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
In order to enjoy your money plant for a long time, it needs proper care. Let us show you what is important when it comes to jade plant care – fertilising, pruning and more.
You cannot do much wrong when caring for the jade plant (Crassula ovata). Nevertheless, you should know what’s important in the cultivation of the plant, which is usually kept as a houseplant. To help your tree thrive, this article will tell you everything you need to know about proper watering, pruning and fertilising of this popular houseplant.
The thick, fleshy leaves of the money plant already reveal its family affiliation: it comes from the Crassula genus and thus from the Crassulaceae family. Originally, this plant comes from South Africa and is therefore accustomed to maritime, warm weather. In terms of care, the jade plant is considered to be medium; so it is not completely unbreakable, but it is better to know about proper care. The plant will usually forgive you for a small error here or there. Like most succulents, which include Crassula ovata , it is generally unsensitive to the wrong temperature and drought. The tree is also rarely affected by diseases and pests.
The variegated jade plant, also known as the crassula ovata, is a beautiful succulent known for its fleshy, glossy leaves with white variegation. Native to South Africa, these plants make excellent houseplants and are quite easy to care for. However, like any plant, the variegated jade requires certain nutrients to support healthy growth.
When it comes to fertilizing, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts to avoid common mistakes. Proper fertilization encourages lush foliage, more blooms, and an overall thriving plant. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to confidently fertilize your variegated jade plant.
Understanding Essential Nutrients
All plants need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – commonly known as NPK – for basic functions like photosynthesis, root development, and flowering. Here’s a quick look at what each nutrient does:
-
Nitrogen (N) promotes leafy, vibrant growth above the soil line. This is key during the active growing phase.
-
Phosphorus (P) stimulates strong root formation and growth below the soil. It also aids in flowering and fruiting.
-
Potassium (K) is necessary for overall plant health and resilience. It also helps plants better tolerate stresses.
For the variegated jade plant, aim for a balanced fertilizer where the three NPK numbers are roughly equal. This prevents lopsided growth focused only on leaves or roots. A general houseplant fertilizer or one formulated specifically for succulents both work well.
Organic options like compost and worm castings provide nutrients too but release them slower than chemical fertilizers Use them to supplement synthetic fertilizer applications.
Fertilizing in the Growth Phase
The variegated jade plant experiences a period of active growth in the spring and summer when temperatures are warm. This is when it needs regular fertilization to support new growth.
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during this peak growing season. Slow down feeding as growth naturally declines in the fall and winter. Cooler weather signals the plant to go partially dormant, and fertilizer will simply build up unused in the soil
If your plant continues actively growing over the winter, you can fertilize monthly. But dilute to half strength since slower growth requires less nutrients.
Preventing Over-Fertilization
While fertilizer is important, it’s also possible to overdo it! Too much fertilizer can burn roots and leaves due to a buildup of excess salts. Warning signs include brown crispy leaf tips, yellowing, wilting, and dropped leaves.
To avoid this, always follow package rates and dilute if needed. Start with half strength doses to see how your plant responds, then increase strength gradually. After fertilizing, flush the soil periodically with water to wash away any accumulated salts.
Careful observation is the best way to customize feeding for your specific growing conditions. Pay attention to how your plant reacts and adjust the frequency and strength accordingly.
Fertilizer Application Methods
You have options when it comes to actually applying fertilizer. Dry granular fertilizer can be mixed into the top few inches of soil. Be sure to water thoroughly afterward so it fully dissolves and penetrates the root zone.
Liquid fertilizers offer greater precision in dosing. Carefully follow label instructions since these tend to be more concentrated. Apply until the soil is moist but not soaked.
Slow-release fertilizer pellets and spikes provide a steadier feeding over many weeks or months as they gradually dissolve. Insert them a few inches into the soil near (but not touching) the stem.
Whichever type you use, avoid getting fertilizer directly on the leaves. Watering will wash residues into the soil where plant roots can access the nutrients.
Tips for Optimal Fertilizer Practices
Follow these tips and tricks for successfully fertilizing your variegated jade plant:
-
Inspect plants weekly and fertilize only as needed based on actual growth.
-
Flush the soil every month to prevent buildup of unused fertilizer salts.
-
Use a general houseplant or specialized succulent fertilizer for balanced nutrition.
-
During dormancy, fertilize lightly just 1-2 times over winter.
-
Supplement with organic fertilizers like compost, worm castings, fish emulsion, etc.
-
If leaves yellow after fertilizing, flush the soil and resume at a reduced strength.
-
Consider repotting in fresh soil annually to replenish nutrients.
Common Questions About Fertilizing Variegated Jade Plants
How often should I fertilize my variegated jade plant?
Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season in spring through summer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter during dormancy.
What’s the best fertilizer for a variegated jade plant?
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer or one formulated specifically for cacti and succulents. Look for equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Can I use coffee grounds to fertilize my jade plant?
