People treat jade plants (Crassula ovata) like furniture. And the thing is, the jade plants let them. Ignore it and ignore it and it'll probably still be alive come December. But that's not the same thing as a jade that's actually doing well, and April is where the two start to diverge. This is when dormancy ends and the plant wants to put out real growth – not just sit there looking glossy.

Getting the timing right matters more than most people realize. Solid jade plant care through the growing season comes down to a few key adjustments.

Most of these are quick. A few are just adjustments to what you're already doing. But done now, at the right moment, they add up to a noticeably healthier plant by the time summer rolls around.

1. Ease Back into Regular Watering

Winter watering for jade is pretty minimal – once every three or four weeks, sometimes stretching longer. April changes that. The plant is growing again and actually using the moisture you give it, so bumping up to roughly every ten to fourteen days makes sense. That said, don't overdo it. Jade holds water in its leaves for a reason.

Check the top inch or two (2.5–5 cm) before watering every single time. Still damp? Come back in a few days. When it's dry, soak it thoroughly and let the pot drain all the way – jade sitting in a wet saucer is jade heading toward root rot, even in spring.

2. Move It into More Light

Jade wants sun, and spring is when it starts actually mattering again. East-facing windows work well – enough direct morning light without the harsh afternoon heat. If the stems stretched out and got a bit scraggly over winter, that's a light problem, and now's the time to address it before the new growth comes in the same way.

Wherever it ends up, rotate the pot every week or two. Jade leans hard toward its light source and will grow lopsided if left alone. A quarter turn each week keeps things even and encourages growth on all sides rather than just the one facing the window.

3. Start a Light Feeding Schedule

Never fertilize a jade plant during the winter – doesn't need it and won't use it well. April is the perfect time to start again. Apply a half-strength 10-10-10 fertilizer, or this succulent fertilizer from Amazononce a month. Dilute it down to half strength so it's gentle enough for monthly use without pushing weak growth.

Overfeeding is actually a more common problem than underfeeding with jade. Too much nitrogen and the new growth comes in soft and floppy, making the plant easier for pests to damage and more prone to rot. Once a month, half strength, and stop entirely when fall arrives. Simple.

4. Check for Pests

Dry indoor air all winter is the perfect condition for mealybugs and spider mites, and jade is not immune. Mealybugs tuck themselves into stem joints and leaf bases – look for small white cottony bits. Spider mites are subtler; the leaves just look a little dull, maybe some faint webbing if it's been going on a while.

Caught early, either of these jade pests is easy to deal with. All you need is rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, worked carefully into the affected spots. Let it go a few more weeks, however, and it becomes a much bigger project. It's worth taking five minutes now to go over the whole plant, undersides of leaves included.

5. Repot (If It's Outgrown Its Container)

Roots sneaking out the drainage holes, or the plant looking way too big for the container it's in – these are the signs it's time to repot a jade plant. Spring is the right time, and April is squarely in that window. Go up one size only; jade is fine slightly root-bound and doesn't need a lot of extra room to be comfortable.

Fast-draining soil matters here. A cactus mix works well, or just cut regular potting soil with perlite about 2:1. Something like this cactus mix from Amazon works – it won't hold excess moisture the way standard potting mix does. After repotting, wait three to five days before watering again.

6. Take Cuttings

April is a good time to propagate jade, and the process is pretty forgiving. Snip a healthy stem around three to four inches (7.5–10 cm), then set the cutting somewhere dry for a couple of days – it needs that time for the cut end to callous over before it goes into soil. Skip that step and it tends to rot rather than root.

Plant it in barely moist, gritty soil and leave it mostly alone. Indirect light, not much water, and patience. New growth shows up within a few weeks when it's working. It's a good way to use up trimmings from any pruning, and jade cuttings root reliably enough that they make decent gifts.

Keep It Going Through Spring

April is really just about getting back in sync with what the plant is already doing. Dormancy's over, growth is starting – water, light, and feeding all need a nudge in the right direction. None of it is complicated, but the timing matters more than people think.

