How to Plant and Care for Jade Plant: A Complete Guide for 2024

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The jade plant, a popular perennial succulent widely used as an indoor ornamental plant because it’s low maintenance. It is also known as the Friendship Tree and Money Tree. It features fleshy, branched stems that can reach up to 30-45 cm in height. These stems are adorned with oval-shaped, dark green, juicy leaves. Additionally, it’s important to note that the jade plant is toxic to pets, causing symptoms such as vomiting and lethargy if ingested.

Feeling worn out from doubting your plant care choices? Worried you might not be not able to give your jade plant the care it needs to thrive?

You are overthinking and this article will prove it. The jade plant is low maintenance and this comprehensive guide will tell you every small detail about the jade plant care and growing.

Botanical Name	Crassula ovata
Family	Crassulaceae
Plant Type	Succulent
Mature Size	3-6 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide
Sun Exposure	Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, sandy soil
Soil pH	Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)
Bloom Time	Winter
Flower Color	White, pink
Hardiness Zones	10-11 (USDA)
Native Area	South Africa

Different Types of Jade Plant

Here a quick look on the different types of Jade Plant each with unique appearance.

Name	Grown Indoors?	Unique Features
Jade Plant	✓	Thick, fleshy, dark green leaves
Silver Jade	✓	Silvery-green leaves with red edges
Hobbit Jade	✓	Tubular, elongated leaves
Gollum Jade	✓	Tubular, curled leaves resembling fingers
Variegated Jade	✓	Green leaves with creamy white edges

How to Choose the Right Jade Plant

When selecting the Jade Plant from nursery you have to look for:

Look for	Comments
Lively color	Look for colors like vibrant green; avoid pale or yellow leaves.
Sturdy leaves	Choose plants with firm, plump leaves that are not wilted or drooping.
No damage	Ensure leaves and stems have no cuts, bruises, or insect infestations.
No disease	Check for any signs of disease, such as mold, rot, or unusual spots on the leaves.
Size	Consider the size of the plant in relation to where you plan to place it.
Shape	Look for a well-proportioned plant with balanced growth. Avoid plants that are lopsided or have uneven growth patterns.
Environment	Consider the environment in which you’ll be keeping the plant. Ensure it matches the plant’s light and temperature preferences.

Choosing the Right Pot and Soil

Best pot for Jade Plant:

Terracotta pots are the best choice for Jade Plant, and you can also opt for the grow bags, look at the table below to know why!

Pot	Specification	Recommended Dimensions (Width x Height)	Comments
Terracotta	Porous, breathable material	Width: 6-8 inches Height: 6-8 inches	Most Ideal: Suitable for various Jade Plant sizes. Ideal for Jade Plant as it prevents overwatering and root rot.
Plastic	Non-porous, lightweight, retains moisture longer	Same	Less Ideal: Plastic pots are lightweight and convenient but may not provide as much breathability for the roots as terracotta.
Ceramic	Durable, retains moisture	Same	Less Ideal: Ceramic pots are durable and retain moisture well, but they may not provide as much aeration for the roots as terracotta.
Concrete	Heavy, stable	Same	Less Ideal: Concrete pots are stable but may not provide as much aeration as terracotta.
Grow bag	Breathable, promotes root health	Same	Ideal: Grow bags are excellent for promoting root health due to their breathable nature.

Best soil for Jade Plant:

Best soil for Jade Plant depends on your specific needs. Select the appropriate soil mix for your need.

Soil	Best Mix	Comments
Propagation	50% potting soil 25% Perline 25% Coarse Sand Mix	Check out how to make your own mix here or buy a readymade Seed Starting Mix.
Potting Mix for Indoors	50% potting soil, 50% perlite or coarse sand	Buy a readymade Cactus/Succulent Potting Mix.
Potting Mix for Outdoors	40% potting soil, 40% perlite, 20% coarse sand or gravel	Buy a readymade Cactus/Succulent Potting Mix for outdoor use.

How to Grow Jade Plant Indoors

You can start growing your jade plant indoors by obtaining the plant from a nursery or propagating it using various methods. After planting, you must follow its specific care requirements.

How to Grow Jade Plant Outdoors

For outdoor growth, place your jade plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil. You can easily propagate the jade plant outdoors using the stem cutting method.

How to propagate Jade Plant: Step-by-Step Propagation

There are different propagating methods for jade plants, ranging from easy to hard. Refer to the table below to learn about each method and determine which one works best for you.

Propagation Method:	Recommended	Difficulty	Comments
Stem Cutting	✔	Easy	Simply cut a healthy stem and let it callus before planting.
Leaf Cutting	✔	Easy	It takes longer to root compared to stem cuttings. Remove a healthy leaf and let it callus before planting.
Seed	✘	Hard	Method is time consuming, germination and growth are slow.
Bulb	✘	Not Applicable	Jade Plants do not produce bulbs.
Division	✘	Not Applicable	Jade Plants do not produce pups or clusters for division.
Layering	✘	Not Applicable	Layering technique is not used
Grafting	✘	Hard	Complex and low success rate.