Small amounts of used coffee grounds provide nitrogen, but don’t overdo it. Mix some into the soil every few months and supplement with a balanced fertilizer.
Why are the leaf tips turning brown after fertilizing?
Brown crispy tips are a sign of fertilizer burn. Flush the soil with water and resume fertilizing at a reduced strength. Always dilute chemical fertilizers as directed.
Should I fertilize in winter when my jade plant isn’t actively growing?
Avoid fertilizing in winter unless your plant continues active growth. Even then, use reduced strength to avoid buildup of unused excess nutrients.
Conclusion
With the right fertilizer regimen, your variegated jade plant will produce lush, vibrant growth. Pay close attention to its needs throughout the seasons. Fertilize regularly during the growing period, then taper off as light and temperatures decline. Always dilute chemical fertilizers to avoid burning tender roots and leaves. Aim for a balanced fertilizer that provides equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a healthy, thriving variegated jade plant that adds beauty and interest to your indoor space.
You want to know who’s behind Plantura?
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
In order to enjoy your money plant for a long time, it needs proper care. Let us show you what is important when it comes to jade plant care – fertilising, pruning and more.
You cannot do much wrong when caring for the jade plant (Crassula ovata). Nevertheless, you should know what’s important in the cultivation of the plant, which is usually kept as a houseplant. To help your tree thrive, this article will tell you everything you need to know about proper watering, pruning and fertilising of this popular houseplant.
The thick, fleshy leaves of the money plant already reveal its family affiliation: it comes from the Crassula genus and thus from the Crassulaceae family. Originally, this plant comes from South Africa and is therefore accustomed to maritime, warm weather. In terms of care, the jade plant is considered to be medium; so it is not completely unbreakable, but it is better to know about proper care. The plant will usually forgive you for a small error here or there. Like most succulents, which include Crassula ovata , it is generally unsensitive to the wrong temperature and drought. The tree is also rarely affected by diseases and pests.
Jade plant care: watering
As a succulent, the jade plant is accustomed to longer dry periods and can therefore store water in its thick leaves. This already tells us a lot about correct watering of the plant. Crassula ovata will forgive you more for a lack of water rather than too much moisture. Therefore, you should only give it small amounts of water during the summer growing season. Water only when the top layer of the substrate has dried. If the plant is overwatered, this can lead to root rot. The plant will no longer absorb oxygen and the roots will rot. Waterlogging should be avoided at all costs. Therefore, remove any excess water that collects in the dish. During its dormant period in winter, from November to February, the money tree requires even less water. Make sure that the root ball does not completely dry out but water only sporadically during this time. Rainwater is ideal for watering the money plant. If this is not available, tap water for watering should not be too calcareous.
Summary: Watering jade plants
- Water moderately during the main growing season
- Allow top substrate layer to dry off
- Keep substrate only slightly moist, do not make wet
- Remove excess water from drainage dish
- Water sporadically from November to February
- Use rainwater or tap water with low calcium content
Regular pruning is not necessary for the money plant. Nevertheless, there are many reasons why it may still be time to reach for the shears and trim your tree. Pruning is suitable, for example, if the plant is not growing evenly and needs to be cut into shape. Compact and vigourous growth can also be achieved with pruning. Of course, you should also reach for the shears if the tree is infested with pests. The best time to prune the tree is in spring, before the tree sprouts new shoots, or immediately after flowering.
Summary: Pruning a money plant summary
- Cut off all shoots that grow downward or push upwards
- For a thicker trunk, remove all lower shoots and leaves
- Heavy pruning stimulates the formation of new shoots
- Do not leave stubs
You can learn everything you need to know about pruning jade plants in our article on pruning.
Although the money tree does not have particularly high nutrient requirements, it should still not be completely neglected when it comes to feeding. Fertilisation is appropriate at most every four weeks, especially for fast-growing succulents such as the jade plant – but only in the main growth phase. For this purpose, a special fertiliser for succulents and cacti is suitable, because it has a higher concentration of potassium. This in turn plays a crucial role in water storage. If you want to save yourself some work, we can recommend a fertiliser with long-term effects – such as our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food. With this longer-acting fertiliser, one around of fertilisation in the spring is sufficient to provide the plant with optimal nutrients throughout the year.
- Perfect for a variety of plants in the garden & on the balcony
- Promotes healthy plant growth & an active soil life
- Long-lasting fertiliser that is free from animal products – child & pet friendly
In the dormant period from November to February, the tree does not require fertiliser at all. In any case, you should avoid too much fertiliser, because it will do more harm than good to the jade plant. Burns on the roots, for example, are a result of too much fertiliser.
Summary: Fertilising jade plants
- Fertilise only moderately
- Once in the spring, apply a fertiliser with long-term effects
- Fertilise only in the main growing season
- Stop fertilising altogether between November and February
