A Complete Analysis of the Latest Key Points for Spring Care of the Jade Plant
The jade plant (Portulacaria afra) is beautiful and attractive, with leaves that stay lush green through all four seasons, crystal-clear like jade, warm and translucent, and it is deeply loved by many friends. Spring is when all things revive and is also the golden period for jade plant care. So how should the jade plant be cared for in spring? Follow the editor to learn about it together.
1. Repotting
The jade plant likes a loose, breathable growing medium and has relatively high requirements for the drainage of the medium. If the potting soil in which the jade plant is grown has been used for a relatively long time, or if the soil has become severely compacted into clumps, then you need to consider repotting and changing the soil. Before repotting, water should be controlled appropriately, as this makes it easier for the old soil to come off smoothly. After removing the plant from the pot, you can remove one-third to two-thirds of the old soil, and at the same time you also need to prune any rotting roots, disinfect them, and then repot. When repotting, be careful to lift it up appropriately to create the effect of exposed roots and visible claws.
⟦NL>2. Sufficient Light
The jade plant quite likes the mild sunlight of early spring. Exposure to sunlight will accumulate some nutrients for later growth, which can make the plant grow more robust and the leaves more lush and charming. After spring arrives, it should be allowed to breathe more fresh air. Especially once the temperature is stable, it can be placed outdoors for care, because outdoors in spring there is not only warm sunlight but also fresh air, which is good for its growth.
3. Reasonable Fertilizer and Water Management
If you want the jade plant to grow vigorously in spring and have a more shapely plant form, then in spring you need to learn to fertilize reasonably. When fertilizing, it should be based on the plant and the climate. You can apply some decomposed organic fertilizer, preferably mixed with some high-nitrogen compound fertilizer. This can not only promote the growth of branches and leaves, but also make the stems thicker and sturdier and more captivatingly appealing. Combined with fertilizing, you can water a bit more. In principle, just keep the soil moist and breathable. Be sure not to water too much and cause root rot.
4. Proper Pruning
If you want the jade plant to become more beautiful, pruning and shaping are indispensable. If the jade plant has been grown for more than 2 years, then in spring we can prune it. Pruning should be based on the tree's vigor, and it can be made into a natural style, curved-trunk style, and so on. Do not force the tree shape; natural is better. When shaping, be careful when wiring the main branches, then prune the side branches to coordinate with the main branches, with primary and secondary clearly distinguished and a posture that rises and falls gracefully. If it has already been grown into an old stump, then it is recommended to prune more leaves to highlight the antique elegance and rugged strength of the branches and trunk.
The above is an introduction to the key points of spring care for the jade plant. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please keep following us.