How To Take Care Of A Jade Plant: Simple Tips For A Lush And Vibrant Plant

The jade plant is a beloved succulent known for its minimal indoor care requirements and impressive lifespan of up to 70 years with proper maintenance. Although it grows slowly—adding about two inches in height each year, it can eventually reach between three and six feet tall. 

Characterised by its thick, woody stems and green, oval-shaped fleshy leaves, the jade plant is visually appealing. However, it’s important to place it carefully, as all parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs. Often regarded as a symbol of good luck, the jade plant is a popular choice. For those interested in keeping one, here are some essential tips for its care.

Conditions For Growing A Jade Plant

Your jade plant should receive four to six hours of indirect sunlight everyday. Indoors, it requires well-drained soil and a room temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Although its native habitat may have sandy or rocky soil, jade plants thrive in a slightly acidic potting mix that contains perlite. You can also use a commercial potting mix formulated for succulents and cacti. When grown outdoors, jade plants need warm, dry conditions to prevent frostbite and root rot, as per The Spruce.

How To Take Care Of A Jade Plant

We reached out to Swaminathan, a local gardener from Dwarka, who shared some helpful tips on how to care for a jade plant.

• Light Requirements: Place jade plants in indirect sunlight to avoid damage. Excessive direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of young jade plants or cause mature plants to develop red tips. Conversely, insufficient light can lead to stunted growth or cause the plant to become leggy. Aim for four to six hours of indirect sunlight daily and adjust the light exposure gradually if needed. Depending on the season, you might need to move your jade plant to a sunnier spot.

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• Watering: Water jade plants sparingly to prevent root rot. While they may need a bit more water in spring and summer, once a week or even once a month is usually sufficient. Check soil moisture by poking your finger into the soil; only water if it’s dry. Puffy, swollen leaves suggest overwatering, while shrivelled leaves indicate a lack of water. Using filtered water is preferable to avoid the salts and minerals found in tap water.

• Drainage: Use a pot with good drainage to ensure the soil dries out between waterings. The drying time depends on factors like temperature, sunlight, and pot drainage. Terracotta clay pots are ideal as they are porous and facilitate quicker drying, though other clay pots work well too.
• Fertilising: Fertilise your jade plant once a year, ideally during the growing season from early spring to early fall, following its dormant winter period.
• Repotting: Repot your jade plant every few years to accommodate its growing roots. Young jade plants should be repotted every two to three years, while older plants can be repotted every four to five years. The best time to repot is early spring at the start of the growing season.
• Propagation: If your jade plant becomes too large, consider propagating it. You can grow new plants from stem or leaf cuttings by placing them in a cactus-specific soil mix.
• Pest Control: Watch for common pests such as mealybugs, which appear as white, mouldy patches, typically under the leaves. Remove mealybugs with a cotton swab or small cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spider mites and soft scale are also common and can be managed similarly with rubbing alcohol.

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