How to keep your succulents healthy for decades

If you want a hardy houseplant that doesn’t require a nursery, the jade plant is perfect for you! jade plants (Crassula ovalis) Easy to grow, And They’re absolutely adorable. Jade plants look like small trees with thick, woody trunks and shiny, oily leaves. In fact, they are often used for bonsai.

Speaking of which, the jade plant can live for it Contracts With proper Jade plant care. Native to South Africa, these succulents store water in their leaves, stems and roots, so you don’t need to water them often. This is another reason why it is a great low-maintenance houseplant.

In its native environment, the jade plant grows into a rounded evergreen shrub that can reach three to six feet tall. It can be grown outdoors in frost-free zones such as USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Indoors, they are slow growing, so the size you buy is the size you will keep for years. Jade plants also don’t mind being root bound, so you don’t have to replant them too often, perhaps every three to four years.

There are many different common types of jade plants available, including types with bronze or variegated leaves or even types with interesting wavy or tubular leaves. No matter what plant you grow, you’ll find that these plants make a beautiful, carefree addition to your houseplant collection.

Here’s what you need to know about jade plant care to ensure your plant will flourish for decades.

How to care for jade plants indoors?

Jade plants grow in hot, sunny environments, so they like plenty of bright light. Place them in an east, south or west-facing window. They prefer at least four hours of direct sunlight. If your room is dark or you don’t have a sunny window, use an LED grow light. Make sure to rotate your jade plant every now and then to help it grow straight and even. Otherwise, it will reach towards the sun and may become unbalanced.

The most important thing to remember is that you should Water this plant sparingly. Jade plants prefer to become mostly dry between waterings. The surest way to kill a jade plant is to overwater it!

Jade plants usually only need water every 10 days to two weeks. But put your finger in the soil to be sure. If the soil sticks to it, it means it’s not time to water yet. Check back in a few days, then give him a good, long drink. Get rid of any standing water in the saucer below the pot. You’ll know you’ve overwatered and need to water less if the stems start to become soft or the plant starts dropping its leaves.

How do you propagate a jade plant?

It’s so easy! Simply cut a small piece, leave it to dry and harden for a few days (so it doesn’t rot), then push the cut end into a pot of moist soil. Cuttings tend to root more easily in the summer, but they will work any time of year. Keep the soil slightly moist as the cut roots do, which may take a few weeks.

Do jade plants bloom?

Jade plants rarely bloom indoors, but when they do you’ll see an abundance of small, sweet-smelling pink-white flowers. Jade blooms in response to long nights, so if you want to encourage flowering, withhold water and keep your plant in a cool, dark place (about 55 degrees) starting in the fall. As with holiday cacti, this period of darkness should stimulate flowering.

Are jade plants toxic to pets?

Unfortunately, according to the ASPCA, jade plants are toxic to cats and dogs and may cause vomiting, depression, and lack of coordination if ingested. If you have a rodent, be sure to keep these plants out of their reach. And if you suspect your pet has swallowed anything – even if you’re not sure – contact your vet as soon as possible. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Costa Farms Jade Plant, 6 inches tall

Dwarf jade bonsai tree in Brussels

Corrugated Jade Plant, 4″ Pot

Jade bloomscape plant, 8 to 10 inches tall

Arricca Elin SanSone writes about health and lifestyle topics in the areas of prevention, rural life, women’s day and more. She is passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.