WaterAllow Jade plant soil to become completely dry before…
ToxicityToxic to pets
Mature sizeIts eventual height is 3 to 6 ft / 90…
Jade plant is a long-lived succulent with glossy, oval green leaves and thick stems that become woody over time. Older plants can develop a miniature tree or bonsai-like shape without complex training. Its foliage stores water, making frequent irrigation unnecessary. It suits a bright indoor position and a grower who prefers allowing soil to dry fully before each deep watering.
Position it about 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window.
Do not give the leaves a direct view of the sky. Filter unavoidable sunlight through a sheer curtain.
Excess direct light can scorch the foliage. Too little light creates stretched, weak stems and sparse growth.
A PAR meter or PAR meter app can check photosynthetically active radiation as PPFD in μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹.
Watering
Allow Jade plant soil to become completely dry before watering. Check the mix at several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick. Moisture clinging to the tool means the roots are not yet ready for more water.
Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water or reverse osmosis water.
Soak the mix until water exits the drainage holes. Let the pot drain fully before returning it to a saucer or decorative planter.
A container with drainage holes is essential. Wet soil can cause root rot, soft stems and fallen leaves.
Water considerably less in winter, when the plant grows more slowly. Very long dry periods may leave the oval leaves thin, wrinkled or crisp at the edges.
Soil
Jade plant needs a specialty organic succulent mix that drains rapidly. Thick foliage already stores moisture, so the roots should not remain in dense, damp soil.
DIY mix: combine 2 parts coir, 2 parts coarse sand and 1 part pumice.
Use a stable pot with open drainage holes.
Feeding
Apply an organic succulent fertiliser to Jade plant every 2 to 4 weeks from March to October. Use the label strength and feed after watering. Do not apply extra fertiliser to force growth, and pause the schedule throughout winter.
Temperature & humidity
Jade plant prefers 65 to 86 °F / 18 to 30 °C. Ideal humidity is around 40%. It does well in ordinary indoor air and does not need added humidity. Keep it away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
What to expect
Jade plant matures in about 3 to 5 years and grows slowly to moderately indoors. Its eventual height is 3 to 6 ft / 90 to 180 cm. A mature plant can spread 2 to 3 ft / 60 to 90 cm.
Varieties & cultivars
C. ovata ‘Gollum’: Narrow, finger-like leaves curl inward.
C. ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’: Each leaf develops a reddish-orange margin.
C. ovata ‘Crosby’s Miniature’: This compact form produces smaller leaves.
C. ovata ‘Tricolor’: Green leaves are bordered with yellow and pink.
C. ovata ‘Obliqua’: The leaves have a spoon shape with a slight twist.
Jade plant: questions
Is Jade plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Jade plant is toxic to people and pets. The ASPCA lists Crassula ovata as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant, fallen leaves and pruning scraps away from children and animals…
How much light does Jade plant need?
Jade plant prefers bright, indirect light measuring 150 to 250 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. - Position it about 5 ft / 1.5m from a south, west or east-facing window. - Do not give the leaves a direct view of the sky. Filter unavoidable sunlight through a sheer curtain. - Excess direct light can scorch the…
How often should I water Jade plant?
Allow Jade plant soil to become completely dry before watering. Check the mix at several depths with a knitting needle or chopstick. Moisture clinging to the tool means the roots are not yet ready for more water. - Use room temperature rainwater, distilled water or reverse osmosis water. - Soak the…
How big does Jade plant get?
Mature size indoors: Its eventual height is 3 to 6 ft / 90….
