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Jade plant care
Crassula ovata · Crassulaceae
Also called Jade tree, Friendship tree, Lucky plant.
A branching succulent shrub from South Africa and Mozambique with thick, glossy, egg-shaped leaves. With age the stems thicken into a trunk and the plant looks like a small tree. It can live for decades indoors if it gets bright light and dries out between waterings.
Light
Partial SunWatering
Every 2 weeksDifficulty
EasyPets
Toxic to cats and dogsHeight indoors
45-75 cm
Growth
Moderate
TemperatureUnconfirmed
15-24 °C
Not below 7 °C
Humidity
30% - 50%
Fine in dry rooms
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Slightly acidic soil
Native to
- South Africa
- Mozambique
Through the year
Water when the soil is dry all the way down; from autumn to late winter, give only enough to keep the leaves from shrivelling.
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Spring
Every 2 weeksMain growing season: water when dry, start feeding and repot if needed.
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Summer
Every 2 weeksKeep it in strong light and water thoroughly whenever the soil dries out.
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Autumn
MonthlyWater less and stop feeding as growth slows.
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Winter
MonthlyLet it rest cool and fairly dry, away from radiators, with only occasional water.
Feeding
Every 4 weeks in spring and summer. Cactus or balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Do not feed from autumn to late winter.
Care tips
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Give it the brightest spot
A south, west or east window works; a little afternoon shade prevents scorch in very hot rooms.
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Prune to shape
Cut stems back just above a pair of leaves in spring to make the plant branch and stay compact.
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Grow new plants from cuttings
Let a stem or single leaf dry for a few days, then set it on dry cactus mix; roots form within weeks.
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Repot rarely
Every 2 to 3 years in spring, into a heavy pot that will not tip as the plant gets top-heavy.
Common problems
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Dropping leaves
What you seeHealthy-looking leaves fall off and the stems feel soft near the soil.
What to doStop watering until the soil is completely dry, check the roots for rot and water less often from then on.
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Wrinkled leaves
What you seeLeaves look thin and shrivelled during spring or summer.
What to doGive it a thorough soak and let the excess drain; it needs more water while it is growing.
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Mealybugs
What you seeWhite fluffy clusters in leaf joints and along the stems.
What to doRemove them with a swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and repeat until no new ones appear.
Pets
Is jade plant safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs. The ASPCA lists the toxic compound as unknown; eating the plant can cause vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination.
Good to know
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Leaf edges turn red when the plant gets plenty of direct sun.
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Older plants can produce clusters of small white to pink star-shaped flowers, though this seldom happens indoors.
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Crassula comes from crassus, the Latin word for thick, a nod to its plump leaves.
