Indoor Jade Plant Care

Jade plants produce large, fleshy leaves that range in color from a deep bluish-green to a bright yellow-green. The plants grow slowly and require little care, making them a suitable low-maintenance houseplant. You can grow larger types that reach about 2 feet tall and miniature jade plants that fit well into small dish gardens.

Light and Temperature

Place your jade plant in a location where it receives direct sunlight all day. An area near a south- or east-facing window is preferable. The plant can tolerate some bright indirect sun but will not be as strong and the stems may weaken, particularly with the larger-leafed varieties. The temperature inside most homes is suitable for jade, as they tolerate a range between 45 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants grow best with daytime temperatures near 70 F and cooler night temperatures.

Watering

Jade plants are a type of succulent, so they store extra water in their leaves. Allow the soil to dry out between each irrigation then water the plant until the extra moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. Empty the drip tray after watering as jade plants left to stand in the collected water are more prone to root rot. In most homes, the plants require once weekly watering, but your plant may require less frequent watering if it doesn't receive full-day sun.

Fertilizing

Plants grown in pots need regular fertilization to replenish the nutrients in the soil. Fertilize with a liquid-soluble complete fertilizer formulated for indoor houseplants. Apply the fertilizer once every three months at the rate recommended on the label for the pot size of your jade plant. Jade plants grow slowly so require minimal fertilizer. Too much fertilizer can damage the plants.

Winter Care

Even though the foliage remains green, the plants go semi-dormant in the winter months. Stop fertilizing in October and resume again in April. Water once monthly during the dormant period, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Winter is also the time to prune out any dead or damaged leaves. Jade plants do not require pruning to maintain their shape or size.

Repotting

There is no need to repot the jade plant each year since it grows so slowly, but you may wish to do so for decorative reasons or if the plant does become too top heavy for its pot. The plants do best when slightly root bound in a smaller pot than if they are placed in a large pot. Some jade plants may also bloom in winter when they are root bound. If you choose to repot, do so in spring and plant in a new pot that is no more than one size larger than the old pot.

References

• Cornell University Extension; Jade (Crassula Argentea); Tom Rood
• Purdue University Extension; Indoor Plant Care; B. Rosie Lerner; May 2001