What to do when a jade plant (Portulacaria afra) keeps dropping leaves? One method to make the branches dense and grow more vigorously
In today's society, growing flowers is no longer a profession but a hobby. It seems that no matter whose home you visit, there will always be one or two pots of green plants or flowers on display. This way, not only is the air at home better, but you can also enjoy the pleasure of caring for them. Of course, when choosing flowers, many people like to pick ones with good meanings, so that caring for them feels more satisfying.
The jade plant (Portulacaria afra) is also commonly known as the purslane potted plant. It not only has a good meaning, but also has dense branches and always looks full of vitality. However, recently many gardening friends have complained to Huahua that their jade plants always drop leaves after being kept for a while, and they want to know how to remedy this. If your jade plant is like this too, then follow Huahua and learn some small methods for caring for the jade plant!
The jade plant itself is a kind of bonsai-style plant. If leaf drop occurs, there should be two reasons. The first is that there is usually too little ventilation. The jade plant likes to grow in a warm environment, but it dislikes damp heat, and in summer especially, ventilation must be paid attention to. Because summer weather is hot, we generally close the doors and windows and turn on the air conditioner. People are comfortable, but the plant suffers. In hot, stuffy weather, the leaves directly become wilted, and leaf drop is very normal.
The second reason is generally caused by soil compaction. The jade plant grows quickly and has a very large root system, which means that after about one or two years of care, it usually needs repotting. If it is not repotted for a long time, the plant's root system cannot spread out, which leads to soil compaction inside the pot. Once the soil is compacted, it simply cannot provide enough nutrients, and the jade plant will show yellowing and leaf drop.
Actually, daily care for the jade plant is not difficult. It is relatively drought-tolerant but not waterlogging-tolerant. When watering, pay attention to using only a small amount, and during the growing season, water only after the soil has dried out completely. Generally in summer, when the temperature is above 30°C, the plant enters a dormant state. At this time, if you water heavily, it will cause water accumulation.
If you want the jade plant to grow vigorously, fertilizer is indispensable. During the growing season, on average, a light fertilizer solution containing nitrogen needs to be applied once every half month. In winter, when the weather is cold, stop fertilizing. Keep up this care routine, and I believe your jade plant can also grow into a large old stump.
The jade plant is generally propagated by cuttings. You can cut a few branches from the mother plant and insert them into fertile, well-drained sandy soil for rooting. After cutting, do not expose them to the sun, and try to keep the soil moist. Once small seedlings grow, you can return to the normal care routine. In addition, regularly pruning the branches of the jade plant can make it grow more vigorously!
This is the care method for the jade plant that Huahua is sharing. If you have better suggestions and methods, leave a comment in the comment section to share them!