Find out how to water these easy-to-grow, pretty succulents and the best places to put them.
Long-lived jade plants are easy to care for.
This low-maintenance plant starts to look like a miniature tree, with lustrous green leaves, as it ages.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Learn how to water them properly and keep them healthy.
Jade plants should be kept out of the reach of pets since they can be toxic to animals.
These plants usually do not flower indoors.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
But outdoors, in the right conditions, they have tiny white, pinkish star-shaped flowers.
The fragrant blooms attract pollinators.
Feel free to take your jade plant outside during the summer.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
The added sunlight and warmer temperatures will likely pay off with a growth spurt.
Try a south-facing window, where your jade plant will get plenty of direct sunlight.
Soil and Water
Jade plants prefer well-drained, gritty soil; saturated soil will cause root rot.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
In containers, it’s best to use apotting mix designed for succulents.
This will help bring the pH to around 6.5, which jade plants prefer.
Keep the soil moderately moist while the plant is actively growing from about mid-March to mid-October.
If you overwater jade plants, you might see brown or white spots on the leaves.
Let the plant sit for about 15 minutes and then drain any water remaining in the saucer.
Fertilizer
Jade plants don’t need much fertilizer.
Apply an all-purpose organic fertilizer in early to mid-spring.
During the growing season, give jade plants an occasional low dose of fertilizer to keep it green.
Pruning
How much or how little youprune your jadeis up to you.
you’ve got the option to prune itlike a bonsaior let it grow however it likes.
Sometimes, however, jade plants can become top-heavy, in which case they’ll benefit from a trim.
If you do prune, do so in the spring.
Any cuts you make will heal, and youll see new growth in the coming weeks.
As the plant ages, it will likely only need to be repotted every four or five years.
As your plant grows, it will become increasingly important to choose wide, heavy-bottomed pots to accommodate it.
Jade plants tend to grow top-heavy and can easily tip in lighter pots.
Wait a week and then water your jade plant lightly.
Mealybugs, in particular, are a common problem for jade plants.
These insects look like small, fuzzy white spots.
Place it in a well-lit spot and mist it occasionally.
Soon, you’ll see roots and baby plants begin to form.
you could follow the same process with a 3-inch cutting if you prefer to propagate that way.
It is also sold asCrassula argenteaandCrassula portulacea.
Silver Jade
Crassula atropurpurea arborescenshas flattened silvery blue leaves with a red margin.
It can grow to 6 feet tall and needs the same throw in of care as common jade plant.
Variegated Jade
Crassula ovata’Variegata' grows just like common jade, but has creamy white variegated leaves.
Look for succulents that will also thrive in well-drained, gritty soil and full sun.
Coppertone Sedum
Coppertone sedum, orS.
It makes an elegant and unexpected addition to rock and succulent gardens as well as container plantings.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your plant has shriveled leaves, it needs more water.
If it’s losing leaves, it probably needs more light.
Jade plants have amazing longevity and can live for 50 to 100 years when cared for properly.
For this reason, jade plants are frequently passed down from generation to generation as valuable heirlooms.
“American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
University of California Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants.
University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Jade Plant, Crassula ovata.University of Wisconsin-Madison Horticulture, Division of Extension.
Jade Plant, A No Fuss Houseplant.The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences Extension.
Jade Plants.University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources: Home and Garden Education Center.
University of Connecticut College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources: Home and Garden Education Center.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Home.New York Botanical Garden LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides.
