I love growing jade plants because of their thick, glossy, green leaves and easygoing nature. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced plant enthusiast, a jade plant brings charm and an interesting, sculptural look to your space.
Jade Plant Care
Jade plants are known in feng shui for attracting prosperity and good energy. This aspect makes them great additions to homes and offices.
If you would like to learn more about lucky plants check out this post on 10 lucky plants for your home.
Native to South Africa and Mozambique, jade plants have adapted to arid environments, which makes them easy to care for in most indoor settings.
In this guide, I will provide all the information you need to care for your jade plant properly and enjoy it for many years.
Basic Jade Plant Facts
Jade plants grow in arid regions of South Africa and Mozambique, where they survive on minimal water and high sunlight exposure.
They’re slow-growing, often reaching 3-6 feet tall over many years indoors with good care. Younger plants grow upward, while mature plants develop thick, woody stems resembling a small tree.
Common Jade Varieties
Crassula Ovata: The classic jade plant with rich green leaves that sometimes develop red edges with ample sun exposure.
Hobbit and Gollum Varieties: Known for tubular, finger-like leaves with slight variations in shape. These varieties give a unique twist to traditional jade plants and are perfect for collectors.
Hummel’s Sunset: This cultivar’s leaves develop golden-yellow tones with red edges, especially with direct sunlight, adding vibrant color.
Light Requirements
Jade plants need ample sunlight to thrive, ideally in bright, indirect light. A south- or west-facing window is perfect, as these directions offer the bright light jade plants crave.
Gradually introduce them to direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Once acclimated, they can handle a few hours of direct sunlight daily.
If natural light is limited, supplement with a grow light for at least 4-6 hours per day. In low light, jade plants may grow “leggy,” with stretched stems and sparse leaves.
Temperature
Temperature: Jade plants do well in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) but can tolerate short periods as low as 50°F (10°C).
Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40°F, as they are not frost-tolerant.
Humidity
Adapted to arid conditions, jade plants do not require high humidity and actually thrive in the average indoor environment.
High humidity can lead to mildew or fungal issues, so good ventilation is important in closed spaces.
Soil Needs
Choose a cactus or succulent soil mix to ensure the right level of drainage. These mixes usually contain sand, perlite, and other materials that prevent soil from holding excess moisture.
If using regular potting soil, amend it with 50% perlite or coarse sand. Jade plants are highly sensitive to waterlogging, which can quickly lead to root rot.
Watering Schedule and Tips
In spring and summer, water your jade plant every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Reduce watering to about once a month, as jade plants enter dormancy and require less water. Overwatering in winter is a common cause of root rot.
Overwatering Symptoms: Yellowing, drooping leaves, soft or mushy stems, and leaf drops are indicators of overwatering. Root rot often develops if left unchecked.
Underwatering Symptoms: Wrinkled or shriveled leaves signal that the plant is too dry. Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then let the soil dry out again before watering.
Use a watering can with a narrow spout to control the flow and avoid soaking the leaves.
Water deeply but infrequently, ensuring all soil is moistened without leaving any water standing in the pot’s saucer.
Fertilization and Feeding
Spring and summer are the jade plant’s active growing seasons. During this time, jade plants benefit from light feeding once a month.
Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at half-strength or a low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can encourage leggy growth and weaken the plant’s structure.
In fall and winter, the jade plant’s growth slows, so fertilizing is unnecessary. Excess nutrients during this dormant period can stress the plant.
Pruning
Prune jade plants in early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim away leggy branches and promote a fuller shape.
Prune near a leaf node (where a leaf grows from the stem) to encourage branching and create a more compact, bushy appearance.
Propagation Methods
Leaf Cuttings: Select a healthy leaf, remove it cleanly from the stem, and allow it to callous (dry out) for 1-2 days.
Place it on top of moist soil, and after a few weeks, small roots will start to grow, followed by new shoots.
Stem Cuttings: Cut a 3-4 inch healthy stem, allow it to callous for a day, and plant it in a cactus soil mix.
Stem cuttings usually root faster than leaf cuttings and can establish a new plant within a few months.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: White, cotton-like pests that cluster on leaves and stems. Treat them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
Spider Mites: Tiny, red pests that leave a fine webbing on plants. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, so lightly misting the plant and cleaning the leaves can help prevent infestations. Neem oil also works well.
Scale Insects: Small, brown, disc-shaped insects that stick to stems and leaves. They can be scraped off with a soft toothbrush or treated with insecticidal soap.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Caused by overwatering or poor drainage, root rot can be fatal to jade plants.
If the roots appear brown and mushy, remove affected roots, repot in dry soil, and reduce watering.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection appears as a white powder on the leaves. Improve airflow around the plant, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and treat severe cases with a fungicide.
Seasonal Care Tips
Spring and Summer
In the active growing season, focus on regular watering, feeding, and pruning. Your jade plant will benefit from ample sunlight and may appreciate being outdoors in partial shade during warm months.
Repot if the plant has outgrown its container, ideally in early spring. Use fresh soil mix to revitalize growth and prevent root bound conditions.
Fall and Winter
As jade plants enter dormancy, reduce watering to about once a month, and halt fertilization.
Avoid cold drafts and frost, especially if placing the plant near windows or doors. Ensure any temperature drop is gradual.
Troubleshooting Guide
Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering or lack of light. Adjust watering and relocate the plant to a brighter spot.
Wrinkled Leaves: These indicate underwatering. Water thoroughly and adjust your watering schedule.
Leggy Growth: Insufficient light can cause jade plants to stretch out. Move it closer to a sunny window or use a grow light.
Dropping Leaves: This can be caused by sudden temperature changes, low light, or overwatering. Keep your jade plant in a stable, bright environment.
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend getting a Jade plant. With their iconic appearance and minimal care needs, jade plants are a wonderful addition to any indoor space.
It is one of the plants that I have owned for many years and it is still thriving. Additionally, when you own many plants like I do, you appreciate the unfussy ones more.
Subscribe to my mailing list and also save the pin below on Pinterest to receive more awesome plant care guides.
