Basic Jade Plant Care
There are two things to remember when caring for a Jade Plant. Firstly, they love sunshine and can’t get enough of it (be wary of hotspots though). This makes them a great plant for that sunny spot many of your other houseplants might not have been able to handle. The second thing to remember is that they have very delicate roots so are very sensitive to root rot. Water sparingly and make sure that the pot and soil have good drainage.
To learn more about what your Jade Plant needs outside of water and light, you’ll find everything you need to know below…
Detailed Jade Plant Care
Jade Plants need full sun
It is important that your Jade Plant gets at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day. If you are lucky enough to have a south-facing window in your home, we definitely recommend placing them near that to maximise the exposure each day.
Good drainage is vital
Jade Plants like it if the soil is moist but not damp and they hate sitting in water. This means you need to ensure your pot has good drainage holes and you have added perlite into the soil mix. During winter, you need to reduce the amount of water as this can easily lead to root rot in colder temperatures.
Keep the leaves of your Jade Plant dry as you water
It is important that you do not splash the leaves whilst watering your Jade Plant as this can lead them to rot so make sure to water directly into the soil from a narrow spout.
Jade Plants prefer warmer temperatures
Although they will survive in slightly cooler homes, Jade Plants thrive best in environments at or above room temperature. Don’t worry if your room sometimes drops below 10°C in winter as your Jade Plant will still be able to survive, but growth will be minimal.
Low humidity levels are best for Jade Plants
Jade Plants thrive best at humidity levels of around 30%-50%. Never mist your Jade Plant as they need their leaves to be dry to avoid rot. You can find out more about humidity levels and percentages in our humidity guide.
Use a water soluble fertiliser
Throughout the warmer months of spring and summer you may want to fertilise your Jade Plant to encourage growth. We recommend using a weak water-soluble fertiliser once a month during the growth period, and none at all during autumn and winter.
Jade Plants are sensitive to tap water salts
We recommend you filter the water for your Jade Plant if you live in a hard water area. This is because they can be quite sensitive to salts that are in your tap water.
They don’t mind being a little pot bound
Frequently repotting your Jade Plant is not a necessity, they won’t suffer too much by being root bound so you might only need to repot every few years or so. When you do though, make sure you repot in spring so it can settle into its new home during the warmer months.
Jade Plants can flower if neglected
If you do want your Jade Plant to produce flowers, do not repot too often so that the plant becomes quite root bound and keep the soil quite dry. This will encourage the plant to produce little white flowers.
Propagating your Jade Plant couldn’t be easier
You can propagate a Jade Plant straight from a leaf cutting. Place them straight into a cacti or succulent potting mix and after a few weeks they should start to produce little roots and grow into a mature new mother plant.
Keep your Jade Plant away from your pets
Jade Plants are toxic to both humans and pets so it is important you keep them away from small children as well as your dogs and cats.
Jade Plant Care FAQs
Are Jade Plants easy to care for?
Jade Plants are perfect beginner houseplants as they couldn’t be easier to care for. Adaptable to most homes, Jade Plants don’t need much tending to and thrive from actually being neglected.
How often should I water my Jade Plant?
Jade Plants hate having soggy soil so you want to make sure that the potting mix has time to full dry out between waterings. Overwatering can quickly cause root rot as they have such a delicate root system.
Can Jade Plants tolerate full sun?
Yes, in fact Jade Plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive and are one of the few plants that love direct sunlight.
Are Jade Plants toxic?
Jade Plants are toxic so you want to keep your pets and children away from them if they are likely to try to nibble at the leaves.
Common Issues for Jade Plants
Although the requirements for taking care of a Jade Plant are quite clear, this doesn’t necessarily mean it always works out in practice. There are quite a few common issues that occur so its important to know the warning signs and act quickly.
Why are the leaves on my Jade Plant dropping?
If you notice that your Jade Plant is losing quite a few leaves, this is often an indication that your plant is thirsty. Increase the watering a little (making sure there is sufficient drainage) but be careful not to overcompensate as too much water can cause root rot.
Why are the leaves on my Jade Plant shrivelling?
Shrivelled, dry leaves on a Jade Plant are a sign that it is not receiving enough water. Increase the watering a little (making sure there is sufficient drainage) but be careful not to overcompensate as too much water can cause root rot.
Why are my Jade Plant's leaves turning brown?
If there are light brown spots or patches on the leaves of your Jade Plant, it may be due to underwatering. If there are dark brown, squidgy leaves, it may be overwatering. Check the moisture in the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Why are the leaves on my Jade Plant squishy?
Squishy Jade Plant leaves are an indication that you have been overwatering, or there is not enough drainage in your pot. Make sure you have added perlite to the potting mix and hold off on the watering for a while.
