Jade Plant Care: How to Care for Jade Plant Indoors and Outdoors

How to care for jade plant indoors and outdoors? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, their easy care and ability to thrive with minimal attention make them the perfect choice for anyone looking to bring some life indoors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about jade plant care, including how to keep your plant happy indoors and outdoors, proper watering and light requirements, and how to fix common issues. Keep reading to ensure your jade plant thrives for years to come!

What is a Jade Plant?

The jade plant, also known as Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent native to South Africa and Mozambique. This plant is known for its thick, glossy leaves that resemble jade, giving it its name. It has a bushy, tree-like growth habit and can reach up to 3 feet in height when grown indoors. Check the overview below:

• Common Name: Jade Plant
• Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
• Family: Crassulaceae
• Plant Type: Succulent, Perennial
• Mature Size: Grows 3–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide
• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained soil is ideal
• Soil pH: Thrives in neutral to slightly acidic soil
• Bloom Time: Typically blooms in spring with small white flowers
• Hardiness Zones: Best suited for USDA Zones 11–12
• Native Area: Native to South Africa and Mozambique
• Toxicity: Toxic to both dogs and cats, so keep out of reach of pets

Jade plants are loved as houseplants because they are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of environments. Their ability to store water in their leaves makes them drought-tolerant and perfect for busy people or beginners. Not only do they have a long lifespan, but they also add a touch of elegance with their vibrant green leaves and, occasionally, small white or pink flowers. These characteristics make the jade plant a great addition to any home, whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant or a stylish decorative piece.

Jade Plant Care Overview: Easy Tips for a Healthy, Thriving Plant

Caring for a Jade Plant is simple once you know the basics. Here’s everything you need to keep your plant happy and healthy:

Care Requirement	Details
Soil	Plant in well-draining soil. A succulent potting mix is perfect for jade plants as it prevents water from collecting at the roots.
Light	Place your jade plant in a bright window with indirect sunlight. A south-facing or west-facing window works best.
Watering	During spring and summer, water the jade plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilizing	Use a 20-20-20 fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to support healthy, robust growth.

Caring for a Jade Plant with Right Light Requirements

How to take care of jade plant with the best light? Caring them with enough light is essential for healthy growth as they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. See jade plant light requirements​ below:

Ideally, they need at least six hours of light each day. However, direct sunlight can be too harsh, especially for younger jade plants. It can cause the leaves to shrivel or even burn. On the other hand, too little light can lead to leggy growth, where the plant becomes weak and stretched out, losing its full, bushy look.

Jade Plant Care Indoors​ Light

To care for jade plants indoors, place them near a south or west-facing window where they’ll get several hours of indirect sunlight each day. A spot with morning sun is ideal, as the sunlight won’t be too harsh. If your plant isn’t getting enough light, it may start to stretch out, growing taller and more sparse, and the leaves may lose their vibrant green color.

Jade Plant Care Outside Light

If you’re growing your jade plant outdoors, choose a sunny spot where it can soak up plenty of sunlight. A patio or balcony that receives direct sunlight for a few hours each day is perfect. Just make sure to avoid spots where the plant is exposed to intense midday sun for too long, as this can scorch the leaves.

Common Light Issues

If your jade plant’s leaves are turning yellow or falling off, it’s likely not getting enough light. This is a common issue, especially if the plant is placed in a dark corner or far from a window. Inadequate light can also cause your jade plant to become leggy, with long stems and sparse leaves. To fix this, simply move your plant to a brighter location and adjust its position as needed.

Soil for Jade Plant Care: Choose the Best Mix

Selecting the right soil for your jade plant is key to keeping it healthy and thriving. Jade plants, like other succulents, prefer well-draining soil to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth. Now, ZodiacFengShui shares you with everything you need to know about choosing the best soil for your jade plant:

Best Soil for Jade Plants

When it comes to potting mix, look for a succulent-specific blend. Unlike regular potting soil, which can retain too much moisture, succulent potting mix is looser and more breathable, which helps with water drainage. This helps avoid excess moisture that could lead to problems like fungal growth or root rot.

A good succulent mix usually contains:

• Sand: Helps with drainage and gives the soil a gritty texture.
• Potting Soil: Provides nutrients to the plant.
• Perlite or Pumice: These lightweight materials help improve soil aeration and drainage, preventing the soil from becoming compacted.