Past April, keep an eye on soil moisture as temperatures climb – jade dries out faster in summer than most people expect. This 4-in-1 soil meter from Amazon is useful if you find yourself second-guessing it. Stay consistent through the growing season and jade rewards that attention in ways that are pretty hard to miss by fall.

Jade plants are popular houseplants and can live 50 years or longer if properly cared for. These plucky succulent plants are native to South Africa and Mozambique but bring endless charm to houseplant collections all over the world. They are associated with growth, luck, and prosperity. All good things to carry us through the year!

Proper care of jade plants includes changing care habits throughout the year as their growth patterns shift. Cooler, shorter days in winter mean reducing watering and being more hands-off. But in March, jades begin to leave dormancy and enter their active growth stage. It is important to pay attention to this shift and adjust care accordingly.

Here is what to do with a jade plant in March to set it up for healthy growth this spring and summer.

1. Prune

Jade plants can get leggy through the fall and winter as they stretch for sunlight. March is a good time to prune a jade plant to keep it looking healthy and well-shaped. Jades also have a tendency to become top heavy as they continue to grow, so this can also be remedied with a nice pruning. Any shriveled or dead branches should also be pruned.

When pruning your jade plant, use sterilized pruning tools to avoid transferring any pests or disease to the plant. It is also good to ensure your shears or snips are sharp so the cuts are clean and the plant stem doesn’t get crushed and damaged. These ergonomic pruning shears from Modern Sprout, through Amazon, are made from carbon steel for long-lasting sharpness (and they’re pretty cute, too!) When you trim a jade plant, two new branches will grow from where it was cut, so it will become thicker and bushier.

2. Increase Water

The increases in sunlight and temperature through March send your jade plant into its active growing season. With active growth, comes more demand for water. Water your jade plant when the top inch of soil is dry and be sure to not to let it be dry for more than a day during the spring and summer months. You can also use a simple moisture meter like this one from Amazon to keep an eye on things below the surface of the soil.

Jades enjoy consistent watering during this phase, but make sure the soil doesn’t stay soggy. A well-draining soil mix will keep the right balance of water so your jade will thrive. A succulent mix works well.

3. Fertilize

When you begin to see new growth on your jade plant in March, it is time to start a fertilizing regimen. Jade plants like a balanced fertilizer diluted in water applied every other month. The spring and summer growing season increases the need for nutrients and regular fertilizing will help your jade plant produce strong new growth and maybe even some flowers next winter!

Dilute a water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer to half or a quarter before applying to slightly moist soil. This Miracle-Gro succulent plant food, available from Amazon, is a great fertilizer for your jade plant and will help boost new growth.

4. Repot

Jade plants typically outgrow their pots within a year or two, and March is the perfect time to repot them. Jades are good growers and tend to get top heavy as they mature, so repotting will help give them some room and make sure they don’t topple over.

Choose a container that is no more than 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the root ball of the jade plant and has a drainage hole so it doesn’t become waterlogged. It’s also a good idea to choose a pot that has some heft to it so the plant is less likely to tip over. For a smaller jade plant, a 4 to 6-inch (10-15 cm) diameter pot like this handcrafted Bergs pot from Magnolia is the perfect fit.

Use a well-draining succulent potting mix and a little compost to set your repotted jade up for success. Miracle-Gro succulent mix, available from Amazon, is specially formulated for succulents and their needs.

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Jade plants are charming succulents that develop into almost Bonsai-like small trees when mature. They are known for their looks, but also for their ease of care, and tolerance. Jade plants can live for nearly 100 years old with proper care. If you notice a jade plant turning red, it is probably not a cause for concern. However, you should make sure what the reason is, just in case something is really wrong. 

Is Your Jade Going Red? 

There are around 200 species of Crassula, or jade plant. Many of these naturally have blushed tips, such as the Golden Jade Tree. This plant has almost lime green leaves, adorned with pinkish red edges. Other examples might be 'Botany Bay,' 'Harbour Lights,' 'Silver Dollar' jade, or

Silver jade. There are many more varieties that normally sport red edging along the leaves. So if your jade is getting red, look up the variety and see if this is part of the plant. A jade plant with red edges is not necessarily a bad thing and could be part of the plant's foliar color. 

