Jade plant care only takes only a little TLC for a beautiful houseplant that will last for years to come. Learn all about the care and maintenance of jade plants.
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A favorite houseplant often used as a bonsai, jade has been a must-have plant for decades. Under the right conditions, this emerald green succulent can be expected to live up to 50, even 100 years!
To keep your jade plant in the running for the longest living, you need to know how to take care of it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about how to care for a jade plant indoors.
The baby jade plant, also known as the Crassula ovata, is a beautiful succulent that is famous for its jade-colored, plump leaves. This South African native is not only gorgeous but also extremely easy to care for, making it an ideal houseplant, especially for beginners.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and tricks to help you care for your baby jade plant and ensure its healthy growth.
Choosing the Right Baby Jade Plant
When purchasing a baby jade plant look for one with vibrant plump leaves without any spots or discoloration. Avoid plants with yellowing or wrinkled leaves. Select a plant size that fits your space – they come in a wide variety from just 2-3 inches to over 2 feet tall. Their stems should be firm and roots well established.
Baby jades are happy being root bound so don’t worry if the roots are spilling out of the nursery pot, But do ensure the plant is not pot bound or with circled roots as that can hinder growth
Sunlight Needs
Baby jade plants thrive in bright light and are happy in south facing windows where they can soak up 4-6 hours of sunlight daily While they tolerate low light, their growth will be slower and leggy
Direct hot sunlight can scorch their leaves so be sure to provide some shade from afternoon sun in summer. You can tell if your plant is getting too much light if the leaves turn yellowish-white.
An east or west facing window is ideal for baby jades. Rotate the plant occasionally so all sides get sunlight exposure.
Watering Requirements
Baby jade plants are drought tolerant and actually prefer less frequent watering. Water only when the top inch of soil is completely dry. The frequency will vary based on factors like temperature, light levels, humidity etc. but on average, watering every 2-3 weeks is sufficient.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and use a well draining potting mix, not soil. After watering, let the excess drain out so the roots don’t sit in water.
Signs of underwatering include wrinkled, shriveled leaves. Overwatering can lead to dropped leaves, root rot and pest infestations. Adjust watering based on the season and your plant’s needs.
Ideal Temperature
Baby jades enjoy average room temperatures between 65-75°F/18-24°C. They can tolerate temps from 50-90°F/10-32°C but prolonged exposure to temperature extremes can cause leaf scorching or drop.
Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents. In summer, move to a cooler spot to prevent heat stress. In winter, ensure temps don’t dip below 50°F/10°C.
Humidity Preferences
These succulents prefer average humidity between 40-60%. Just like for other houseplants, place them on pebble trays or mist occasionally to increase moisture when indoor air is very dry.
Ensure the soil drains well and do not overwater as excess moisture can lead to fungal issues. Maintain good air circulation around the plants.
Soil Needs
Baby jade plants need a fast draining potting mix, not dense soil that holds moisture. The ideal mix contains equal parts:
- Potting soil or compost for nutrients
- Coarse sand or perlite for drainage
- Peat or moss to retain some moisture
You can also use a ready cactus/succulent soil mix. Re-pot every 2-3 years or when the roots fill the container. Add fresh mix each time as the old soil loses nutrients.
Fertilizer Requirements
During spring and summer, feed baby jades monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce application to once every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter when growth slows.
Over fertilization can burn the tip of the leaves. If this happens, hold off feeding for some time and leach out excess salts by watering thoroughly.
Pruning and Shaping
Prune baby jade plants in spring to control leggy growth and shape them. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut back overlong stems to just above a leaf node.
You can also pinch off individual leaves by gently twisting them off – this encourages bushier growth. Just be careful of the white milky sap that can irritate skin.
Common Problems
Dropped leaves – This is usually caused by overwatering, low humidity or cold drafts. Adjust watering schedule and move to a warmer spot.
Wrinkled leaves – Sign of underwatering. Water more frequently.
