The baby jade plant, also known as the dwarf jade plant or mini jade plant, is a small compact version of the popular jade plant (Crassula ovata). With its succulent leaves and low maintenance nature, it makes a great houseplant for beginners and busy gardeners. However, many new owners struggle to find the right watering routine to keep their baby jade plant thriving.
Overwatering and underwatering are common mistakes that can lead to leaf drop, rot, and even death of this easy-going succulent Use this comprehensive guide to understand exactly how much water your baby jade plant needs to stay healthy in any environment
What Type of Plant is the Baby Jade?
The baby jade belongs to the genus Crassula which contains over 200 succulent species. Like all succulents the baby jade stores water in its leaves stems, and roots which allows it to survive with less frequent watering. Its thick, plump leaves have a waxy coating that helps retain moisture.
Native to South Africa, the baby jade is adapted to dry conditions and porous, sandy soils that drain quickly. This makes it an excellent choice for the busy indoor gardener who tends to overwater plants.
Factors That Affect Baby Jade Water Needs
Several key factors determine how often you need to water your baby jade
Light Exposure
Baby jades kept in bright, direct light need more frequent watering than plants in low light. Bright light speeds up growth and transpiration.
Temperature
Warm temperatures cause faster water loss through the leaves. Baby jades kept above 70°F may need watering every 7-10 days whereas cooler temps allow watering every 2-3 weeks.
Humidity
Dry indoor air during winter steals moisture from the baby jade’s leaves, requiring more watering. Humid summer air reduces water needs.
Soil Type
A fast-draining cactus/succulent soil mix is vital. Dense soils that hold moisture can lead to rot with these drought-resistant plants.
Plant Size
Larger, more established baby jades need more water than smaller starter plants. But avoid overwatering tiny new plants in big containers.
Container Size
A larger pot holds more soil and retains more moisture, extending the time between watering. Small containers dry out faster.
6 Signs Your Baby Jade Needs Water
Rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, check for signs of thirst to determine when your baby jade needs water:
- Dry, shriveled leaves
- Wrinkled, soft leaves
- Leaves curling inward
- Soil is completely dry 1 inch below surface
- Pot feels very lightweight
- Leaves start dropping
If you notice any of these clues, it’s time to thoroughly water your baby jade. The plant will perk up within a day or two after drinking.
How Much Water Does a Baby Jade Need?
Baby jades are drought-resistant plants that store water in their leaves. They don’t need frequent drenching. Here are some general watering guidelines:
- Water only when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
- Water until it drains from the pot’s bottom holes
- Soak entire root zone then let drain completely
- Allow at least 2 weeks drying time between waterings
- Increase frequency slightly in summer
- Decrease frequency in winter during dormancy
I also recommend watering in the morning so the leaves can dry quickly. Avoid getting water on the leaves which may cause rot.
Watering Tips for Healthy Baby Jades
Follow these tips to properly hydrate your baby jade:
- Always use room temperature water
- Pour slowly to avoid runoff
- Water at soil level, not from overhead
- Stick your finger into the soil to check moisture
- Use gravel trays to increase humidity
- Give less water in winter when dormant
- Mist leaves occasionally to mimic humidity
- Ensure pot has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil
Common Watering Mistakes
Here are some key mistakes that often lead to baby jade problems:
- Watering too frequently – causes root rot
- Watering on a fixed schedule – ignore signs of thirst
- Getting water on leaves – leads to fungal diseases
- Using cold water – shocks the plant’s roots
- Saturating the entire pot – creates soggy soil
- Letting pots sit in saucers of water – rots roots
Troubleshooting Issues From Improper Watering
If you notice any of these problems, inconsistent watering may be the culprit:
- Brown leaf tips – due to dry air or underwatering
- Wrinkled leaves – sign of underwatering
- Leaf drop – from overwatering or dehydration
- Yellow lower leaves – overwatering damages roots
- Black mushy roots – clear evidence of rot from wet soil
- White crusty deposits – hard water creates mineral buildup
Luckily, baby jades are forgiving plants. You can revive an unhealthy plant by adjusting your watering routine. Just give it a chance to completely dry out before watering thoroughly. It will usually bounce back within a few weeks.
Answering Common Baby Jade Watering Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about baby jade plant watering:
How often should I water a baby jade plant?
This varies based on factors like light and temperature but a general guideline is every 2-3 weeks. Allow the soil to fully dry out in between.
How much water does my baby jade plant need each time I water?
Water your baby jade plant until water flows from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures the entire root area is hydrated.
Should I mist my baby jade plant?
Occasional misting mimics humidity which baby jades appreciate. But misting should not replace thorough, occasional watering.
When is the best time of day to water a baby jade plant?
Water first thing in the morning so the leaves have time to dry out during the day. Wet foliage at night can cause disease.
What type of water should I use on a baby jade plant?
Room temperature filtered or bottled water is best. Tap water may contain salts, chlorine, or fluorides that build up.
How to fertilize Jade
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Jade after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Jade is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Jade thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Jade requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Jade is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Jade enjoys lots of humidity. Provide humidity for your plant by watering regularly and thoroughly, since plants absorb most water through their root system rather than their leaves. They may also benefit from being placed next to a humidifier.
Jade is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!
Jade grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Jade to go dormant in the summertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Jade is native to South Africa.
Yes, you may see your Jade bloom with the right amount of sunlight and water.
Jade will branch off as it grows. To encourage branching, pinch off the newest growth at the tip and the stem will branch off into two.
USDA Hardiness Zone Jade can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
The seeds of Jade can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Overwatering is a likely cause of issues with Jade. These plants are very sensitive to wet soil so if you notice your plant becoming squishy or translucent, overwatering is the likely culprit.
Cut your plant just past where the rot ends and allow it to callus over for a few days before replanting it in fresh, dry soil. Download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!
Taxonomy Scientific name
Lucky Plant, Jade Plant, Crassula argentea, ET Finger, Crassula Lemon + Lime and white jade
how to know if your jade needs water!
FAQ
How do you tell if jade plant is overwatered or underwatered?
What does a thirsty jade plant look like?
How long can a jade plant go without water?