How to Grow Jade Plants

The jade plant, also known as the money tree or lucky plant, is a succulent that is easy to grow and maintain, which is why it is a favorite among plant enthusiasts. It requires minimal water and can thrive for many years. Additionally, it is simple to propagate the jade plant from small branches. If you want to grow your own jade plant, learn the techniques for planting, caring for, and maintaining it.

Select a Cutting. If you have a mature jade plant (or know someone who does), you can grow new plants by taking cuttings from the larger plant. Choose a thick branch with healthy leaves. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the branch, ensuring that there are a few centimeters between the cutting’s base and the leaves to avoid cutting the leaves off when planting the cutting in soil.

Allow the cutting to dry for a few days. You should wait a few days for the cutting to dry out and form a callus, which helps ensure your new jade plant will develop strong roots. Simply leave the cutting in a dry place until the cut end forms a protective layer.

• The larger the cutting, the longer you should wait. If it’s winter, the drying time may be longer than during warmer summer months.

Use rooting hormone. Rooting hormone is a blend of plant hormones designed to encourage better growth from cuttings. You can either make your own or purchase pre-made rooting hormone.

• If using a store-bought product, follow the instructions provided. Typically, you dip the cutting into the hormone right before planting it in soil.
• To avoid contaminating the bottle, pour a small amount of the hormone into a container. Use this to dip the cuttings, then discard any remaining liquid. This way, the rest of the hormone in the bottle stays clean.
• This step is optional. While rooting hormone can improve the chances of successful rooting, jade plants are also capable of rooting naturally without it.

Fill the pot with appropriate soil. Avoid using regular potting soil for jade plants, as it is typically too dense and will make it hard for the plant to root. Instead, use soil specifically designed for succulents or mix your own by adding some sand to increase drainage. What’s important is ensuring the soil has good drainage for the jade plant.

• You can create your own mix by combining sand, perlite, and compost. Succulents thrive in soil that drains easily, so it’s vital to avoid using ordinary potting soil. You can find all these ingredients at your local nursery.
• If you're worried about drainage, consider using a clay pot instead of plastic. Just make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. If the pot has a water-catching tray, be sure to empty it regularly.
• Jade plants don't require much space, so a small pot will be sufficient for a cutting.

Plant the cutting. Use your finger or a pencil to make a small hole in the soil (just large enough for the cutting). Place the cutting in the hole so that the cut end is covered by soil, making sure it is deep enough to stand upright if no rooting hormone is used. If you applied rooting hormone, ensure the treated end is buried.

• Gently pack the soil around the cutting. Avoid compacting it too tightly, as this could impede drainage. Just pack it enough to keep the cutting stable.
• If directly planting the cutting into soil doesn’t work, try placing the cutting in water to encourage rooting. Submerge the cutting in a jar with enough water to cover the cut end. It will start to form roots, and once this happens, you can plant it in soil.

Place the plant in a sunny spot. The cutting should be placed in an area with plenty of sunlight but not direct exposure to avoid leaf burn. After about 3–4 weeks, you should see new growth at the tip of the cutting, indicating the roots are developing.

• Resist the urge to water the cutting while it’s rooting. Watering can increase the risk of rot and may kill the cutting before it has a chance to root.
• Once the cutting has rooted, consider moving it to a larger pot if desired.
• If the plant seems not to be rooting after a few weeks, be patient. Succulents typically root quite easily, and it may just need more time. You can gently lift the cutting to check for roots, but avoid doing this often as it can delay the rooting process.

Allow the plant to dry before watering. The jade plant is a succulent, which means it needs water but not a lot of it. If you touch the soil and it feels moist, the plant doesn't need watering yet. Conversely, if the leaves start turning yellow, it's a sign the plant is thirsty.

• Insert your finger into the soil about one knuckle deep. If it feels dry, you can water. If it still feels moist, the plant doesn’t need watering.
• During the winter months, the plant requires less water, so make sure to check the soil regularly.
• Some recommend soaking the pot in a bowl of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture from the bottom. However, it’s also important to water the plant from the top, ensuring that water drains completely from the pot's base.
• Never let the jade plant sit in standing water. Be sure to pour out any excess water from the saucer beneath the pot.
• Avoid wetting the leaves when watering the plant.

Place the plant in a sunny location. Jade plants thrive in sunlight, but they don’t require full sun all day long. Avoid placing the plant in a south-facing window as it may scorch the leaves. Instead, find a location that receives 3 to 5 hours of sunlight daily.

• Move the plant gradually. For example, if the plant is in a shady spot and you want to place it on a sunny windowsill, don't just move it directly into the sun. Sudden changes like this can cause leaf burn and drop. Instead, move the plant gradually to allow it to adapt. Start by placing it in a spot with an hour of sunlight each day, and over several days, slowly increase the exposure until you find the ideal spot.

Keep the plant tidy. Regularly remove fallen leaves from the pot and prune the plant to promote healthy growth. You can trim the jade plant to shape it as desired, but be careful not to disturb the main branches too much, as it could harm the plant.

• Trim back excessive new shoots to help the plant maintain a fuller shape and avoid becoming too leggy.

Maintain the right temperature for the plant. Jade plants are hardy and easy to care for, so you don't need to worry much about the temperature. Keep the plant in a room-temperature environment, avoiding placement near south-facing windows where it may be exposed to intense sunlight for most of the day.

• In winter, jade plants prefer cooler temperatures, around 13°C (55°F).

Replace the soil every 2-4 years. While the plant can survive in a pot without changing the soil for many years as long as you don't overwater, replacing the soil every 2 to 4 years helps you check if the roots have been damaged or are rotting. Additionally, fresh and dry soil will ensure that the plant continues to thrive.

• If the jade plant you have has been in the pot for several years and is no longer looking healthy, you should replace the soil to help it recover.

Wipe dust off the leaves. If dust has accumulated on the plant, you can use a soft cloth to wipe it off. Another method is to place the plant outdoors during rain so that the rainwater can wash away the dust.

• However, if the leaves are wet, make sure they can dry completely. Plants with water trapped on their leaves may rot or become infected with fungi.

Be cautious of pest infestations. While not a common issue, jade plants can sometimes fall prey to pests. If you notice small mealy bugs on the plant, you can use cotton soaked in a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the leaves.

• Look for tiny, white, cotton-like patches on the leaves. This is a sign of mealy bugs on the plant. Additionally, you can use a magnifying glass to spot red spider mites, which are difficult to see with the naked eye due to their tiny size.
• Avoid using insecticidal soap on the plant, as it may damage the leaves.

• If you're growing a jade plant outdoors, be sure to bring it indoors during the winter months, before the frost sets in.

• The jade plant can be toxic to dogs and cats. If you have pets, make sure to keep the plant out of their reach, or consider planting a non-toxic alternative that’s safe for your furry friends.