How to Grow and Care for Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Methods and Precautions
Jade plant is a shrub in the genus Crassula of the family Crassulaceae, native to southern Africa, and has been introduced as a potted plant because of its unusual leaf shape and beautiful flowers. So, what are the growth habits of jade plant? Is jade plant toxic? How do you grow jade plant? Let's find out together.
1. Growth Habits of Jade Plant
Jade plant is a plant native to Africa. It likes light and heat, and grows best in a sunny, warm and dry environment. It is not cold-tolerant, and in winter the temperature must be kept above 5 degrees; if conditions allow, it can be grown in a greenhouse. The soil is best a sandy loam with good air permeability and drainage.
2. Is Jade Plant Toxic?
The sap of jade plant is toxic, as is the case with many plants. The sap of jade plant is irritating to the skin, and contact with the skin may cause redness, swelling and pain; it must certainly not get into the eyes. However, jade plant itself does not produce toxic gas, so as long as you pay extra attention in daily life and do not let children in the home touch it, it is fine. In addition, if you do come into contact with the sap, please seek medical attention immediately.
3. How Do You Grow Jade Plant?
1. Flower pot
To grow jade plant you can use clay pots, plastic pots, ceramic pots, etc. The pot diameter can be 15-30 cm, depending on the size of the seedling. In the dry climate of the north, a porcelain pot can be used; in the humid climate of the south, a tile pot can be used.
2. Soil
Jade plant does not have high soil requirements, but since jade plant is a tropical plant, the most suitable soil is sandy loam, because sandy loam is loose in texture with good air permeability and drainage. The potting soil can be mixed yourself in a ratio of 5 parts leaf mold, 2 parts garden soil and 3 parts river sand. In addition, the soil needs a certain degree of dryness and should not be too wet, otherwise it will cause the roots and stems to rot.
3. Watering
During the growing period of jade plant, just keep the soil moderately moist. In addition, pay attention to the drainage of the flower pot; water must not accumulate, because if poor drainage in the pot causes water to accumulate, it will lead to root rot. On rainy days and in winter, when there is more moisture in the air and evaporation is low, it is not suitable to water.
4. Fertilizing
Jade plant can be fertilized starting in spring when new stems sprout. During the growing season, you can apply a top dressing once a month of a 15-fold dilution of decomposed liquid fertilizer mixed with an equal amount of 1000-fold potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution, or use a 1000-fold general-purpose “Huaduoduo” fertilizer once, to provide nutrients, so that when it blooms there will be many flowers and the growth will be pleasing.
5. Temperature and Light
Jade plant is shade-tolerant and can be grown indoors, but the room temperature must be kept above 5 degrees. If the temperature is too high, it easily causes leggy growth, leaf drop or pests and diseases. Low temperatures in winter can promote flower bud differentiation, and below 5°C the plant enters a dormant state.
The above is the jade plant growing method compiled for you by Tuliu.com. With careful cultivation, jade plant can bloom every year; if grown improperly, it may not bloom even once for several years. As a bonsai, paired with a pot stand and colorful gravel, it looks especially beautiful. Do you like it? If you do, go buy a pot and plant one!