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How to Propagate a Jade Plant
The jade plant, also known as the money plant (Crassula ovata), originated in southern Africa. It prefers a warm, dry environment with plenty of sunlight. It is not cold-tolerant, is afraid of strong light, and tolerates slight shade. It is an ornamental plant with very high landscape value. Today let us learn about how to propagate the jade plant.
The most common propagation method for the jade plant is cuttings. Generally, select a side branch with leaves from a plant with good growth vigor and many side branches; the cutting should be 8-12 cm long, placed in a cool, ventilated place to dry for 1-2 days so the cut end dries slightly, and then inserted into a propagation sand bed; alternatively, pick a leaf from the main stem, let the cut end dry slightly, insert it into the sand bed, and maintain 20-25°C and suitable humidity; roots will form in about half a month.
In early spring, before the jade plant begins to grow, plant it or repot it by changing the soil. The potting soil should be loose, fertile and well-drained. Generally, use 2 parts leaf mold or peat soil, 2 parts garden soil, 3 parts coarse sand, and 1 part limestone gravel, or a culture soil thoroughly mixed from 3 parts each of leaf mold, garden soil and coarse sand, plus 1 part each of bone meal and plant ash as the potting soil. Before use, the potting soil should be sterilized. Sterilization methods: First, spray 400-500 ml of formalin solution (containing 40% formaldehyde) per 1 cubic meter of culture soil, mix well, then cover and seal it with plastic film. 2-4 hours. Remove the film and air it for 3-4 days until the liquid has evaporated before use; second, put the culture soil into a container and steam it for heat sterilization. When steaming, the culture soil needs a certain amount of moisture; heat at 80°C and steam for 2 hours. After 7 days, steam it once more. It can be used after being sun-dried. After planting, do not water immediately; provide shade or place it in a shaded spot, and after 4-5 days water it thoroughly once, then gradually increase light. When the roots fill the pot and drainage and aeration become poor, change the soil; if conditions allow, it is best to change the potting soil once a year.