The jade plant is an extremely popular succulent houseplant with fleshy, oval-shaped leaves. Sometimes called the money plant or dollar plant, these plants were once thought to bring good luck to their owners so were often given as housewarming gifts.
Jade plants adapt well to the warm, dry conditions found in most homes. It’s important to keep the plant watered during the growing season (spring, summer) and drier during the dormant season (fall, winter). However, even during the growing season, the soil should be allowed to dry out fully between waterings, as jade is very susceptible to rot.
Jade plants may be grown outdoors as landscape plants in areas with a mild, dry climate year-round (typically Zone 10 and warmer). They are very susceptible to cold damage, so in locations where temperatures get to freezing or below, it’s best to grow jade in containers and take them indoors when it gets below 50°F (10°C).
Growing Conditions
To keep your jade plant in the best of health, use these guidelines:
- Light: Jade plants prefer full sun and like four or more hours of sunlight each day. They are best in a room with south-facing windows.
- Water: During the summer and spring, jade plants should be watered often so the soil is moist but not wet, making sure drainage is immaculate. Reduce watering to monthly in the winter.
- Temperature: Jade plants prefer average summer temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, cool to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Soil: A well-drained succulent mix is best, with an ideal pH of around 6.0 (slightly acidic).
- Fertilizer: Many people underfeed their succulents during the growing season. Feed with a controlled-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season or weekly with a weak liquid solution. Use a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer at one-quarter strength on mature plants, and a fertilizer with less nitrogen on young plants.
Propagation
Jade plant is known for its ease of propagation. Plants can be easily propagated from a single leaf. Sprout leaves by placing them into a succulent or cacti mix, then covering the dish until they sprout.
Caring For The Plant
If you want to give your Jade plant the best care possible, then start with the soil. Cactus soil works well for Jade plants. It needs a moderate pH level throughout the year, and nutrients added every six months. Provide plenty of sunlight. The Jade plant will handle direct sunlight all day long, as long as you’re not concerned about tinting the color of the leaves. The plant needs plenty of water in order to store the excess.
However, allow the soil to dry at the top before watering again.
Pests, Diseases, Or Problems The Plant Encounters
Overwatering is the main problem with Jade plants. Look for falling leaves, hanging branches, and browning leaves.
Root rot is also a sign of overwatering, but this is not always easy to spot as the brown spots may not develop above the potting mixture. When grown inside, there shouldn’t be any issues with pests. But diseases will infect rotten roots. Cut them off if you spot problems to avoid it spreading.