If you can’t find a pre-made succulent mix, you can easily create your own by adding perlite or pumice to regular potting soil to make it lighter and more draining.

Choose the Right Pot for Your Jade Plant Care

The pot you use is just as important as the soil. A terracotta or clay pot is ideal because these materials absorb moisture, which can help keep the soil from staying too wet. Avoid pots with no drainage holes, as stagnant water can harm your jade plant’s roots.

pH Level for Jade Plants

Jade plants prefer soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, which is around 5.5 to 7 on the pH scale. Most succulent potting mixes already fall within this range, but if you’re unsure, you can easily test the pH of the soil. It’s a good idea to stick to this range to help your plant grow strong and healthy.

How to Take Care of Jade Plant with Proper Watering

Proper jade plant watering is crucial for keeping them healthy. Since they are succulents, they store water in their thick leaves, making them drought-tolerant. However, they still need the right balance of water to thrive. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for a jade plant:

Importance of Well-Draining Soil

Jade plants need well-draining soil to prevent water from sitting around the roots, which can lead to rot. Always use a succulent or cactus potting mix, as it allows water to flow through easily and dries out between waterings.

Jade Plant Watering Instructions

• How Often to Water: Water your jade plant thoroughly, but make sure the soil dries out completely before watering again. In the spring and summer, water your plant about every 2 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month as the plant’s growth slows down.
• Signs of Overwatering: If you notice yellowing leaves or a mushy stem, you may be overwatering your plant. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of jade plant problems, as it can cause root rot.
• Signs of Underwatering: On the other hand, if the leaves start to look wrinkled or shriveled, your jade plant might not be getting enough water.

Fix Common Issues

• Jade Plant Leaves Shriveling: This typically happens when the plant isn’t getting enough water, or the soil is too dry for too long. To fix this, water your jade plant thoroughly and make sure to maintain a consistent watering schedule.
• Jade Plant Dropping Leaves: Dropping leaves can be a sign of overwatering or underwatering. If your plant is losing leaves, check the soil moisture level. Adjust your watering habits accordingly, ensuring the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.

Jade Plant Care Temperature

Jade plants are pretty tolerant when it comes to temperature, but keeping them in the right range will help them thrive. Here’s what you need to know about jade plant care temperature and humidity:

Ideal Temperature Range

Jade plants grow best in average household temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This range mimics the warm conditions they’re used to in their native habitat. However, they can tolerate cooler temperatures at night or in winter, down to 55°F (13°C).

Important Tip: Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for long periods, as this can harm your jade plant. Frost and freezing temperatures can damage or kill your plant.

Avoid Temperature Fluctuations

When placing your jade plant, pick a spot with consistent temperatures. Avoid places where the temperature constantly changes, such as underneath HVAC ducts or near drafty windows and doors. Sudden temperature swings can cause stress for your plant, making it harder for it to adjust and thrive.

Humidity Needs

Jade plants don’t require high humidity. In fact, they prefer a dry environment. Normal indoor humidity levels are usually fine for jade plants, and they do well in areas like living rooms and offices.

To sum up, providing your jade plant with stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, while avoiding cold drafts and extreme fluctuations, will keep it happy. If you give it the right environment, your jade plant will continue to grow and flourish for years to come.

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How to Care for Jade Plant Indoors and Outdoors: Comparison

Here’s a clear comparison of how to care for Jade Plant indoors vs. outdoors in a simple chart format for easy reference:

Aspect	Care for Jade Plant Indoors	Jade Plant Care Outside
Light Requirements	Needs bright, indirect sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Place near a south or west-facing window.	Requires direct sunlight. Choose a sunny spot in the garden or balcony.
Temperature	Best between 65°F to 75°F. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes. Can tolerate cooler temps (down to 55°F) in winter.	Thrives in warm climates with temperatures above 50°F. Can handle heat but should be protected from extreme cold and frost.
Humidity	Prefers low humidity and can tolerate typical indoor air. Avoid placing in overly humid rooms like bathrooms.	Tolerates low humidity. Ideal for dry climates but should be protected from high humidity.
Pot and Soil	Plant in a well-draining pot (terracotta or clay). Use succulent soil mix with sand, perlite, or pumice for drainage.	Plant in well-draining soil with similar ingredients. If grown in containers, use a pot with drainage holes.
Watering	Water regularly during growing season (spring and summer), allowing soil to dry out between watering. Reduce in winter (water about once a month).	Water during the growing season, ensuring soil isn’t too wet. Avoid overwatering, especially after rain. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Winter Care	In winter, reduce watering. Keep the plant in a cool but frost-free spot. Can tolerate lower temperatures, but not below 50°F.	Protect from frost during colder months. If growing in pots, bring indoors or place in sheltered spots to avoid freeze damage.
Fertilization	Feed once a month during growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20).	Fertilize similarly during growing months, but ensure the plant has a nutrient-rich, well-draining outdoor environment.

