How to Grow, Care For, and Prune Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)

Although the jade plant may seem to have nothing to do with succulents, it is indeed a lovely succulent and a very popular one at that. If we mention its other name, jade tree, then perhaps more people will know what it is. So how should the jade plant be grown?

How to Grow Jade Plant

Best propagation time: Spring and autumn are its peak growing seasons.

Best growing soil: For jade plant soil, it is suitable to use a mix of leaf mold and garden soil with a small amount of river sand added as the growing medium. A little hoof and horn meal or other slow-release fertilizer can be added as a base fertilizer.

Humidity requirements: It prefers a relatively dry air environment. If rainy and overcast days last too long, it becomes susceptible to pathogen infection. It dislikes being rained on, and the leaves should be kept dry at night. The optimal relative air humidity is 40-60%.

Best growing temperature: The optimal growing temperature for jade plant is 15°C-32°C. It dislikes high heat and stuffiness, and enters dormancy when summer temperatures exceed 33°C. It cannot tolerate cold or frost, and the overwintering temperature needs to be kept above 10°C. It also enters dormancy when winter temperatures drop below 7°C, and if the ambient temperature approaches 4°C, it will die from frost damage.

Best growing light: Jade plant loves sunlight. If light is insufficient, it easily develops root rot and leaf drop from damp heat, but intense summer heat and strong direct sunlight are unfavorable to plant growth. In winter, the pot should be moved to a sunny spot in a shelter to keep the leaves fresh and green.

Jade Plant Care Tips

1. Jade plant loves light, so it should be placed in a bright, warm environment year-round. This is the key to flowering.

2. Jade plant is a fleshy, succulent plant and is very drought-tolerant. It should not be watered too much normally; water only when the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when completely dry.

3. During hot summer weather, be careful to avoid heavy watering right after sun exposure, as this can cause leaf drop.

4. During the growing season, apply a diluted, fully decomposed liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium once every 7-10 days. Never apply it too concentrated. If the above points are followed, flower buds will appear at the leaf tips by mid-to-late November, and the tree will be covered in blooms from January to March.

How to Prune Jade Plant

1. Pruning time: It is best to prune jade plant in spring and autumn. These are its peak growing periods, so it recovers quickly after pruning and readily grows new branches.

2. Pruning tools: Use professional garden shears.

3. Pruning key points: Mainly remove diseased branches and dead leaves to make the plant shape more fresh and elegant.

4. Aftercare: After pruning, jade plant should not be watered or fertilized immediately. Wait until its “wounds” have dried, then water appropriately. Also, wait until the jade plant has regrown branches and leaves before applying fertilizer appropriately.

How to Care for Jade Plant in Winter

1. Move the jade plant indoors in time

Jade plant is not cold-tolerant, so in late autumn, as winter approaches, the plant needs to be moved indoors in time. The indoor temperature should be kept at 7°C-10°C, and it should be placed in a spot with as much sunlight as possible. If the weather is relatively warm, the jade plant can be moved to the balcony to bask in the sun, but it should be moved back indoors at night to avoid frost in the morning.

2. Control the dryness and moisture of the jade plant's potting soil

In winter, the potting soil should be kept on the dry side, and it does not need frequent watering. Observe the jade plant's leaves and mist the plant with fine water spray as needed to replenish moisture. If the household humidity is sufficient, direct watering is generally not needed.

3. Keep the jade plant warm

Different methods can be used in northern and southern regions. In northern regions, temperatures are lower, so besides moving it indoors, try not to place it near windows. In southern regions, as long as the temperature is suitable, it can overwinter outdoors, but a layer of plastic film should be wrapped around the plant for warmth. However, pay attention to the humidity inside the cover; when there is too much water vapor, uncover it promptly for ventilation to prevent leaf rot.

4. Check promptly to prevent frost damage to the jade plant

In winter, frequently observe the jade plant's growth to prevent frost damage. If earlier cold protection measures failed and the jade plant has already suffered frost damage, do not discard the plant carelessly. Simply remove the frost-killed leaves and tender branches and keep the plump main stem. Apply fertilizer appropriately the following spring, and the main stem can still sprout new branches and leaves. Generally, after 1 to 2 years of cultivation, it can develop into a perfect jade tree again.

Jade plant is a very unique succulent. In appearance, it looks more like a tree, a tree covered in emerald green, so the name jade tree seems to suit it even better. Growing jade plant requires starting from its growth habits, so that its growing needs can be better accommodated.