Things You'll Need:
- Jade Plant
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Step 1
Jade plants need bright indirect sun in the summer months and in the winter they can be in a southern window or average house light. If the leaves are starting to get brown edges, then it is getting too much sun and should be moved.
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Step 2
Watering jade plants can be tricky. They do not like their soil to be completely dried out but they don't like a lot of water either. Both can lead to root rot and death of the plant. If you notice the leaves starting to get wrinkled, then it is time to water it. When watering, give plenty of water then let soil become nearly dry before giving it another long drink of water again. The most common reason for the stem to droop causing the entire plant to fall over is that they are watered too shallow. When you water, give it a long drink of water making sure all the soil is moistened. The potting soil should be regular potting soil with a little sand added to it so it will drain quicker.
Fertilize lightly once a month in the summer months. If you are a "conventional" grower then water soluable miracle grow fertilizer works well. If you grow everything organically - even house plants - as I do, Either Dr. Earth water soluable fertilizer or one of the dry formulas works very well (I use Dr. Earth for all my plants) -
Step 3
Jade plants, if outside for the summer (remember - not hot direct sun!) must be brought in when the temperature falls below 55F. They do not like cold. One freeze will most likely kill it. They do not like a lot of humidity so they should be kept in a drier area of the house (ie: not the bathroom) although some have done fine in humid areas.
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Step 4
If you notice any insects, then it is time for a shower. Take it into the shower or sink with a sprayer and spray off the insects. Same if the leaves become dusty. Never use any leaf shine or cleaner products since it will destroy the protective oil on the leaves.
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Step 5
Keep the dead leaves plucked off. If you want the plant to branch, pinching the leaves off will encourage branching. The leaves can be let dry for a couple of days and then the end stuck into nearly dry soil to root - give it very little water until they root. New plants will start growing from the roots - not the top of the leaves.
