Everything You Need to Know about Jade Plant Care
The jade plant is a popular succulent houseplant with fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and thick, woody stems that resemble tiny tree trunks. With just a bit of care, it can grow to be between 3 and 6 feet tall, but it does so slowly, growing about 2 inches a year. Check out Jade Plants.
These plants are considered to be a symbol of good luck. There’s something very calming and peaceful about a jade plant. Not only that, according to Feng Shui, having a jade plant invites good fortune and lucks into your home.
Jade Plant Care
Jade plants have thick, glossy leaves that can come in various shapes – the most common being oval. The trunks are woody-like, and although not fast growers, over time (a longtime), jade plants can get quite tall. The most important factors to consider, when growing jade houseplants, are water, light, temperature, and fertilizer. Let’s discuss Jade Plant care.
Light
Jade plants love light, and young plants especially should be exposed to bright, indirect sunlight in order to thrive. Jade plants young and old should receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily, but keep the plant safe from direct rays. Harsh light can scorch young, immature plants or cause the leaves of older ones to turn red.Indoors it’s no different. Don’t let him become too chilled, or place him near cold, drafty windows.
Soil
When choosing a mixture to house your jade plant in, a succulent-specific blend is your best bet. When it comes to soil and good jade plant care, what’s most important is the soil’s ability to drain quickly. Remember, jade plants are succulents that hold water in their leaves. But those leaves can only take up so much water. What water they can’t store, is left in the soil. This means if you’re using heavy dense soil that leftover water will just sit around in the pot soaking your plant’s roots. And that increases the chance of your plant developing root rot.
Water
One of the most important things when you care for jade plants is to make sure that they are watered properly. Never let a jade plant dry out completely. Also, do not water a jade plant too often, as this can cause root rot. Don’t water your jade plant on a schedule. Rather, water your jade plant when the top of soil is just dry to the touch. If your jade plant is losing leaves or has leaf spots, this is most commonly caused by too little water.
Temperature and Humidity
Jade plants prefer average household temperatures ranging from 19 to 22 degrees Celsius. At night and in the winter, jade plants can handle a cooler environment, down to 13 degrees Celsius, though they should never be kept in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius for any prolonged period of time.
Fertilizer
For proper jade plant care, fertilize your jade plant about once every six months. Use a balanced water soluble fertilizer. An important thing to keep in mind is that you should water your jade plant in the regular way and then water it with the fertilizer water. Never fertilize your jade plant when the soil is dry, as this will damage the roots.
Common Problems
- Symptom: Leaf burns/Sunburn
Cause: Exposure to bright direct sunlight. - Symptom: Root rot
Cause: Poor drainage, water clogging. - Symptom: Shrivelled Leaves
Cause: Under-watering. - Symptom: Loss of leaves
Cause: Not receiving enough light. - Symptom: All-over yellowing
Cause: Over-watering.
Jade plant care is easy and simple. Many people enjoy growing jade plants in their homes and offices, and they are considered to be symbols of good luck. Learning about the care and maintenance of jade plants (Crassula ovata) is easy.
Jade plant care reference: GardeningKnowhow