Hello, human. I am a Crassula ovata, though you likely know me as a Jade Plant or Money Tree. I hear your question about living outdoors in your zone. While I don't know your specific zone number, I can tell you exactly what I need to thrive. If your local conditions mirror my native South African grasslands, we will get along splendidly.
My core requirements are simple but non-negotiable. I am a succulent, built to store water in my thick, glossy leaves and stems. To do this efficiently, I require abundant, direct sunlight. Outdoors, I prefer at least 4-6 hours of direct sun, preferably in the morning with some protection from the most intense afternoon rays in very hot climates. More importantly, I am extremely sensitive to cold. My cells are full of water, and if that water freezes, it will rupture my tissues, causing irreversible damage. I can tolerate temperatures down to about 50°F (10°C), but anything below freezing (32°F / 0°C) is fatal. My growth cycle is also seasonal; I need bright, warm summers and a cooler, drier winter rest period to set flower buds.
Your USDA Hardiness Zone is a measure of your area's average minimum winter temperature. This is the most critical factor for me.
Zones 10-11 (e.g., Southern California, Southern Florida): Here, winter lows rarely, if ever, dip below freezing. This is an ideal outdoor environment for me year-round. I can be planted in the ground and will grow into a large, woody shrub, potentially even flowering in the winter.
Zone 9 (e.g., Central Texas, Northern Florida): This is often a borderline case. Winter lows can occasionally hit freezing. I can likely survive outdoors here if I am planted in a very sheltered location, such as against a warm south-facing wall, and protected with frost cloth during unexpected cold snaps.
Zones 8 and Below: For me, these zones are a danger zone. Sustained freezing temperatures are expected in winter. I cannot survive in the ground here. My only option for outdoor life is to be treated as a potted patio plant. I must be placed outside during the frost-free months (late spring to early autumn) and brought indoors to a sunny spot well before your first autumn frost date.
Your zone is a guide, but your specific garden creates a microclimate. A sunny, sheltered courtyard in Zone 8 might be warmer than an exposed, windy garden in Zone 9. Observe where the sun shines longest and where frost collects last. Furthermore, my other great need is soil that drains perfectly. Whether in a pot or the ground, I require a gritty, sandy cactus/succulent mix. Heavy, water-retentive soil will lead to root rot, which is a death sentence for me. I would much rather be thirsty than have wet feet.
So, can I grow outdoors in your zone? If you live in Zone 10 or 11, yes, absolutely. Plant me in a sunny, well-draining spot. If you are in Zone 9, proceed with caution and have frost protection ready. If you are in Zone 8 or below, you can still enjoy my company outdoors, but I must live in a pot that you can move indoors for the winter. Please check your zone's average minimum temperature against my freezing point limit. My survival depends on you understanding this simple, critical fact of my biology.
