How to Grow a Jade Plant: Mastering Light, Watering and Pruning

The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a succulent in the family Crassulaceae, genus Crassula, also known as the jade tree. Its leaves are thick and plump, and its stems are sturdy; once the stems of an old plant become woody, they take on a strikingly rugged, gnarled look, making it a very popular indoor potted plant grown for both its foliage and its stems.

When growing a jade plant, the first thing to pay attention to is light and temperature. It likes a sunny environment; with plenty of light the plant stays compact and the leaves are glossy, while a long period without light easily causes leggy growth and thin, weak branches. In summer, when temperatures are high and the sun is intense, it can be shaded appropriately to prevent the leaves from being scorched; it is not cold-hardy, so after winter begins it should be moved to a warm spot indoors and watering should be gradually reduced.

Watering and soil are the keys to care. The jade plant is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging, so watering should follow the principle of letting the soil dry out completely and then watering thoroughly; the pot must never be allowed to hold standing water, otherwise the roots rot and the leaves drop easily. For cultivation, a loose, airy, well-draining sandy loam is best; an appropriate amount of granular medium can be mixed into the potting soil to improve drainage.

During the peak growing season, light fertilization in small amounts can help the branches and leaves grow strong. The jade plant sprouts readily, so it can be pruned and pinched back as needed to control its shape; after the cut ends of the removed branches dry out, they can be used for cuttings, which root with a high success rate. If the leaves are normally found to be soft and dropping, it is usually related to overwatering or poor ventilation, and the plant will slowly recover once the conditions are adjusted in time.