Having studied organic farming, I enjoy trying out new cultivation methods and other gardening experiments with friends in our community garden. I care deeply about exploring sustainable and mindful approaches to working with nature. This is my biggest passion, but I am also a real ornamental plant enthusiast! Favourite fruit: strawberry, mango, guava Favourite vegetables: artichoke, tomato, rocket
Jade plants represent good luck and fortune and make for wonderful gifts. Find out everything you need to know about repotting, flowering and diseases of the lucky plant.
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are popular succulent houseplants. Not only are they low-maintenance and robust, they are also said to bring good luck. Who wouldn’t want such a lucky plant at home or in their office? Read on to learn all about jade plants, from their origin to its toxicity and more.
Belonging to the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae), which includes over 300 species worldwide, jade plants are also known as lucky plants, money plants and money trees. However, the latter two names are also commonly used for a few unrelated plants such as the French peanut (Pachira aquatica). Jade plants symbolise happiness and prosperity and, presented as a gift for moving into a new home, wish wealth and joy in the new dwelling.
The baby jade plant, also known as the money tree or Crassula ovata, is a charming and easy-to-grow succulent. This South African native is a popular houseplant renowned for its thick, fleshy leaves that can store water for extended periods. In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy and function of the roots and stems of baby jade plants
An Overview of Baby Jade Plants
Baby jade plants belong to the Crassulaceae family and are native to South Africa and Mozambique. They are drought-tolerant plants that can survive long periods without water due to their ability to store moisture in their leaves, stems, and roots The leaves are rounded, smooth, and fleshy with a waxy texture. They grow in opposite pairs along the stems and range from 1 to 35 inches long. The stems are woody and succulent with a greenish-grey color. They can grow up to 3 feet tall but are often kept shorter through pruning. The roots are fibrous, shallow, and branched.
The Anatomy and Function of Baby Jade Roots
The roots of baby jade plants are fibrous, which means they are threadlike and spread out near the soil surface rather than growing deep like taproots. The fibrous roots are ideally suited for growing in small containers and shallow pots since they don’t require much depth.
These roots can branch out horizontally up to 12 inches from the base of the plant. Their key functions include:
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Absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. The branched, fibrous structure gives the roots more surface area to take up moisture and minerals.
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Anchoring the plant firmly in place. The network of shallow roots holds the plant steady, preventing it from toppling over.
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Allowing propagation from leaf cuttings. The horizontal roots readily emit adventitious roots when propagated.
Exploring the Anatomy and Purpose of Stems
The stems of baby jade plants are woody and succulent, with a characteristic greenish-grey color. They contain chlorophyll and can photosynthesize. The stems are upright when young but become decumbent or trailing as the plant matures.
These hardy stems can reach heights of around 3 feet. However, they are often kept much shorter through pruning to maintain a compact shape. Some key functions of the stems include:
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Supporting leaves and branches. The sturdy stems hold up the fleshy leaves and offshoots.
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Transporting water, minerals, and nutrients. The stem’s xylem and phloem tissues move moisture and food between the roots and leaves.
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Storing water for future use. The succulent stem tissue retains moisture to help the plant survive drought.
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Allowing propagation from stem cuttings. New baby jade plants can be grown from cut sections of the stem.
How Do the Roots and Stems Work Together?
The shallow, fibrous roots and succulent, woody stems of baby jade plants are perfectly adapted to their native arid climate. The extensive root network efficiently captures any available water in the soil. The moisture is then stored in the fleshy leaves and stems and utilized slowly when needed. This allows baby jade plants to thrive for long periods without water.
The stems also produce food through photosynthesis. This food is transported via the vascular tissue from the leaves and stems to the roots for storage. When water is scarce, the plant relies on the energy reserves in its roots. So the roots and stems work synergistically to ensure the plant’s survival.
Common Problems Affecting the Roots and Stems
Though generally robust, baby jade plants can encounter issues with their root and stem systems:
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Overwatering – Excess moisture leads to root and stem rot. Waterlogged soils lack oxygen.
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Underwatering – Too little water causes the stems and leaves to shrivel. The roots dehydrate without adequate moisture.
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Poor drainage – Standing water encourages fungal and bacterial diseases. Saturated soil suffocates the roots.
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Pests – Mealybugs, scale, and mites damage the roots and spread up the stem.
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Sunburn – Excess light scorches the tender stem tissue. Gradual exposure is essential when moving the plant outdoors.
Caring for the Roots and Stems
Here are some tips for maintaining healthy roots and stems on your baby jade plant:
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Use a porous, well-draining soil mix to prevent moisture accumulation. Add perlite or sand to regular potting soil.
