Jade Plant vs Maltese Cross Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant, is a succulent shrub native to South Africa. It is characterized by its thick, glossy, oval-shaped leaves and stout branches. It's a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and longevity. In its native habitat, it can grow into a small tree, but indoors it typically remains a manageable size. People grow it for its attractive foliage, symbolic association with prosperity, and relatively low maintenance requirements. It is primarily an outdoor plant but can adapt to indoor conditions with proper care.
Maltese Cross
Lychnis chalcedonica
Lychnis chalcedonica, commonly known as Maltese Cross, is a herbaceous perennial prized for its vibrant, scarlet-red, cross-shaped flower clusters. It typically grows to a height of 60-90 cm (2-3 feet). The plant features upright stems with lance-shaped, slightly hairy leaves. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in sunny gardens and borders. People grow it for its eye-catching flowers that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding a splash of color to summer gardens. It is not ideally suited for indoor cultivation due to its high light requirements and need for a dormancy period.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Jade Plant | Maltese Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light to full sun. Requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 2-4 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and pot size. | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in cooler months. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 15-25°C |
| Care Level | Easy | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Slow | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.6-1.2 meters (2-4 feet) indoors | N/A - Outdoor plant, typically 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining succulent or cactus mix | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of garden soil, sand, and compost. |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 10 minutes weekly (deadheading, watering) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Jade Plant
| Scientific Name | Crassula ovata |
|---|---|
| Family | Crassulaceae |
| Native To | South Africa |
| Also Known As | Jade Plant, Money Plant, Friendship Tree, Lucky Plant |
| Leaves | The leaves of the Jade Plant are thick, fleshy, and oval-shaped. They are typically a glossy, jade green color, but can develop reddish edges when exposed to bright sunlight. The leaves are smooth and have a slightly rounded tip. They range in size from 2-5 cm long. |
| Flowers | Jade plants can flower indoors, but it is relatively rare, especially in younger plants. When they do flower, they produce clusters of small, star-shaped white or pink flowers. Flowering is more likely to occur in mature plants that receive plenty of sunlight and experience a period of cooler temperatures in the winter. |
Maltese Cross
| Scientific Name | Lychnis chalcedonica |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Native To | Russia, Central Asia, and parts of Europe |
| Also Known As | Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet Lightning |
| Leaves | Lance-shaped, slightly hairy leaves that are typically 5-10 cm long. They are arranged oppositely along the stems and are a medium green color. |
| Flowers | The flowers are bright scarlet-red and arranged in dense, rounded clusters at the top of the stems. Each flower is about 2-3 cm in diameter and has four petals forming a distinct cross shape. Flowering occurs in summer. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Jade Plant
Maltese Cross
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Jade Plant
Methods: Stem cuttings, Leaf cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Allow cuttings to callous over for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Keep soil slightly moist until roots develop.
Maltese Cross
Methods: Seed, Division, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: For seeds, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in spring. Division is best done in spring or fall. Stem cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Jade Plant
Jade plants are succulents that store water in their leaves, making them drought-tolerant. They are also known for their longevity, often living for many years with proper care. The leaves can develop reddish edges when exposed to bright sunlight.
- ✓ Easy to care for, requiring minimal attention.
- ✓ Long-lived, providing years of enjoyment.
- ✓ Symbolizes good luck and prosperity, adding a positive vibe to your home.
- ✓ Drought-tolerant, making it a sustainable choice.
- ✓ Visually appealing with its glossy, green leaves.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Maltese Cross
The Maltese Cross is distinguished by its unique flower shape, with four petals arranged in a cross-like formation. Its vibrant scarlet-red color makes it a standout in any garden. It is a reliable perennial that returns year after year.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators to the garden
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to the landscape
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established
- ✓ Provides a long blooming period
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Jade Plant
Maltese Cross
🌞 Light Requirements
Jade Plant
Bright, indirect light to full sun. Requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Maltese Cross
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Jade Plant
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing, mushy leaves. Underwatering is indicated by shriveled, wrinkled leaves.
Maltese Cross
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves, while overwatering can cause yellowing and mushy stems.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Jade Plant
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Maltese Cross
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Jade Plant
Crassula ovataBeginners looking for a low-maintenance, long-lived houseplant.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate neglect.
- You are looking for a plant that symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
- You want a plant that can live for many years.
- You have a bright, sunny location in your home.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You tend to overwater plants.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You don't have a location with sufficient sunlight.
Maltese Cross
Lychnis chalcedonicaGardeners looking to add vibrant color and attract pollinators to their sunny flower beds.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.
- You desire a vibrant, scarlet-red flower display in summer.
- You have a sunny garden or border where the plant can thrive.
- You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance perennial.
- You enjoy plants with historical significance and interesting names.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant, as it is toxic.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space to provide adequate light.
- You are looking for an indoor plant.
- You live in a very hot, humid climate where powdery mildew is prevalent.
- You prefer plants that require minimal watering.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Jade Plant is rated Easy care level, while Maltese Cross is Expert.
Jade Plant has slow growth, while Maltese Cross grows moderate.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Jade Plant Care Tips
Jade plants are relatively easy to care for, requiring bright light, infrequent watering, and well-draining soil. The main challenge indoors is providing sufficient light to prevent etiolation (leggy growth). Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot.
- Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring/summer).
- Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with fresh succulent mix.
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
Maltese Cross Care Tips
Maltese Cross is primarily an outdoor plant requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to its high light needs and dormancy requirements. It needs a cold period in winter to thrive. It is toxic to pets.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer.
- Mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Jade Plant
Maltese Cross
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Jade Plant
What are the light requirements for Jade Plant?
Jade plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. Insufficient light can lead to etiolation, where the plant becomes leggy and the leaves lose their vibrant color. Ideally, place your Jade plant near a south-facing or west-facing window, where it can receive ample sunlight. However, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves.
How do I care for Jade Plant?
Jade plants are relatively easy to care for, but proper attention to a few key factors is essential for their health and longevity. Provide bright, indirect light for at least 4-6 hours daily. Use a well-draining succulent potting mix and water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted succulent fertilizer.
How do I propagate Jade Plant?
Jade plants are easily propagated through leaf cuttings, offsets, or stem cuttings. For leaf cuttings, allow the cut end to callous over for a few days before placing it on top of well-draining soil. Mist lightly and wait for roots to develop. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting and allow the cut end to callous over before planting in well-draining soil.
Maltese Cross
What are the light requirements for Maltese Cross?
Maltese Cross plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to produce abundant blooms. Insufficient sunlight can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers. When growing indoors, place your Maltese Cross near a south-facing window where it can receive maximum sunlight. If natural sunlight is limited, consider using grow lights to supplement their needs. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even exposure to light on all sides. Monitor the plant for signs of etiolation (stretching towards the light), which indicates insufficient light. Adjust the plant’s position or supplement with artificial light as needed.
How do I care for Maltese Cross?
Maltese Cross plants are relatively easy to care for, thriving in well-drained soil and full sun. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. These plants are generally hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but may benefit from some protection in colder climates. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and address any issues promptly. Prune back the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal diseases.
How do I propagate Maltese Cross?
Maltese Cross can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, or seeds.
Last updated: April 24, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.