Root rot – Caused by overwatering or heavy dense soil. Repot in fresh mix and hold off watering.
Leggy growth – Insufficient sunlight. Rotate plant or move to brighter location.
Pale leaves – Can indicate too much sun or lack of nutrients. Adjust sunlight exposure and fertilize regularly.
Pests – Mealybugs, mites and scale insects may sometimes attack. Wipe away with cotton swab dipped in alcohol or use neem oil spray.
Tips for Healthy Growth
- Water deeply only when soil is completely dry.
- Provide bright, indirect light for 4-6 hours daily.
- Use fast draining cactus/succulent soil mix.
- Fertilize monthly in spring and summer.
- Prune to control shape and size.
- Monitor for pests like mealybugs.
- Repot every 2-3 years in fresh soil.
- Keep away from drafts and heating vents.
Propagating Baby Jade Plants
Propagating these succulents is quite easy with stem and leaf cuttings. Just follow these simple steps:
- Cut a 3-4 inch stem or leaf from a healthy mother plant. Choose those with no spots or blemishes.
- Allow the cutting to dry out for a couple of days. This helps prevent rotting.
- Dip the end in rooting hormone powder to spur root growth (optional).
- Plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining potting mix.
- Water sparingly keeping the soil just barely moist.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- In about 2-6 weeks, new roots and growth will emerge.
Once the cutting is established, care for it like a mature plant. Take several cuttings to ensure success since some may not root properly.
Displaying Your Baby Jade Plant
The fleshy oval leaves and branching stems of baby jade plants make them perfect for decorating shelves, tabletops, or windowsills. Here are some tips:
- Show off their form by placing in hanging baskets or elevated pots/stands.
- Group 3-5 plants together in wide, shallow bowls for a lush look.
- Mix them with other succulents like echeveria, haworthia and sedum.
- Add pebbles or decorative rocks as top dressing.
- The plants look great with their glossy green leaves left au naturel.
Is Baby Jade Plant Toxic?
Yes, baby jade plants are toxic to humans, dogs, cats and horses if ingested. The poisonous compounds are called bufadienolides which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even abnormal heart rates.
Keep plants away from pets and children. Seek medical help if ingestion is suspected. It’s best to opt for non-toxic alternatives if you have kids or pets at home.
Common Questions
How much should I water my baby jade plant?
Water deeply only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. This is usually every 2-3 weeks but adjust as needed.
What potting mix is ideal for baby jade plants?
A fast-draining cactus/succulent mix or a homemade blend of equal parts potting soil, coarse sand and peat moss.
How much sunlight does my baby jade plant need?
Baby jades need 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily for best growth. An east or west window is optimal.
Should I mist my baby jade plant?
Misting is not needed for these succulents. Just water properly and occasionally place on a pebble tray to increase humidity if air is very dry.
What is the ideal temperature range for baby jade plants?
They thrive in average room temps between 65-75°F/18-24°C. Temperatures between 50-90°F/10-32°C are tolerable.
How do I propagate baby jade plants?
Take 3-4 inch stem or leaf cuttings. Allow to dry 2-3 days and plant in well-draining soil. Keep moist but not wet. New growth will emerge in a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
With their glossy green leaves and easy care needs, baby jade plants are the perfect indoor plant for novice gardeners. Provide these succulents with
Watering a Jade Plant
Be careful when watering. Succulents are easily overwatered, and it can be the death of them. Because succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, they do not require as much irrigation as other houseplants. Keeping the soil too wet can lead to root rot.
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That said, too little water can result in dwarfed plants, leaf spotting and drop, and even death of the entire plant. If your jade plant is losing leaves or has leaf spots, this is most commonly caused by too little water.
During their growing period from early spring to late autumn, water jades so the soil is moderately moist but not soaking wet. When the plant is out of the growing phase, reduce the amount and frequency of water given.
Don’t water your jade plant on a schedule. Instead, allow the top inch (2.5 cm) or so of the soil to dry out before watering again. Do not allow a jade plant to sit in a saucer of water.