Most Common Cause for a Jade Going Red

If you don't have a variety that is supposed to have red edges, don't panic. In most cases, when a jade has red tips the cause is a cultural issue. 

Lighting is the most common reason. Jade plants in a sunny, west or southern window, may experience too much light. This is especially true in spring and summer when the plant may be responding to too much sunlight. Move it back away from the window a bit and it will recover. To avoid your jade plant turning red, give it 3 to 5 hours of full sun per day. An eastern window will give the plant bright morning sunlight, while protecting it at noon, when the hottest rays arrive. 

Other Reasons for a Red Tipped Jade

If your lighting is perfect, your soil drains well, and all other growing conditions for the plant have been met, consider other potential causes. 

Jade plants don't need much fertilizer, as they grow in rather inhospitable soils. Red tinges can occur, however, if there are no nutrients in the soil. If a jade is getting red it may have experienced a temperature extreme, such as too much cold or heat. 

Another possibility is lack of water. Even though they are drought tolerant, regular watering with periods of drying in between, encourage natural green growth. Your plant may be getting grumpy because it needs water. This is easy enough to correct and your plant will have no long-standing health problems.

Healthy jade plants have thick stems and fleshy leaves. If you notice your jade plant looks wrinkled, it’s the plant’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right. The good news is that often, wrinkled jade plants can be rejuvenated by altering the way you care for your plant. Most importantly, don’t assume you can water your jade plant the same way you water other indoor plants. Jades have quite different growing requirements. Here are a few tips for fixing a wrinkly jade plant. 

Wrinkled Jade Leaves: Underwatering

In nature, jade plants store water in their leaves, which allows the plants to survive dry periods. The leaves of a well-hydrated jade are plump, while thin, wrinkled jade leaves are a good sign that the plant needs water. 

Don’t go by appearance alone, however, and never water without feeling the potting mix first. Ideally, water only when the potting mix is dry nearly to the bottom of the container. If you’re not sure, stick a wooden skewer in the pot to test the moisture level.

Wrinkled Leaves on Jade: Overwatering

Underwatering is easy to fix, but a seriously overwatered jade plant may not survive. Often, a wrinkly jade plant with yellow leaves is an indication of overwatering. If the roots are beginning to rot, the plant may die if you don’t address the problem as soon as possible.

You may be able to save a plant with root rot by repotting the jade in fresh potting soil. Slide the plant carefully from the pot and trim any brown, mushy leaves. Hopefully, some of the roots will still be healthy and white. Repot the jade in a clean pot, using a special potting mix for cactus and succulents. Regular potting mix doesn’t drain well enough for jade plants. 

Be sure the container has a drainage hole. Don’t assume a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot will provide adequate drainage, because the gravel is likely to just trap water around the roots. Water the plant only when the soil is dry. Never allow the pot to stand in water, any water left in the drainage saucer should be poured out as soon as possible. 

Jade plants make fantastic houseplants, but if not provided ideal conditions, they can become sparse and leggy. If your jade plant is getting leggy, don’t stress. You can easily fix it.

Leggy Jade Plant Fix

First, it is important to know why your jade plant got leggy in the first place. If your plant is not compact and looks stretched out, chances are that it has become etiolated. This just means that the plant has stretched out because of insufficient light. 

Jade plants like several hours of direct sunshine and should be placed right in front of a window for best results. If you have a nice southern exposure window, this will be ideal for your jade plant. Let’s discuss how to fix a leggy jade plant.

Pruning a Leggy Jade Plant

Although pruning scares many people, it is really the only leggy jade plant fix. It is best to prune your jade either in the spring or early summer months. Your plant will be in active growth during this time and will start to fill out and recover much more quickly. 

