Jade plant care: a timeless houseplant favorite—here’s how to care for it
The jade plant, with its thick, glossy leaves, is a sculptural succulent that thrives with minimal watering. We’ve compiled detailed instructions to help even beginner plant enthusiasts master the care of a jade plant.
Long-lived and resilient, the jade plant is a very common houseplant in Finland. Its popularity stems from its easy care, thick, glossy leaves, and beautiful growth habit. Though it grows slowly, an old jade plant can reach up to a meter in height and width.
In its native South Africa, the jade plant grows on dry savannas in sandy soil. In winter, it blooms with rose-colored, star-shaped flowers. As a houseplant, it seldom blooms, as it requires a cool and dry dormant period to flower.
Jade plant care and growing conditions
Jade plant soil and pot requirements
Plant the jade plant in a sandy soil mix meant for cacti, or add one-third sand to regular potting soil.
The jade plant thrives in a small pot. Plant it in a heavy clay pot. If you have trouble getting the plant to stand upright, place the pot inside a larger cachepot, and add stones at the bottom for extra weight.
Jade plant placement
Place your jade plant on the brightest possible window. In winter, when light is scarce, it may shed leaves. In summer, you can keep it outdoors in partial shade, such as under a canopy for rain protection.
Temperature
Normal room temperature. During the dormant period in winter, the temperature can be 10–15 degrees Celsius.
Watering the jade plant
The jade plant’s succulent leaves store water, so it requires very little watering. Overwatering can cause the plant to rot. Follow jade plant watering tips: from spring to autumn, water the jade plant thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry out before watering again. In winter, reduce watering significantly. If your jade plant is in a particularly warm spot, like near a radiator, water it a few times during the winter months.
Fertilizing the jade plant
From March to August, once a month, you can add a little fertilizer to the water you give to your jade plant. Do not fertilize during the winter months.
Repotting the jade plant
The slow-growing jade plant doesn't need to be repotted annually. Repot it into a slightly larger pot only when the current one becomes too tight.
Propagating the jade plant
You can propagate the jade plant from leaf or top cuttings. Allow the cut surface to dry, then plant the cut stem or leaf directly into moist soil.
