The Crassula ovata, the Jade Plant is native to South Africa. The word Crassus in Latin means “thick”. The name Crassula was given to this group of succulent plants because they possess thick leaves and stems to store water, and are found in hot desert plains. The Jade plant is particularly recognized by its erect growth and shiny green leaves which are spoon-shaped. When grown in an area with ample light the leaves can turn reddish on their margin.

Perfect Environment For Growing A Jade Plant

The Jade plant should be placed where it will receive four to six hours of indirect sunlight daily. Jade plants when grown indoors require well-draining soil and the room temperature should range between 15- 31 degrees Celsius. Although it might do well in sandy or even rocky soil, jade plants are grown as indoor plants and prefer potting mix with a slight acidity and perlite. You can purchase the potting mix for growing succulents and cacti plants to ensure the right drainage. If grown outside, jade plants are vulnerable to frostbite and root rot and should be grown in warm dry climates. 

Jade Plant: How to Take Care of It

As you can see these plants are low maintenance but here are a few things to remember about them:

1. Jade Plants Should Be Put In Indirect Sunlight

Exposure to direct sunlight also poses a danger to young Jade plants because the sun’s heat can burn the foliage, or turn the edge of mature jade plant leaves red. Too little light and their growth will be affected or they get leggy or gangly. Jade plants require indirect sunlight of 4 to 6 hours a day. You can gradually change the position of the plant since it is receiving too much or too little light. Sometimes you might have to put your jade plant under direct sunlight. It is preferred that jade plants should be raised at a temperature of 65 – 75 degrees F (18-24 C) during the day and 50-55 degrees F (10-13 C) at night. They will be perfectly alright at temperatures higher than this if they receive enough light. 

2. Water Sparingly

Jade plants if over-watered, may get infected by root rot, so go easy on the watering. Jade plants can be watered frequently in the spring and summer seasons. Weekly watering or even monthly watering is enough. To make sure that your plant requires water, you have to feel the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil and watering the plant if the soil is dry. You can also check the leaves; if the leaves are puffed up and swollen, it means that the plant has been overwatered, and if the leaves are wilted then the plant needs water. This is because tap water is usually full of salts and minerals which may be bad for the plant and it is recommended that water should be filtered.

3. Use a Pot That Can Drain The Excess Water

Terracotta clay pots are the best to use since they are porous and can dry very fast; other clay-based pots are also suitable for use.

4. A Once-a-Year Fertilizing Is Usually Recommended

Jade plants are inactive during winter and start their growing period from early spring to early fall. This window is the appropriate time frame for fertilizing.

5. Repot Every Few Years

The Jade plant grows with the growth of its roots. To promote growth, young Jade plants should be repotted every two to three years and mature plants, every four to five years. Repotting should be done in the early stages of the growing season in the early spring.

6. Experiment With Propagating

If your jade plant gets bigger than expected, you can try propagation, or creating new plants through stem or leaf cutting. To propagate a jade plant you can just use a piece of the stem or the leaf and put it in the succulent-special soil to grow a new succulent. 

7. Be Careful With The Bugs

The most common bug that infects jade plants is mealybugs. Mealybugs are usually light yellowish or white fluffy insects normally found on the stems and leaves of the jade plant. It is a pest that appears with small white molds on the plants and is mostly present beneath the leaves. Mealybugs can be wiped off the plant by using a cotton bud or a piece of cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol.

8. Jade Plant Grows Best In a Well-Draining Soil

Like all succulents, jade plants should be grown in soil that has excellent drainage and is a mixture of peat, perlite, and coarse sand. This plant also tends to become ‘top heavy’ thus, for support, there is a need for soil with some weight. Select a pre-made succulent soil or create your own using a supply of organic material such as peat, coir or decomposed bark, and heavier components including sand, grit, or stones. Finally, to enhance drainage, one should add bark chips or perlite.  Jade plants prefer growing in acidic soil with a pH reaching up to approximately 6.5. If the pH should be altered then add 2 tablespoons of limestone per gallon of growing medium. 

 9. Jade Pruning

To reduce the size of the plant and to boost the growth, stems should be pruned to a lateral branch during spring. This makes trunk development and root growth possible. Pruning can also be done to form a bonsai at this time This is the right time that one can also prune to form a bonsai. 

Are Jade Plants Poisonous?

Jade plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The plant contains toxic substances that are lethal to the animals. Some of the symptoms that might occur after your pet consumes the plant include vomiting, depression, and incoordination. Jade plant affects their heartbeat causing the heart rate to slow down hence the lethargy. If you feel that your pet has consumed Jade plant, then it is advisable to rush your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Keep your jade plant at a location that is out of their reach. You may also mist the repellent spray on the leaves because it contains a smell that the pets will not tolerate or place it on a surface that the pets dislike such as tinfoil.  It is important to note that jade plants are toxic to humans and should not be ingested. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional before you start using the Jade plant as a medication. 

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