How to Keep Your Jade Plant Thriving for Decades (Yes, Really)
Some things just get better with time—French wine, vintage Chanel, and, yes, even plants. Crassula ovata—better known as the jade plant—is a sophisticated succulent that rewards thoughtful care with decades of glossy-leaved glory.
These beauties flaunt woody stems and plump, oval leaves that bring a touch of drama to any space. But don’t let their sturdy appearance fool you—while they’re certainly resilient, they do appreciate a consistent care routine to truly thrive (don’t we all?). With proper attention, jade plants can live up to 100 years, growing up to an impressive six feet—though they take their sweet time getting there, adding just two inches per year. #SlowLiving is trending now anyway, isn’t it?
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or someone whose previous botanical endeavors have ended in tragedy, we've consulted some top plant experts to bring you the ultimate guide to keeping your jade plant thriving. Because if you're going to invest in a plant that could potentially outlive you, you might as well do it right. Here’s your essential guide to growing a jade plant indoors.
Where Do Jade Plants Come From?
Native to South Africa and Mozambique, jade plants are natural survivors. Their very name, “Crassula,” comes from the Latin word “crassus,” meaning “thick”—a fitting description for their water-storing leaves and stems, an adaptation that helped them survive in their arid homeland.
How Much Sunlight Does an Indoor Jade Plant Need?
“As much light as it can get!” says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. “This succulent thrives with lots and lots of bright light, so within about three feet of an unobstructed south, east, or west-facing window is ideal.”
Watch for signs that your plant isn’t getting enough light—leggy growth and pale green leaves are your cues to find a brighter spot. On the other hand, a pretty, rosy-red tint develops along the edges of the oval-shaped leaves when the plant has sufficient sunlight to thrive.
How Often Should You Water a Jade Plant?
Think of watering your jade plant as a rhythm rather than a routine. “On average, [you should water your plant] every two to three weeks. But it’s really best to figure out a cadence that works for your plant based on light, temperature, and other conditions in your home,” Hancock advises.
The best method? “I recommend letting it just about dry out (when you stick a wood toothpick up into the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, it should be clean when you pull it out with no or next-to-no soil adhering to it). Then give it some water and test with the toothpick how long it takes to dry out again,” he tells ELLE DECOR. “From there, you should be able to build your own cadence based on your particular conditions.”
When in doubt, err on the dry side—these succulents would rather be a bit parched than waterlogged. If the leaves turn into a mushy mess, it probably means that your plant is being overwatered.
What Kind of Soil Does a Jade Plant Need Indoors?
Your jade plant isn’t picky about soil, but she does have standards. A well-draining succulent mix is ideal: “Generally, a potting mix developed for cacti and succulents is best. But you can use most general-purpose potting mixes as long as you’re super careful not to overwater. The jade plant is a drought-tolerant succulent and it would rather be too dry than too wet,” Hancock tells us. For best results, use a blend of sand, potting soil, and perlite or pumice to ensure proper drainage.
The pot is just as important as the soil—opt for a container with excellent drainage holes and consider using an unglazed terracotta pot, which helps wick away excess moisture.
Does a Jade Plant Need Fertilizer?
During the growing season from early spring to late autumn, you can fertilize your indoor jade plant every other month, but during winter, the girl needs a rest period (same).
Feed your jade plant like you would a gourmet meal—sparingly but with quality ingredients. A balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer during the growing season will keep it thriving, but use it at quarter strength for mature plants. Young plants benefit from a formula with less nitrogen to prevent overly rapid growth. For best results, water your plant normally first, then follow up with fertilizer solution—this prevents root damage that can occur when fertilizing dry soil.
How Often Does a Jade Plant Need to Be Repotted?
These slow-growing beauties don’t need frequent moves to bigger homes. Young plants can wait two to three years between repotting sessions, while mature ones can luxuriate in the same spot for up to five years. Choose a pot that’s only one to two inches larger than the current container—these plants prefer to be slightly root-bound.
How Do You Guard Against Pests?
Mealybugs are pink, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material and are the most common uninvited guests. For pest control, gardening expert Ariel Vazquez offers an unexpected kitchen-witch solution: "Sprinkle cayenne pepper and fresh onion slices in fresh filtered water. Set in the fridge overnight, strain and use the water mix to wipe the leaves and stems down with a paper towel.” Like a spicy spa treatment for your plant!
Can You Propagate a Jade Plant?
More is more! These plants make it easy to create new ones from both leaves and stems. For leaf propagation, start by gently twisting off a healthy leaf—making sure to get the entire leaf with no segments left behind on the stem. Let it dry out for several days in a warm, bright spot until a callus forms. Once ready, place the leaf on top of a well-draining potting mix (no need to bury it), water thoroughly, and then let it dry between waterings.
If you’re looking for faster results, stem propagation is your best bet—it creates a larger plant in a shorter amount of time than propagating by leaves. Select a stem with two to three leafless nodes at the bottom and a few leaves at the top (you may need to remove some lower level leaves to achieve this). Make a clean cut, let it callus over for several days, then plant directly into well-draining soil. Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
While you can propagate year-round, summer is the ideal time, as the increased light and humidity create optimal growing conditions for your new plants. With a bit of patience and the right care, you’ll have a whole family of jade plants before you know it.
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