Jade Plant Care Instructions​ for Indoors:

• Potting: Use a terracotta pot to prevent over-watering.
• Light: Place near a bright window; avoid placing in dimly lit areas.
• Temperature: Keep away from cold drafts or direct air conditioning/heating vents.
• Fertilizing: Feed once a month with balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Key Tips for Outdoor Care:

• Location: Find a sunny spot with plenty of direct sunlight, but provide some shade in extremely hot conditions.
• Protection: Move indoors or provide shelter during frosty weather.
• Watering: Ensure good drainage and avoid watering if the plant is in a humid environment.

By understanding these basic differences, you can adjust your jade plant care routine depending on where it’s kept, ensuring it thrives indoors or outdoors!

4 Common Problems with Jade Plant Care

Jade plants are generally hardy, but they can still face some common issues. Here’s a guide to fixing the most frequent problems you may encounter with your jade plant care:

1. White Spots on Jade Plant

• Causes: White spots on the leaves of your jade plant are usually caused by water spots or a pest infestation. If you’re using tap water, the minerals in it can leave behind white marks, especially if the water sits on the plant for too long. However, mealybugs or powdery mildew can also cause white, fuzzy patches on the leaves.
• How to Address It: If it’s water spots, simply clean the leaves with a damp cloth and try to avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. For pests, you can wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs. If the issue is mildew, treat the plant with a fungicide.

2. Jade Plant Leaves Shriveling

• Causes: Shriveling leaves are often a sign of water stress. Either the plant is underwatered, or it has been overwatered. Underwatering causes the plant to lose moisture, making the leaves shrivel. On the other hand, overwatering can lead to root rot, which prevents the plant from absorbing water properly.
• How to Prevent It: Ensure your jade plant is watered correctly by letting the soil dry out completely between waterings. Check the roots for signs of rot if the leaves are shriveling due to overwatering. If the roots are mushy, trim them and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

3. Jade Plant Dropping Leaves

• Causes: Leaf drop can occur due to several factors. Overwatering, poor light conditions, or root stress are common culprits. If the plant is getting too much water, the roots become weak, and the leaves start to fall off. Similarly, insufficient light can stress the plant, causing it to drop leaves.
• How to Troubleshoot:
  • Overwatering: If you suspect overwatering, let the soil dry completely and reduce watering. Check the roots for rot and cut away any affected areas.
  • Light: Make sure your jade plant is in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. If it’s not getting enough light, move it to a sunnier spot.
  • Root Issues: If the plant is in a pot that’s too small or has been overwatered, consider repotting it into a larger container with well-draining soil.

4. Pest Management

• Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, cotton-like clumps on your jade plant, usually in the leaf axils. They feed on the plant’s sap, weakening it.
  • Treatment: To get rid of mealybugs, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently wipe the bugs off. For larger infestations, spray the plant with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol (about 70% alcohol to 30% water).
• Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that often cluster on new growth. They suck out the plant’s juices, which can cause the plant to weaken.
  • Treatment: Wash the plant with a strong stream of water to knock off the aphids. If needed, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.

Jade Plant Care Instructions​: How to Prune and Propagate

Jade plants are known for their attractive, thick leaves and tree-like structure. To keep your jade plant looking healthy and thriving, some jade plant care instructions​ like pruning and propagating are important practices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle both:

1. When and How to Prune Your Jade Plant

• When to Prune: The best time to prune your jade plant is during its growing season, typically in the spring or early summer. This is when the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly from pruning.
• How to Prune:
  • Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. Pruning shears are ideal for thicker branches, while scissors can handle smaller growth.
  • Trim away leggy or overgrown branches to maintain a compact shape. This is particularly important if your jade plant has grown tall and spindly due to insufficient light. Focus on cutting back long, weak branches that detract from its bushy appearance.
  • Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly to encourage healthier growth. These can be picked off by hand or with your shears.
• Why Prune: Pruning not only helps maintain a neat, attractive shape, but it also encourages the plant to grow more branches, making it bushier and fuller. Cutting back leggy growth stimulates the jade plant to branch out and grow compactly, rather than stretching toward the light.