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Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. The fleshy stems and leaves store water, so the soil can dry out between waterings.
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Ensure the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Elevate pots above drainage trays.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season for strong roots and stems.
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Inspect regularly for pests like mealybugs and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Quarantine new plants.
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Acclimate the plant gradually before moving it outside in summer to avoid sunscorch. Provide partial shade outdoors.
Propagating Baby Jade Plants from Stem and Leaf Cuttings
The hardy roots and stems allow for easy propagation of new baby jade plants from cuttings:
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Take a 3-4 inch stem or leaf cutting in spring or summer using clean, sharp shears.
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Remove the lower leaves and let the cutting dry out for 2-3 days. This prevents rotting.
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Plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining soil. Bury at least 2 leaf nodes.
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Keep the soil slightly moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots and new growth will emerge in a few weeks.
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Once rooted, transplant the new plant into a larger container with fresh potting mix. Gradually acclimate it to normal watering and light conditions.
Final Thoughts
Jade plants: origin and characteristics
Jade plants are native to South Africa, where they usually grow on sandy and rocky slopes, along with Euphorbia and Aloe species. Nowadays, they are appreciated all over the world and are popular indoor plants. Crassula ovata grow as heavily branched, upright, evergreen shrubs. In nature, they can grow up to 2m high, but they usually remain smaller when grown indoors. The thick grey-green leaves grow in pairs and are typically domed and oval-shaped.
Repotting jade plants
Jade plants typically need repotting every 3 to 4 years. If your plant becomes root bound, it is time to repot. The best time to repot is in spring at the start of the plant’s main growing season. To do this, select a new pot that is a bit larger in diameter than the old one. Since the plant’s roots are shallow and its crown heavy, you will need to opt for a stable pot. Clay pots are ideal, because they are heavy and less likely to tip over than plastic pots. Make sure the pot also has a drainage hole and a saucer.
Start by creating a drainage layer of clay shards or expanded clay at the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging. As for the soil, jade plants need a well-draining substrate that is relatively low in nutrients. We recommend mixing two parts potting soil, such as our Plantura Organic Flower Compost for instance, with one part perlite or sand. Alternatively, you can use cactus or succulent soil.
Ideal substrate for jade plants:
- Well-draining
- Low in nutrients
- Two thirds potting soil
- One third perlite or sand
- Alternative: cactus or succulent soil
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Carefully take your jade plant out of its current pot, shake the old soil from the root ball and gently loosen the roots. Take this opportunity to examine the roots and cut off rotten or dead root material if necessary. Then, place the root ball in the centre of the new pot. Finally, fill the pot with fresh soil and water the plant well. Remember to always pour off excess water that collects in the pot’s saucer.
Tip: in the right conditions, jade plants can grow up to 2m high and become quite heavy, so we suggest getting help from another person when repotting large jade plants.
Repotting summary:
- Select a stable pot with drainage holes
- Prepare the substrate mixture
- Create a drainage layer in the pot
- Carefully remove the jade tree from its old pot
- Loosen and examine roots and prune if necessary
- Place root ball in the centre of the new pot
- Fill with substrate mixture
- Water well
- Remove excess water from drainage saucer
Repotting is also the perfect time to propagate your lucky plant. Find detailed instructions on the various ways of jade plant propagation in our dedicated article.
Parts of a Plant – Roots, Stems and Leaves
FAQ
What is the root structure of a jade plant?
What are the roots growing out of my jade plant stem?
What is the anatomy of a jade plant?
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What is a baby Jade Tree?
This plant is a member of the Crassulaceae family, and its small, round leaves are reminiscent of the precious jade stones. The Baby Jade is also known as the Friendship Tree, Lucky Plant, and Money Tree, as it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owners.
How to propagate a baby jade plant?
The process of propagating a baby jade plant is a relatively simple and straightforward one. However, it is important to note that the best time to propagate a jade plant is during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. Here are the steps to propagate a baby jade plant:
What does a jade plant look like?
Let’s dive in! The jade plant ( Crassula ovata) comes from the landscapes of South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape region. It has thick, woody stems and round, or sometimes ovular or heart-shaped, green leaves. Jade plant also displays delicate, star-shaped flowers arranged in tufts at the end of stems.
How to propagate jade plant leaves?
The soil method is the easiest way of propagating jade plant leaves. Literally all you have to do is lay the leaves on the soil in such a way that they touch it. That is all! The great thing about using leaves is that you can put a lot of them into the same pot to increase your chances of success.