Thanks. Very informative. NOW I can look at ANY jade and tell what it is :\
OK
Here are three cuttings from succulents.
On the left, a Portacula Afra, and a small Crassula compacta. On the right, a Crassula ovata. these cuttings were kept inside until the photo was taken a few minutes ago: they're not in their best shape, the leaves are paler than they should be and the internodes longer, even if they were by a window:
But you can probably see the differences:
1/ Portulacaria has smaller, thinner leaves, and slightly longer internodes;
2/ the colour of the leaves are a lighter green, on Crassula ovata, even when kept indoors, the leaves are a draker green, thicker, "waxier", with some reddish hue on the edges. When gradually put un full sun, the red edge is even more showing.
3/ Portulacaria secondary branches tend to grow naturally at 90° angle, whereas new shoots on Crassula are more between 30 to 45 °
4/ it's much easier to keep a Crassula healthy indoors than a Portulacaria.
Portulacaria afra:
Crassula ovata:
But that's from my own experience, and my son's. In places with a (nearly) sub-tropical climates Florida (hot and humid), Portulmacaria seems to be the favourite, probably because it's closer to the original environment.
In drier places, or places where you can't keep them outside in the winter, Crassula fares better.
So i think in winsconsin, Crassula is probably more suitable.
OK now?
I'll post one of mine later, or in a few days.