The jade plant takes its name from the belief, in some cultures, that it brings prosperity. If this doesn’t encourage you to grow it, then the fact that it’s indestructible might. This plant is ideal for a sunny, south-facing room with low humidity and for those who may forget to water it.
HEIGHT 36in (90cm)
SPREAD 36in (90cm)
FLOWERS Unlikely to bloom indoors
FOLIAGE Green, succulent
LIGHT Sun/filtered sun
TEMPERATURE 59–77°F (15–25°C)
CARE Easy
PLACE OF ORIGIN South Africa
Not many houseplants can cope with the heat and brightness of a sunny windowsill, but the jade plant will thrive in such a spot. When mature, it resembles a bonsai tree, thanks to its thick stems, which makes it hugely appealing. Avoid placing it in a humid room such as a kitchen as this can lead to poor plant health.
Plant your jade tree in a cactus mix, or an enriched potting mix with sharp sand at a ratio of 3:1. The jade plant is a succulent and overwatering can prove to be fatal, so be sure to allow it to dry out between waterings, and also reduce watering dramatically during the winter months. This is an undemanding plant that will need feeding just a couple of times throughout spring and summer with a half-strength, balanced fertilizer.
It’s unlikely your jade plant will flower, so grow this succulent for its shape and red-tipped foliage. Turn the pot occasionally to encourage a neat and uniform framework. The treelike form can make the plant top-heavy, so choose a substantial, heavy, glazed container to hold it steady.
PROBLEM SOLVING You’ll soon notice if this plant isn’t happy by inspecting its leaves. Brown spots are likely to be caused by underwatering during the summer, whereas wilted and yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. You can help keep leaves from dropping by watering with tepid tap water.
DID YOU KNOW? THERE ARE MORE THAN 200 DIVERSE SPECIES OF CRASSULA, RANGING FROM MINUTE, MOSSLIKE PLANTS TO SMALL TREES.
Consider planting a window box with other sun-loving succulents and placing it on a bright, indoor sill. The jade plant will combine well with an echeveria or two and a spiky zebra cactus. Alternatively, plant them in individual pots that can easily be moved about the house as the mood takes you.
Houseplants A–Z | JADE PLANT
Many succulents cope with limited watering, which makes them good partners for crassulas and great for anyone who’s often away from home. Why not try:
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