Jade plants are popular and sturdy houseplants with simpler care needs than many other varieties. At the same time, they also live up to 70 years with suitable care and maintenance. The plant grows relatively slowly, increasing its height by approximately two inches annually. It can also reach three to six feet in height within its lifespan.
The key feature of the plant is its fleshy and green leaves along with woody and thick stems. It is a wonderful addition to every household, except one with pets (since many parts of the plant are toxic to dogs and cats). Here’s learning more about caring for the plant and overall maintenance.
Growing & Caring for Jade Plants- Simple Tips
Here are some simple ways to grow and care for these plants:
- Always plant them in properly-draining and loose soil. You may consider a more succulent potting mix for this purpose. This will help you enable better drainage, while keeping moisture retention low. Mix potting soil, sand, and pumice/perlite while potting.
- Choose a clay or terracotta plant since these materials can easily absorb water from the soil.
- Remember that these plants need a mildly acidic pH level, i.e. 7-5.5 on the scale. You can test the pH levels, but a succulent potting mix will do the job for you successfully.
- These plants require a minimum of six hours of indirect sunlight every day. Direct sunlight is avoidable, since it may lead to the leaves burning or shriveling up. At the same time, poor light conditions may lead to unbalanced or leggy growth. Put the plant in a bright place beside the window where it gets ample indirect light. West or south-facing windows may work nicely in this case.
- Keep frequently watering the plant in the summer and spring to maintain moist soil levels. However, don’t overwater and make it soggy. In the winter season, you can water just once each month.
- Another tip is using a 20-20-20 fertilizer to promote growth in the season.
- You’ll know if the plant is getting sufficient light if you see a red tint forming along the leaf edges. This means that the plant is thriving in proper light conditions.
- Always choose a location for the plant where the temperatures are more or less consistent throughout the year. Continual fluctuations may otherwise hinder the growth of the plant.
Propagation & Repotting
You can propagate new jade plants from leaves or cuttings from any parent plants. This will help you grow your collection if you do this in the summer. If you’re using a cutting, keep it for a stretch in a dry and warm location and start only when the end has completely dried out. Use rooting hormone powder for the cutting wound and plant the end in a pot with half vermiculite and soil. Water occasionally until the mixture turns damp and the cutting will ideally take root in just a few weeks.
Always consider the plant size while choosing your pot. These plants have smaller root networks and will not always require bigger pots. A four or six-inch pot that has drainage holes will be fine to start with. For heavier and taller plants, ensure that the pot has a large bottom (this will ensure that it does not topple over). Repotting is usually required once every two or three years for smaller versions, while the bigger ones will need this every four to five years.
Keep these basic tips in mind to care for your jade plant. Once it grows in a balanced manner, it will be a wonderful addition to any living space or kitchen area.
