Little Known Facts About Jade Plant - And Why They Matter

Little Known Facts About Jade Plant - And Why They Matter


5 minute read

The Jade plant is one of the most popular houseplants, but do you know how to care for it? Many people think that succulents are easy to care for since they do not need very much water. While seasoned plant parents know this is not always the case, the Crassula Ovata, or “Jade Plant”, absolutely lives up to this reputation. 

This plant is very simple to care for due to how versatile they are and how they are willing to adapt to different conditions. It is important to keep these plants healthy. With the proper knowledge of their basic needs, your Jade will feel right at home. By following these guidelines, you can increase the lifespan of your jade plants, as well as their overall health.  Here are the guidelines for successful jade plant care.

ORIGIN AND USE

The Crassula Ovata is a tropical plant that is native to Mozambique and South Africa. After being adopted as a popular houseplant worldwide, the crassula ovata has become a popular ornamental houseplant, gift, and even a good luck charm! In Asia, the Jade Plant is known as the money tree plant and is actively believed to bring financial prosperity, partly because the petal-shaped leaves resemble coins. While we cannot guarantee that anyone is going to instantly become rich from caring for Jade Plants, it certainly will not hurt to bring this good luck charm into your green space!

         

VARIETIES

The Jade Plant encompasses over 18 other varieties of houseplants. Depending on the type of Crassula, the Jade Plant can come in red, pink, white, orange, and silvery-blue coloring, with varying leaf shapes and flowers.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF JADE PLANT

Yes, indeed, Jade plants don’t need much attention, but it doesn’t mean we will not take good care of them. Here is a simple care guide you can follow to keep that strong and beautiful Jade plant of yours sitting in your green space at home or in your office. 

   

LIGHTING

Like most succulents, caring for Jade Plant entails providing bright, indirect light. However, what makes crassula ovata unique is that it can tolerate lower light levels! If you are on the fence because you aren’t sure if your home or office has enough lighting, don’t worry, as the Jade Plant can adapt. Plants have ways of telling us what they want, so just pay attention to how it grows. If your plant becomes “leggy” and looks like it could tip over, that means it is trying to stretch closer to the sun to get more light. In that case, just move your crassula ovata over to a sunnier windowsill or under a grow light.
 

WATER

The Jade Plant only needs to be watered when the soil is completely dry. The best way to test this is to feel the top few inches of the soil. If the soil feels bone dry, then water the plant thoroughly and completely, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. Once the soil has been thoroughly watered, you do not need to repeat this process until the soil is bone dry again. Watering is proportional to light and temperature, so your Jade Plant will need more water during the hot and sunny months, and less water during cooler temperatures and lower light conditions.
        

TEMPERATURE

Despite being a tropical plant, Jade Plant temperature needs are flexible. Warmer temperatures are not necessarily better for growth, as the best daytime temperature is 65-75°F (18-24°C). The Jade Plant also proves to be cold-hardy and can survive cold nights of 50-55°F (10-13°C). This makes it suitable to withstand drafty windows or cool nights outside.
 

HUMIDITY

Jade Plant care does not require high humidity and grows best in humidity levels around 40%.

 

FERTILIZER

Fertilizer is not required for healthy growth. However, when done properly, feeding your plant can absolutely help it grow stronger and healthier. If you choose to do so, only fertilize monthly during the growing season, spring through fall.

PROPAGATION

The Jade Plant can be multiplied by propagating individual leaves or taking clippings. Allow the leaves or cuttings to be callous over, then re-pot in soil for slow but stable re-growth.

SAFETY

The Jade Plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans when ingested. Please be mindful before growing around pets or small children.

FAQ

Are jade plants easy to care for?

Yes, Jade plants are easy to care for.

How long do jade plants live?

They can be passed down to generations because with proper care Jade plants can live up to 70 years.

What plants are similar to jade plants?

Succulents can be similar to Jade plants but not all can adapt as Jade plants can do.

You can find more houseplant info in our simple and easy to digest houseplant care guide: Declutterd Plant Guide

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