2. Steps for Propagating Jade Plants from Cuttings

Propagating jade plants is a simple and rewarding way to grow new plants from your existing one. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Select a healthy stem or branch from the plant. Make sure it’s at least a few inches long and free of damage or disease.
• Step 2: Cut the stem just above a leaf node (where leaves grow from the stem). Using sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears will prevent introducing bacteria to the cutting.
• Step 3: Allow the cutting to callus. Place the cutting in a dry location for 1-2 days, allowing the cut end to form a callus. This helps prevent rotting when planted.
• Step 4: After the cutting has callused, you can plant it in well-draining soil. Use a succulent or cactus potting mix for the best results. Place the cutting about an inch deep into the soil.
• Step 5: Water sparingly. Once the cutting is planted, water lightly. Do not overwater as the cutting needs to establish roots before taking in too much moisture.
• Step 6: Provide bright, indirect light and wait for the cutting to root. Within a few weeks, you should start seeing new growth at the top of the cutting, which means roots have formed.
• Step 7: Once the cutting has rooted and started to grow, you can begin treating it like a mature jade plant, watering and feeding it appropriately.

3. Importance of Cutting Back Leggy Growth

• Why It Matters: Leggy growth occurs when your jade plant is not getting enough light. It can lead to a weak, stretched-out appearance that makes the plant look unhealthy. Cutting back this growth not only improves the plant’s appearance but also helps it thrive by redirecting its energy into more compact, healthier growth.
• How to Encourage Compact Growth: After pruning, your jade plant will focus its energy on producing new branches and leaves near the base of the plant, making it look fuller. Regular pruning will help keep the plant bushy and attractive, and it will also encourage stronger, sturdier stems.

How to Repot a Jade Plant

Repotting your jade plant is essential for its growth and health. Here’s everything you need to know about when and how to repot your plant.

Signs It’s Time to Repot

• Root-bound: If you notice roots growing through the drainage holes of the pot, it’s a sign your jade plant is root-bound and needs a larger pot.
• Outgrown Pot: If the plant’s growth seems to have slowed down or it appears top-heavy, it may have outgrown its pot and needs more space.
• Soil Depletion: If the soil looks compacted, dry, or depleted of nutrients, it’s time for fresh soil to promote healthy growth.

How to Properly Repot a Jade Plant

1. Choose the Right Time: The best time to repot a jade plant is in spring or early summer when it’s actively growing.
2. Remove the Plant: Gently remove your jade plant from its current pot. Loosen the roots if they’re stuck.
3. Inspect the Roots: Trim any dead or damaged roots with clean, sharp scissors. If the plant is root-bound, you can gently untangle or trim some of the roots to encourage new growth.
4. Add Fresh Soil: Fill the new pot with well-draining succulent soil, leaving room for the root ball. Place the jade plant in the pot and fill in the gaps with more soil, making sure the plant is sitting at the same depth as before.
5. Water Lightly: After repotting, water the plant lightly. Avoid overwatering until the plant has had time to settle into its new pot.

Choosing the Right Pot Size and Materials

• Pot Size: Choose a pot that’s about 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Avoid going too large, as too much extra space can lead to overwatering issues.
• Pot Material: Terracotta or clay pots are great choices because they allow excess moisture to evaporate and help prevent root rot. Make sure the pot has proper drainage holes to allow water to flow out.

Repotting your jade plant every 2-3 years will keep it healthy, promote strong growth, and ensure it thrives in a fresh environment.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a jade plant is simple, but it does require attention to its light, watering, and soil needs to thrive. Whether you’re growing it indoors or outdoors, providing the right conditions, like proper sunlight, well-draining soil, and occasional pruning, will help your plant stay healthy and vibrant. By regularly checking for common issues like overwatering, pests, or leggy growth, you can address problems early and keep your jade plant looking its best. With the right jade plant care, they can thrive for many years, becoming a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home or garden.