Jade plant

Allowing the soil of a Jade plant to completely dry out between waterings will give great results. Don’t be tempted to give too much water, as this can result in over watering and root rot. Water the plant thoroughly but wait until the top of the soil is bone dry before giving the next generous watering. If the plant is sitting in an area that is too humid, such as near a heater or too close to other plants in an enclosed area, you may need to cut down on the watering frequency. Similarly, if it is kept in a cold, drafty location, reduce the amount of water given to prevent water from freezing.

For best growth and form, the Jade plant needs about 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. When kept indoors, it should be placed in a well-lit area near a large window with plenty of sunlight. If there’s not enough sunlight and the plants become leggy, try using a grow light to help supplement the required light. In cold winter months, move plants away from drafty windows or provide additional protection, as temperatures below 55F/13C can cause damage.

Jade shrubs grow best in average temperatures between 65F-75F/18C-24C, ideally with temperatures not dropping much below 55F/15C. In summer, the plant can go as high as 80F/27C with some humidity. In winter, it is best to keep the plant above 55F/13C but can go as low as 40F/4C if kept completely dry.

Jade plants don’t mind some lower humidity, but too much can cause the leaves to become discolored or develop spots. However, if the humidity is extremely dry, simply mist the plant every week or so. But be careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can do more harm to the plant than good.

When taking care of your Jade plant, proper soil mix is key. It needs a well-draining, porous soil to properly absorb and drain water. A store-bought succulent and cactus soil mix is great for the Jade plant. If all else fails, you can always make your own mix using a light amount of course builder’s sand, Perlite, sphagnum, peat moss, and vermiculite.

Fertilization of a Jade plant should be done lightly and only during the growing season. Use a fertilizer formulated for succulents with an N-P-K ratio of about 3-2-2 mixed at ¼ teaspoon per gallon of distilled water. Apply fertilizer for about a month, then reduce frequency to once every 6-8 weeks. It is best to dilute the fertilizer and recommend not to pour fertilizer directly at the base of the plant, as this can cause damage to the roots.

Common pests encountered in Jade plants are mealy bugs, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies. Mealy bugs are small, white, cottony bugs that can suck the plant's sap and can sometimes cause leaf drop as well. Spider mites can cause yellow spots on the leaves and look like webs. Aphids cause leaves to curl and can spread plant viruses. Scale insects cause leaves to yellow and stick together. Whiteflies are small, white-winged insects that can feed and damage the plant. To prevent and eradicate pests, a mix of insecticidal soap and horticultural oil is considered the safest and most effective choice for treating a Jade plant.

The Jade plant is slow-growing and doesn’t need to be repotted very often. Most likely, it will only need to be repotted every couple of years or when it has outgrown its current pot. It is best to repot during the spring season when the plant is actively growing to reduce the risk of transplant shock. Make sure to use a well-draining potting soil mix and provide adequate light and water to the new pot before adding the plant.

The Jade plant can be manually pruned to shape it, remove fading leaves, and encourage new growth. Be sure to use sharp, clean scissors and try to prune right above a leaf node. This will help prevent the development of unhealthy growth. Generally, this should be done during the late winter and spring months, when the plant is actively growing.

Incorporating some mulch can help retain moisture as well as keep the soil temperature from fluctuating. Organic mulch, like pine needles, bark chips, or even shredded coconut husks, are great choices. This should be incorporated in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.

Jade plants can be propagated by using either leaf or stem cuttings. When it comes to stem cuttings, the best time to propagate is during the plant’s active growth season. Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to cut the stem of the plant right below a node. You can either let the stem callous in a dry environment before planting, or you can immediately place it in a pot of sandy soil. When it comes to using leaves, simply twist the leaf off of the main stem of the plant and let it lie on top of the new soil. This species of succulent typically does better when propagating from stem cuttings.

Jade plants can get tall and wide, often requiring some kind stakes or supports for farther branches. If the plant begins to droop or flop, use bamboo stakes to assist any overly weighted parts and secure them gently with string or wire to help the plant keep its shape.

Jade plants do not need a resting period, but if kept in a cool, dark room, the leaves may start to drop off in winter. This is normal. If you want to encourage the plant to keep its leaves, moving it to a warm, well-lit area with regular water and light applications of fertilizer can help.

The Jade plant is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested, so it’s important to keep them away from your pet. Eating any part of the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation and can potentially lead to more serious problems. Eating larger quantities can cause depression, vomiting, and diarrhea.