Although native to desert areas, Jade plant has become one of the most common and trendy houseplants across the globe. With its multi-stemmed spreading structure, this plant looks just like a grownup tree in miniature form.
About this plant
The jade plant is native to South Africa and it grows abundantly amongst other succulent plants. The plant is a very slow grower and has woody stems and oval-shaped thick leaves. Star-shaped clustered pink or white flowers are produced by the jade plant which has a soft sweet fragrance. Jade plant blooms when they are about 5 to 8 years old. But when kept indoors the plant will never bloom. The jade plant is long-lived when maintained in ideal condition. Most possibly your future generations might get the opportunity to gaze its beauty.
Tips for the caring of Jade Plant
Jade plants are very easy to grow and they don’t need regular nursing. However, they are very susceptible to diseases when over or under cared. Consequently, you must have to maintain certain routines to keep them alive. But still, you won’t be needing too much effort. Let’s see how to take care of a jade plant properly:
Water Requirements
Jade plant is a succulent which stores water in its leaves, stems, and roots. So it does not need frequent watering and a little negligence will not necessarily kill it. However, unlike other succulents, this plant is not altogether drought resistant. The plant may die due to lack of sufficient watering.
It thrives well in moist but not wet soil. If the plant sits in wet soil for a prolonged period then it will show different damaging symptoms. The jade plant will need more irrigation during spring and summer, which is its growing season. If your plant is in a clay pot then water the plant every 10 to 12 days. Contrariwise if you are using a plastic container then water the plant every 02 to 03 weeks. Water the plant thoroughly to soak the soil. The excess water must be drained out through the bottom holes. And don’t forget to empty the bottom saucer as stagnant water might damage the roots.
Water your plant when the soil is nearly dry but do not let the soil completely dry out. It is ideal to water the plant when at least one inch of the soil is dry. Just push your finger down into the soil to feel if it's moist. It is always wise to inspect the soil and the condition of the plant on regular basis to determine the need for water:
- Wrinkled, faded, brown spotted and dropping leaves: needs immediate deep irrigation.
- Flaccid leaves: receiving too much water and needs less irrigation.
- Yellow leaves: overwatering. Do not water until the soil dries out.
- Soft and mushy root: soil contains too much moisture. In such an instance, get rid of the rotting roots and repot the plant with new growing medium.
- Topsoil mold: sometimes overwatering forms a white or grey mold on the topsoil surface. In such a case, remove the mold and follow a controlled routine for watering.
- Falling branches: If the root rots due to overwatering then the branches start falling off. The solution is to water it less.
During its dormant season, i.e., fall and winter the jade plant rests and will require less moisture in the soil. Hence, during that period your job is to keep it dry as much as it is possible. But as this plant is not very drought resistant you must have to water it under the following conditions:
- If the leaves look little wrinkled, flaccid or develop brown spots.
- If the leaves start dropping abnormally.
The dormant stage is very critical for the jade plant so you can’t just soak the pot thoroughly when experiencing the above conditions. The best way to rehydrate the plant during this period is by watering it lightly or spraying water from a spray bottle.
To conclude, over and under watering exhibit almost the same symptoms. Therefore, you need to learn the behavior of your plant to keep it alive. It’s a dilemma and you have to suffer if you can’t figure it out! Huh! How to know then? Well, most commonly the lower leaves will feel a bit softer when the plant needs a drink. But remember, it’s not even a conclusive criterion!
Lighting Requirements
The jade plant can grow in different lighting conditions ranging from direct sunlight, bright and indirect light. It may also be kept under low light but the plant will start losing leaves and the stems will start to sag. To ensure better growth in indoors keep your jade plant in a bright place, preferably a south-facing window. You may also arrange artificial fluorescent lighting to maintain its health. But in outdoors try to keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid sunburn. Remember, this plant will start dropping old leaves in extreme hot condition.
Potting & Soil Preparation
As the jade plant falls under the succulent category, it won’t grow well in heavier soil. Light and well-draining potting mix is best for jade plants. You can make your own succulent mix with the help of easily collectable mediums:
- Coarse sand – 1 Part
- White sand – 1 Part
- Garden soil – 1 Part
- Crushed stones – 1 Part
The choice of pot is also important. It must contain adequate holes underneath to drain out the excess water. Pot size isn’t a matter as jade plants are comfortable growing root-bound. In fact, a smaller pot will keep the plant in miniature shape allowing easy maintenance. But try to choose a low depth wide and heavy pot as these plants often becomes heavy and fall over with pot. You can choose either clay or plastic pot. The pot’s material will just determine the frequency of irrigation which we have discussed in the “Water Requirements” section. But personally, I like plastic pots for succulents or cacti. Clay pots soak water from the soil and thus retain lots of moisture. Consequently, the soil might remain damp for a long time, a condition which could rot the plant’s root. Clay pots actually work well in outdoors. On the other hand, plastic pots with good drainage system are much safer because they do not absorb water and the soil dries up easily, however in a low humid atmosphere. They are good for either indoor or outdoor use.
Cold Tolerance
The Jade plant is not very frost hardy. The plant can live outdoors in winter when the temperature is between 45 to 55° Fahrenheit. It must be shifted indoors if the temperature drops below 50° Fahrenheit. The plant will get flaccid if it is exposed to frost or cold weather for a long time.
Propagation
Jade plants are relatively easy to propagate as you can use a single leaf or stem cuttings. To start the propagation process first take a leaf or stem cutting and store it in a warm place for 3-5 days to dry out the cut ends. This would prevent rot and encourage root development. Now cover the cut end in well-drained gritty moist soil. Place the pot in warm place under bright and indirect light. Spray the soil with water moderately when the soil seems dry. After one or two weeks gently pull the leaf or stem cutting to inspect whether root is developing or not. Repeat this procedure until the rooting takes place. After full development of roots water the plant thoroughly. And let the soil dry out completely between watering again. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight until it is well established.
Toxicity
Jade plant is slightly toxic for human beings. You might have vomiting or diarrhea upon ingestion of any parts of the jade plant. But this plant is very poisonous form pets including cats and dogs. So, always keep this plat away from the reach of children and domestic animals.
Quick Facts
- Common Names: Jade Plant, Lucky Plant, Money Plant, Money Tree
- Category: Succulent
- Scientific Name: Crassula ovata
- Synonyms: NA
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Genus: Crassula
- Origin: South Africa
- Habitat: Dry, rocky hillsides
- Life Span: Perennial
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Growing Season: spring, summer
- Leaf Color: Green
- Blooming Time: Varies, usually late autumn and winter
- Flower Color: White, pink
- Fruits: NA
- Dormant Time: Fall and winter
- Height: 3 ft - 5 ft
- Width: 2 ft - 3 ft
- Exposure: Full sunlight
- Maintenance: Low
- Drought Resistant: Yes, moderately
- Water Needs: Low
- Frost Tolerant: No
- Toxicity: Yes, slightly
- Humidity: Low (30 to 50%)
- Temperature: 65 to 70 degrees
- Propagation: Stem and leaf cutting
- Planting Time: Spring, summer
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