How to care for a jade plant in summer? Avoid the big mistakes to keep it thriving

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) has thick, emerald-green leaves, and the longer you grow it, the more its stems take on that old, mature look; placed at home it adds so much life. But once the hot summer days arrive, it easily runs into trouble--root rot, scorched leaves, and a wilted, listless look are all actually caused by failing to get the care details right! Today I will spell it out clearly: the "3 pitfalls" you must avoid when growing jade plants in the hot season. Follow them, and your jade plant will stay lush and green through the summer safely.

1. Do not water every day 

Many people think that since summer is hot and water evaporates quickly, they should water their jade plant every day, and the more they water, the worse the root rot gets! In fact, the jade plant is a"water-storage expert" among succulents, storing a huge amount of water in its leaves and stems, so it is not at all afraid of drought.

In hot weather the jade plant's root activity weakens and its ability to take up water is poor; if you water too often at this time, the potting soil stays damp all the time, the roots are smothered inside with no air, and root rot easily sets in (yellowing, softening leaves are the signal). The right way is: wait until the top 2/3 of the potting soil is dry, then slowly water thoroughly around the edge of the pot, and remember to pour out any standing water in the saucer afterwards. The pot must have drainage holes, and use a breathable succulent mix, so that water can drain away in time and the roots will not rot.

2. Do not expose it to scorching sun
 
The jade plant does like light, and only with enough light are its leaves green and thick enough, but it cannot take the full summer sun head-on! Especially when the temperature exceeds 30°C, prolonged exposure burns the leaves, causing scorch marks and dried tips.

When the temperature reaches 35°C or above, quickly move the jade plant to a spot with bright, indirect light, such as beside a window, a corner of the balcony, or set up a shade net to block the strong light. If you want it to get some sun, choose the mild sunlight of early morning or late afternoon; that satisfies its light needs without burning the leaves, so the leaves stay glossy and plump.

3. Do not fertilize blindly
 
Once it gets hot in summer, the jade plant enters a semi-dormant state, and at this time it has no need for fertilizer at all. If you still think about fertilizing"topping up nutrients", it will instead burn the roots! The fertilizer accumulates in the soil, the roots cannot absorb it, and it gets"burned up", the leaves will turn yellow and drop, and in serious cases the whole plant may die.

Fertilize the jade plant in spring and autumn, when the weather is cool! That is when it grows fast, so just apply a little diluted succulent fertilizer once a month. In summer there is no need to fertilize at all; once the weather cools down it will naturally resume growing.
 
In fact, growing jade plants in the hot season is not that hard. Remember"do not water too much, do not expose it to scorching sun, do not fertilize at random" these three points, and also make sure the environment is well ventilated (open the windows more or place it in a ventilated spot), and you can avoid most problems and get through the summer safely.