive bright sunlight without leaf burn.
White jade plants can be propagated by collecting the seed pods that appear on the plant after blooming is finished. Sow the seeds outdoors in hardy growing zone areas or indoors in containers filled with seed starting soil. The plant can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings during the summer and sticking them in a rooting medium that is slightly dry--to prevent stem rot.
The white jade is not susceptible to insect or disease problems. Monitor the plant for the presence of aphids or spider mites. The insects can be removed from the plant by washing or spraying the leaves with water. Follow up by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap to prevent the insects from returning.