How to Grow and Care for Jade Plant

Plant Care

Jade plants are famously low-maintenance. They prefer bright light, well-draining soil and little water, making them good for busy plant owners. With the right care, jade plants can live for decades, even developing thick, woody stems that resemble miniature trees.

Light

Jade plants want plenty of bright light to keep their growth compact and vibrant. Provide them with a spot with at least 4-6 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight per day.  If kept outdoors, they can tolerate full sun but should be gradually acclimated to prevent sunburn.

Soil

Good drainage is key to avoid root rot. They do best in a sandy or gritty succulent mix, but a regular potting mix with some organic material and either perlite or sand will also be effective. Stay away from heavy, moisture-retaining soils that tend to hold excess moisture around the roots.

Watering

Being a succulent, Jade plants retain water in their fleshy leaves, so they require very little watering. Do not water until the soil dries out entirely. During warm weather, water every 2-3 weeks; in winter, keep water to just once a month or less. The most common reason for Jade plant problems is over watering.

Pruning

Pruning helps keep the Jade plant shaped and encourages bushier growth. If the plant gets leggy or top-heavy, cutting back long stems encourages new branches.

• Use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a leaf node.
• Be sure not to take off too much of the plant in one shot - no more than one-third—because that will stress it out.
• Regularly remove dead or shriveled leaves to keep the plant looking healthy.
• Pinching off new tips encourages branching, giving the plant a fuller appearance.

Propagating

The Jade plant is super simple to propagate, so considering gifting them to friends or expanding your collection.

• Stem Cuttings: Snip a 3-4 inch piece off a healthy stem, allow it to dry out for a few days to form a callous, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Water lightly until roots have formed.
• Leaf Propagation: Trim one healthy leaf, let it dry for a few days, then lay in moist soil. In a few weeks, tiny roots and seedlings will begin to develop.

The best time to propagate is spring and summer when the plant is in its growing stage.

Growing in Pots

Jade plants are in fact container plants, so they do very well indoors. You should always go for pots with drainage holes to help avoid excess moisture accumulation.

• Use one a little bigger than the plant’s root ball — if it’s too big, the soil might hold too much water.
• Clay or terracotta pots are ideal, as these wick away excess moisture.
• Repot every three years to bring fresh soil and stimulate growth, but avoid overpotting, as Jade plants like to be a little snug in their containers.

Overwintering

Jade plants are not frost hardy and need to be moved indoors when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). If grown outdoors in warm climates, they can live outdoors year-round. For indoor plants during winter:

• Water just enough to keep from wilting, as it starts to go dormant.
• Put in a bright place, as light levels drop in winter.
• Do not place by cold drafts and heat vents, which cause stress.

Blooming

hile Jade plants can flower with delicate white or pink blossoms, they rarely bloom indoors. To encourage flowering:

• Give it bright, indirect light for long periods of time.
• Reduce watering in winter to mimic natural dry seasons.
• Keep temperatures slightly cooler (around 55°F/13°C at night).

Blooming is more common in mature plants (several years old) and those grown in outdoor conditions.

Common Issues

Jade plants are pretty hardy, but they do have a few issues:

Overwatering & Root Rot → Make sure to have well-draining soil, water only when soil is dry.

Leaf Drop → Due to unexpected temperature fluctuation or excess moisture. Only water again when soil is dry.

Wrinkled Leaves → Symptoms of underwatering; water deeply once the soil has dried out.

Pests (Mealybugs, Spider Mites) → Wipe leaves using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, of spray with insecticidal soap.

Summary

With its lovely look, low maintenance and representation, Jade plant is great space plant for home and office. Whether you seek a low-maintenance houseplant or a decades-long succulent that will be passed down through the generations, the Jade plant will not disappoint. Well taken care of, this resilient plant will continue thriving and adding greenery to your life for years to come.