HOW TO CARE FOR JADE PLANTS
The easy to care for succulent that brings good luck!
written by Gabrielle Smith
JADE PLANT INDOOR CARE:
The Jade Plant, also known as the Money Plant or the Lucky Plant. The Jade Plant meaning is derived from the Feng Shui tradition where the plant is believed to bring good luck and wealth to your home. With thick green, star shaped leaves and a sturdy stem the Jade Plant often resembles a miniature tree, making it a unique addition to any succulent collection. A nice way to personalize the appearance of your plant is through pruning. Jade Plant pruning is necessary if you would like to keep your plant in a smaller pot, typical Jade Plant pot, or if you want to develop your plant into a beautiful bonsai-like appearance. Like most succulents, the Jade Plant is easy to care for and has minimal watering needs and partial shade sun exposure.
| Botanical Name: | Crassula ovata |
|---|---|
| Common Names(s): | Jade Plant, Money Plant, Lucky Plant, Friendship Plant, Silver Dollar Plant |
| Plant Type: | Succulent |
| Place of Origin: | Southern Africa |
| Sun Exposure: | Partial Shade or Filtered Sun |
| Seasonality: | Spring and Summer |
| Toxicity: | Unsafe for cats and dogs |
JADE PLANT WATERING NEEDS:
How much water does a Jade Plant need? The answer is simple! The Jade Plant requires watering every two weeks with about ½ an inch of filtered water or until the top inch of soil is moist. In the spring and summer, you may need to water your Jade Plant more frequently. Use the water and dry method, only watering your Jade Plant once the soil is completely dry. During the colder winter and autumn months, your Jade Plant is dormant and therefore only needs water about once a month.
Is Your Jade Plant Dropping Leaves?
A key sign that you need to change your Jade Plant’s watering schedule is if your plant begins to drop leaves. If your plant’s leaves begin to appear yellow and rotting before they drop, this may be a tell-tale sign that you are overwatering your Jade Plant and should start to water your plant less. In order to protect your plant from continuing to drop leaves, first cut off leaves that feel or appear soggy, then remove your plant and clean its roots of soil before transferring your plant into a new, fresh pot of soil. On the other hand, if the leaves of your Jade Plant look shriveled and dry before they fall off, this is a sign that you need to water your plant more frequently. As with overwatering, remove the infected leaves to promote growth in your plant. Lucky enough - the Flora App sends you reminders when it's time to water your plant, making sure you're right on track!
JADE PLANTS AND SUNLIGHT:
Does A Jade Plant Need A Lot of Sunlight?
Native to the warm and dry climate of Southern Africa, the Jade Plant’s light requirements reflect that of their natural environment. Your Jade Plant should be placed in a location where it receives partial shade. Partial shade is when your plant is placed in a location where it receives about 3 to 6 hours of morning sun exposure with your plant protected from the bright afternoon sunlight .The ideal indoor location for your Jade Plant is about 3 feet away from an eastern facing window. This location will provide direct morning sunlight whilst protecting your plant from being scorched by the afternoon sun!
Can Jade Plants Grow Under Artificial Light?
If your home does not have a lot of natural light, this can be supplemented with a full spectrum LED grow light.Ensure your Jade Plant is positioned about 12-24 inches below the LED grow light to protect the leaves from becoming burnt from too high temperatures.The closer your plant is to the grow light, the more intense the temperature your plant will be exposed to. Depending on the climate of your home, adjust your grow light accordingly.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMERATURE FOR JADE PLANTS?
An ideal temperature for a Jade Plant ranges between 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Since moderate temperature is preferred, a typical house climate is perfect for your Jade Plant. However, it is important that your plant is not exposed to temperatures that are too low! How much cold can a Jade Plant tolerate you ask? Anything lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit can be harmful to your plant; Cold temperatures can cause damage death .
Keep Your Jade Plant Away From The Cold!
Do not expose your Jade Plant to any temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as this is the Jade Plant minimum temperature tolerated. Anything below this and you may risk serious damage or death of the plant. When you use the Flora Pod ™ Sensor, you will be alerted when the temperatures are too cold for your plant, making it that much easier to keep your plant healthy! Here are two great ways to keep your Jade Plant at an appropriate temperature:
1. You can increase the temperature for your plant by wrapping its pot in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap creates a type of insulation for your plant and will protect it from colder drafts.
2. Another way to increase the temperature for your plant is through heat lamps. Heat lamps are a great way to ensure your plant is at the ideal temperature and is not at risk of exposure to lower temperatures.
WHAT IS THE IDEAL HUMIDITY FOR JADE PLANTS?
In addition to moderate temperatures the Jade Plant also prefers low humidity. Low humidity is between levels of 20 and 35 percent. If your home is prone to higher humidity levels, make sure to use a dehumidifier or water your plant less in order to prevent humidity levels from rising.. Both of these methods will ensure your Jade Plant is maintaining low humidity levels and able to thrive in it’s indoor environment.
COMMON JADE PLANT DISEASES:
Although easy to care for, if neglected your Jade Plant can be susceptible to numerous diseases and pests.
1. Powdery Mildew - One of the most common diseases that can affect your Jade Plant is white spots, which is also known as powdery mildew. Powdery mildew occurs when your plant has been placed in an area where the light is too low and the humidity is too high. Powdery mildew appears as white spots on your plants leaves. Once you spot powdery mildew on your plant be sure to immediately remove the leaves that have been infected. Another solution is to create an extract of vinegar and baking soda to spray on the infected leaves.
2. Mealybugs and Aphids: In addition to powdery mildew, mealy bugs and aphids can cause growth and health issues for your Jade Plant. These pests typically begin their infestation at the base of the plant’s leaves and feed on the fluids inside the leaves. The best way to protect your plant from these pests is by regularly removing all dead leaves from the pot and removing dust from leaves using a damp cloth.
JADE PLANT TOXICITY:
If you're on the fence about getting a Jade Plant and are wondering "Is the Jade Plant toxic to cats and dogs," we're sorry to say they are. Unfortunately, the Jade Plant is toxic to both dogs and cats. All parts of the Jade Plant are toxic to your pet. If consumed, the Jade Plant causes symptoms of vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and diarrhea. If you have a Jade Plant in your house and do not want to part with your plant baby, make sure it is in a secure area where your pet will not be able to get at it.
GROWING A JADE PLANT OUTDOORS:
Although Jade Plants are typically known for their indoor décor qualities, some plant lovers who live in the right climate of high temperature and low humidity, choose to grow their own Jade Plants. Through Jade Plant cutting you can use the cut leaves to propagate a new plant. Firstly take your cut leaf plant and allow it to dry out for about 1 to 2 weeks, once dry then place your cutting into a fresh soil combination of half perlite and half loam soil.
Use the Flora App to ensure all of your plant's needs are being met. Flora will send you alerts and reminders to let you know when it's time for your plant to be watered as well as give you a detailed guide on the optimal conditions to help your plant to thrive!