Jade Plant
A miniature tree with a thick trunk and glossy oval leaves that lives for decades and gets handed down. It wants sun, gritty soil and very little water, and it is one of the easiest succulents to propagate.
Jade plants outlive their owners. A well-kept one grows into a real miniature tree with a thick woody trunk, and a fifty-year-old jade is not unusual. It asks for sun and restraint with the watering can, nothing more.
It is also the easiest plant we know to share: a single leaf laid on soil grows a new plant.
Light
At least four hours of direct sun a day for a compact, sturdy plant. A south or west window. In lower light it grows leggy with weak stems and the leaves lose the red edge that strong sun gives them.
Water
Let the soil dry out completely, then water deeply. Every two weeks in summer, monthly in winter. Squeeze a leaf: firm means wait, slightly soft means water. It stores water in every leaf and stem and it would rather be dry than damp.
Soil and potting
A cactus and succulent mix or potting soil with half perlite. A heavy pot, ideally terracotta; a mature jade is top-heavy. Repot every three years or so; it is happy root-bound.
Feeding
A half-strength succulent feed every eight weeks in spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.
Propagation
Leaf or stem cuttings. Let the cut end dry for two or three days, then lay a leaf on dry succulent mix or push a stem cutting in. Wait for roots before watering. Nearly every cutting takes.
In a hot, dry home
A natural here. Dry air and strong sun suit it; the leaves take on a red edge in a bright west window that they never get in humid climates. Water a little more in July if it is in full sun, always waiting for the soil to dry first.
Jade Plant varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Ovata (classic jade)
The standard green jade tree.
- Variegated
Cream and green streaked leaves. Slower.
- Ripple
Wavy, curled leaf edges.
- Campfire
Crassula capitella: stacked leaves that turn bright red in sun.
- Buddha's Temple
Crassula hybrid with tightly stacked square leaves in a column.
- Elephant Bush
Portulacaria afra, the dwarf jade sold as bonsai: smaller leaves, red stems, faster. Same care.
- Rainbow Bush
Variegated Portulacaria afra with cream and pink leaves.
- Dwarf jade bonsai
Portulacaria afra trained as a small tree.
Problems and fixes
Leaves dropping and stems soft
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Stop watering. Let it dry fully. Cut away soft parts and repot in dry mix if the rot has reached the trunk.
Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves
Likely cause: Thirst
Fix: Water deeply. It recovers within days.
Leggy stems and small leaves
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move into direct sun. Prune leggy growth and root the cuttings.
White fluffy patches in the leaf joints
Likely cause: Mealybugs
Fix: Dab each with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol and repeat weekly.
Jade Plant questions
Is the jade plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Chewing it causes vomiting and lethargy in pets. Keep it out of reach.
How often should I water a jade plant?
Every two weeks in summer and about monthly in winter, only when the soil is completely dry and the leaves have lost a little firmness.
How do I make a jade plant bushy?
Give it direct sun and pinch or prune the stem tips. Each cut produces two new branches. Root the cuttings for more plants.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Snake Plant
- Light
- Low to direct sun
- Water
- Every 3 weeks
- Pets
- Toxic
