Jade plants were absolutely everywhere in the 1970s — they were the quintessential houseplant growing in hanging macramé planters. Now macramé is hot again and, thankfully, jade plants really never went away. Thats because they are some of the easiest houseplants to grow, and who doesnt love easy?
Soil is the foundation of healthy plant growth, and choosing the right type is especially important for succulents like the baby jade plant. With the wrong soil, you run the risk of issues like rot, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, and more. In this guide, we’ll explore the ideal soil conditions for baby jade plants and how to pick the perfect potting mix.
Soil Requirements for Baby Jade Plants
Baby jade plants need a loose, sandy soil mix that mimics the free-draining desert conditions they originally evolved in Here are the key requirements to look for
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Exceptional drainage The soil must not hold moisture for prolonged periods, as wet feet will cause rot in jade plants. Look for mixes described as porous, gritty, sandy, or well-draining.
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Acidity level: Baby jades thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Avoid alkaline mixes.
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Low fertility These succulents prefer poor, mineral-based soils. Avoid nutrient-rich potting mixes designed for vegetables or flowers.
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Lightweight: The soil should have a loose, fluffy texture that provides plenty of air circulation to the roots. Heavy clay soils will suffocate jade plant roots.
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Organic-matter free: Standard garden soil or mixes with high peat moss content tend to retain too much moisture. Inorganic blends work better.
Best Soil Components for Jade Plants
The ideal potting mix for baby jade plants contains a blend of the following inorganic materials:
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Coarse sand or perlite for drainage
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Pumice, lava rock, or gravel to add weight and mimic native mineral soils
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Horticultural charcoal to regulate moisture and prevent soil compaction
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Clay pellets like LECA to improve aeration and create air pockets
Avoid standard potting soil, compost, peat moss, or coconut coir as these will hold excess moisture. Aim for a mix that’s 60-80% inorganic gritty material amended with 20-40% organic potting soil or compost.
Choosing a Commercial Cactus/Succulent Mix
If mixing your own blend seems daunting, choosing a ready-made commercial cactus and succulent potting soil is an easy option. Look for these key traits:
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Described as quick-draining, gritty, porous, sandy, etc.
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Contains inorganic amendments like perlite, pumice, gravel, vermiculite.
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Does not have substantial peat moss or coir as main ingredients.
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Specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
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Avoid regular multipurpose potting mixes.
Some top-rated commercial soils for baby jade plants include:
- Espoma Organic Cactus Mix
- Superfly Bonsai Succulent and Cactus Soil
- Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix
- Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil
Always check the label to ensure the mix meets your plant’s drainage needs before purchasing.
Soil Maintenance Tips
Proper maintenance is also key to ensuring your baby jade has the ideal soil environment:
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Amend dense potting mixes by adding perlite, pumice, or horticultural sand.
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Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings.
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An underpot that sits inside a decorative container can prevent soggy soil.
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Repotting in fresh soil annually in the spring prevents compaction.
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Top dress with horticultural grit like crushed granite to retain moisture.
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Test drainage by watering the soil and ensuring no standing water remains after 15-30 minutes.
Choosing the perfect soil provides a foundation on which your baby jade plant can thrive for years to come. Prioritize drainage, porosity, and minimal organics for happiest results!
Frequently Asked Questions about Baby Jade Soil
Can I use regular potting soil or compost for my baby jade plant?
It’s best to avoid standard potting soil and compost as these retain too much moisture for succulents like the baby jade. Amend them heavily with perlite or gritty material to improve drainage if using.
How often should I repot my baby jade plant to refresh the soil?
Repotting every 2-3 years in the spring is best. This prevents the soil from becoming compacted over time. Use fresh cactus/succulent soil each time.
Are there any cheap alternatives I can use instead of perlite or pumice?
Sand, small gravel, crushed granite, and horticultural charcoal can provide a free-draining effect at low cost. Avoid products that will break down and compact over time.
My baby jade is showing signs of root rot. How can I fix its soil?
Repot immediately into dry, improved soil. Amend regular potting mix with at least 50% perlite or gritty inorganic material to create the fast drainage jades need.
Is it okay if my baby jade soil mix has some peat moss or coir?
Small amounts are fine, just avoid potting soils where these moisture-retentive ingredients dominate. Cactus/succulent mixes generally have minimal organic matter.
The right soil provides essential drainage and aeration for baby jade plant roots to stay healthy. Follow these tips in choosing or amending an inorganic, fast-draining potting mix. Monitor your plant and adjust the soil as needed to prevent issues like rot going forward.
How to Water Jade Plants
Jade plants are succulents (they hold water in their leaves), so they dont do well when sitting in constantly moist soil, so let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. Indoors, this will probably mean watering once every 2 to 3 weeks—but be sure to check regularly! A good tip to keep in mind: If you see blisters forming on the leaves, the plants are getting too much water, so ease up on the frequency and amount.
If youve moved your jade plants outside for the summer, bring them under the porch or into the garage if it is supposed to rain steadily for more than a couple of days in a row so they dont stay waterlogged. During the winter, jade plants will grow more slowly and may not need to be watered as often.
Where to Grow Jade Plants
Assuming youre growing jade plants as houseplants, youll want to find the brightest spot in the house. They can even handle some direct sunlight streaming in through the window, something many houseplants cant handle without getting sunburnt. Jade plants can survive if you grow them where they get only a little bit of bright light, but they wont flourish. Also, like most other tropical plants, jade plants hate the cold, so keep them away from drafty windows and doors.
Want to enjoy your jade plant outdoors during the summer? Once nighttime temperatures are at least 65 degrees F, move the container outside to a protected spot. Let the plant get used to being outside for a few days before moving it to an area with more sun, since sunlight is more intense outdoors. Ideally, youll want to place your jade plant where it will get plenty of morning sun but be protected from stronger afternoon rays. Move plants back inside when nighttime temperatures begin to drop again in the fall.