Preparation for propagating the Jade Plant:

Topic	Items	Comments
Safety	Gloves & Scissors
Source	seeds / leaf cutting / stem cutting	Get your selected source item for propagation.
Soil	Propagation Mix	Use or make the appropriate propagation mix for best results.
Pot	Terracotta Pot
Others	Repotting Mat	A good repotting mat constraints the mess created during the procedure.

Propagating Jade Plant from Stem Cutting:

Cutting: Take a healthy stem from your Jade plant.
Preparation: Remove a few leaves from the bottom of the stem.
Drying: Let the cut end of the stem dry for a day or two.
Planting: Plant the dried end of the stem in moist soil.
Placement: Put the planted stem in a warm, sunny area.
Care: Water the stem regularly to keep the soil moist.
Growth: Over time, new roots will start to grow from the stem.

Propagating Jade Plant from Leaf Cutting:

Cutting: Snip a healthy leaf from your Jade plant.
Drying: Allow the cut end of the leaf to dry for a day.
Placement: Place the dried leaf on top of moist soil.
Environment: Keep the leaf in a warm, well-lit spot.
Rooting: After a while, small roots will begin to sprout from the leaf.
Growth: Once roots are established, a new plant will grow from the leaf.

How to Care For Jade Plant

Here is the brief information on lighting, watering and all basic care needs of your jade plant:

Needs	Ideal State	Avoid	Frequency (if applicable)	Recommendations
Light	Bright indirect sunlight	Too much direct sunlight	N/A	Place near a south-facing window.
Air Circulation	Keep in a well distanced space	Stagnant air	N/A	Ensure the plant is in a well-ventilated area, especially indoors.
Watering	Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings	Overwatering	Every 2-3 weeks	Water less frequently in winter.
Fertilizer	Use diluted fertilizer	Excessive fertilization	Monthly	Fertilize during the growing season
Temperature	Warm temperatures (65-75°F or 18-24°C)	Extreme heat above 90°F (32°C) or frost 50°F (10°C)	N/A	Keep the plant in a stable environment.
Humidity	Average room humidity	Excessively dry or humid conditions	N/A	Mist occasionally or place the pot on a tray of pebbles and water to increase humidity
Pruning	Remove dead or leggy growth	Over-pruning	As needed
Repotting	Repot every 2-3 years as needed	Frequent repotting		Repot in spring or early summer.
Pest Control	Inspect regularly and use natural pest control methods	Using harsh chemicals		Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.

How to Prune Jade Plant

Prepare your tools for pruning. Use clean, sharp scissors and make cuts just above a leaf node. Trim off any leggy or overgrown stems to shape the plant. Remove any dead or damaged leaves.

How to Repot Jade Plant

Signs that indicate the need for repotting:

It’s time to repot your Jade Plant if:

Roots are growing out of the drainage holes.
The plant looks top-heavy or unbalanced.
The soil dries out too quickly.

Choosing a New Pot and Soil for Jade Plant:

Pick a pot with good drainage.
Use well-draining, sandy soil, like cactus mix.

Steps for repotting Jade plant:

Unpotting:
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot. Shake off excess soil from the roots.
Planting:
- Place it in the new pot with fresh soil.
Watering & Lighting:
- Water lightly and place in bright, indirect sunlight.

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are all the problems your Hens and Chicks plant can face, with solution, so you don’t need to go anywhere esle for the solutions.

Why is my jade plant turning yellow?

Root Cause: Overwatering not only cause the yellowing of leaves but also cause problems like root rot, Mold or mildew on the soil surface , leaves dropping off easily and plants becoming soft and wilting.

Solution: To prevent this, know how often to water jade plants.

Why is my jade plant drying?

Root Cause: The problems like leaves drying, leaves curling or browning at edges, and slow growth are caused by underwatering.

Solution: Read jade plant water requirements.

Why does my jade plant have brown spots?

This is caused by both overwatering and underwatering, overwatering leads to root rot and fungal infections and underwatering can cause leaves to develop brown spots and edges.

Why is my jade plant leggy

Root Cause: The plant becomes stretched out with long, thin stems.

Solution: Ensure the plant gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight and proper jade plant light requirements. Prune back leggy growth to encourage a more compact shape.

Why is my jade plant dropping leaves?

Root Cause: Leaves falling off can be due to stress or sudden changes.

Solution: Keep the plant in a stable environment with consistent light and temperature.

Pest Infestation in Jade Plant

Root Cause: Mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids can attack jade plants.

Solution: Wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap. Regularly inspect the plant and remove any pests.

Conclusion

Jade plant is a hardy succulent that happily lives with minimal care and maintenance. Its beautiful, shiny and oval leaves add unique visuals to your indoor or outdoor garden. You will be greatly rewarded when you follow the caring instructions from this article.

By choosing the right type, using proper soil and pots, knowing how to get rid of bugs on jade plant, and following basic care tips, your jade plant can flourish both indoors and outdoors. You just have to be aware of its toxicity to pets.

With the tips in this guide, your jade plant will stay healthy and vibrant, bringing a touch of green beauty to your home. You also don’t need to stick with this succulent only when you have more succulents to grow and care for, like Aloe vera with medicinal benefits, as well as Burro’s tail plant, Christmas cactus, and hens-and-chicks. Happy gardening!

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