Do jade plants need direct sunlight or do they grow in partial sun or shade? Let’s learn together the perfect weather conditions required to grow these plants.
Jade plant care is easy and simple. Many people enjoy growing jade plants in their homes and offices, and they are considered to be symbols of good luck. You do not need to be lucky to learn what the proper care and maintenance of jade plants is.
Do Jade Plants Need Direct Sunlight To Grow?
Jade plants require sunlight to grow. Jade plants enjoy a good amount of sun and shade at the same time. That’s why its possible to grow these plants indoors and outdoors
The best time for them is between 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. If you have a dark room or a window that faces east, you can get the best results from your jade plants.
How to Grow Jade from a Leaf or a Cutting
Growing jade from a leaf or cutting is as easy as spit.
Simply grab a leaf from a healthy, established Jade, or a 2-3-inch cutting. Place it on top of some potting soil in a pot and allow it to hang out there for a couple of days. If you’re propagating from a leaf, let it continue to hang out. If you’re propagating from a stem, go ahead and plant it in the soil. If it won’t stand up on its own, it is weak and you should shame it ruthlessly and publicly. I’m kidding! Oh my God. Use some toothpicks or a plant label or something to help prop up your plant baby.
Next, wait. Wait for a couple of weeks, perhaps longer. Resist the urge to water. You will notice your leaves and cuttings begin to grab at the soil as they establish root systems. At this point, you can water your plant thoroughly. It will be very satisfying for you and the plant.
Let the soil get nice and dry between waterings and make sure your plant babies get plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A kitchen window is prime real estate for succulent babies, since you will likely see them often, they will get good light, and you will forget to forget about them. Perfect!
Growing Jade Plants
Soil
When choosing a mixture to house your jade plant in, a succulent-specific blend is your best bet. Ideally, the soil should have a neutral to slightly acidic pH level, and drain well in order to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating and leading to fungal growth. If you end up using an all-purpose potting mix instead, add some perlite to help assist with drainage. Additionally, you can house your jade plant in a terracotta or clay vessel to help wick extra moisture from the soil.
Water
During the spring and summer, jade plants should be watered often so that their soil is moist but not wet (just make sure their drainage is immaculate). Reduce your watering to once monthly in the winter. Also, if you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, pour off any excess water after a few minutes and never let your jade plant sit in water.
Temperature and Humidity
Jade plants prefer average household temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. At night and in the winter, jade plants can handle a cooler environment, down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, though they should never be kept in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for any prolonged period of time.
Fertilizer
Many people underfeed their succulents during their growing season. For the most successful jade plant, feed it 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.