Description:
The Jade plant is known for its upright, treelike appearance and glossy green, spoon-shaped leaves. Positioned in bright light, the leaves can develop a red hue around their edges.
Botanical Classification: Crassula ovata
Pets And Kids:
Jade is slightly toxic. Ingestion may induce symptoms of toxicity such as vomiting, lethargy, incoordination and a low heart rate.
Plant Parent Care Tips:
- Prune off dead or shriveled branches.
- Careful when repotting jade plants. Allow it to completely outgrow its existing pot before transferring it. Jades will tolerate a small pot.
- Getting a jade plant to bloom requires mimicking its native growing conditions. Lack of water, cool nights and bright days encourage the plant to form buds and then flowers.
General Care:
Jade plants are easy to care for house guests. Give them a bright location and always let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out between waterings. As succulents they hold water in their leaves, so jade plants won’t do well when sitting in constantly moist soil.
Water:
Water every 10 to 14 days. Allow soil to almost completely dry out before watering thoroughly. During fall and winter, jades can thrive for up to a month between watering.
Sunlight:
Bright indirect light. Will tolerate low to medium light, but should avoid intense, direct sun. Can tolerate morning sun.
Placement:
Jade plants love sun and are best in a room with south facing windows. Avoid drafty windows and doors.
Food:
Fertilize twice a year using half-strength liquid fertilizer during spring and summer only.
Common Issues:
Leaf loss or rot – Symptom of overwatering
Surface burn or leaf loss – Symptom of extreme heat or direct sun
Leaves overly soft and flexible – Symptom of under-watering
Interesting Fact
Jade trees are considered a symbol of good luck.