If you have a very small or young jade plant, you may just want to pinch off the growing tip. You can use your thumb and forefinger to pinch this off. You should have at least two new stems growing from where you pinched it. 

If you have a larger, older plant with several branches, you can prune your plant back harder. In most cases, try not to remove more than a quarter to a third of the plant when you prune your jade back. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears and make sure that the blade is sterilized so that you’re not spreading disease. To do this, you can clean the blade with rubbing alcohol.

Next, imagine where you’d want the jade plant to branch off and use your pruning shears to make cuts right above a leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem of the jade). At each cut, you will get at least two resulting branches. 

If you have a plant that is a single trunk and you want it to look more like a tree and branch out, you can easily accomplish this with patience. Simply remove most of the lower leaves and pinch off the growing tip. Once it starts growing and develops more branches, you can repeat the process and pinch out the growing tips or prune the branches back until you achieve the desired look you are going for.

Leggy Jade Plant Care

After you’ve done your pruning, it is important to correct the cultural conditions that caused your plant to grow leggy. Remember, place your jade plant in the sunniest window that you have. This will encourage more compact, sturdier growth.

Jade plants are among the most popular of succulent plants for both indoors and outside. There are many types of jade plants. If you have one that seems to be outgrowing its container, it might be time to consider jade repotting.

When Should I Repot Jade Plants?

You might think of repotting jade plants if they’ve stopped growing or if they appear too crowded. Overcrowding in the container is not bad for the plant, but it does limit more growth. Jade plants grow to the size their root system allows, often reaching 3 feet (1 m.).

Professionals say small jade plants should be repotted every two or three years, while larger plants can wait four or five years. Increase the container size with each repotting. Usually, going one size larger is appropriate.

How to Repot a Jade Plant

When you’ve decided your jade is ready for a new container, make sure the soil is dry. Start fresh soil and a new, clean container that is larger. Begin the process by gently using a spade or other flat tool to slide around the inside edges of the container. This helps loosen a root system that may be clinging to the walls of the pot.

Depending on the size of the plant and container, you may turn it upside down to let it slide out or pull gently by the stem at the soil area. If the plant has several stems, gently circle them with your thumb and fingers and flip the pot upside down. If roots seem stuck near the bottom, work them out with a clean tool.

For plants with multiple branches, this might be a good time to divide into two plants. This is just an additional option while you’ve got it out of the pot. If you choose to divide your jade plant, make one clean, quick cut with a sharp tool through the center of the root ball.

When the plant is out of the pot, tease out the roots to see how much growth you can expect. Remove as much of the old soil as possible. It is rarely necessary to trim roots of a jade plant, but a slight trim sometimes encourages growth in the new container.

When repotting jade plants, place it as deeply as possible into the new container without the leaves touching the soil. As jade plants grow, the stem will thicken, and they will look more like a tree. They’ll get taller and put out new leaves when settled in.

Wait at least two weeks to water, longer if bottom leaves don’t crinkle. This allows root damage to heal and new growth to get started.

Gollum jade succulents (Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’) are a favorite winter houseplant that may go outside in spring. A member of the jade plant family, the Gollum is related to the Hobbit jade – listed under the “Shrek” and “Lord of the Rings” category. A few jades on the market have inherited such nicknames from the movies. Similar to its larger cousin ET’s fingers, this jade also has long tubular leaves that curl inward and are tipped in red. When happy in its location, the plant may even produce small, star-like pinkish flowers in summer.

How to Care for Gollum Jade

The Gollum jade crassula is readily available and may come into a simple collection as a cutting. The plant grows and multiplies easily in a sunny location. Adjust the plant gradually into a full sun area if you’re not sure of the conditions it occupied prior to your home or office. If the plant was indoors at a nursery or garden center when you got it, you will also need to acclimate it before placing in full sun.

The plant will maintain and even appear to thrive in part sun, but for maximum performance, place it in full sun. Grow it in a fast-draining gritty mix for succulents or choose a similar cactus growing mix. Coarse sand is a great addition to the cactus mix. As long as the soil provides excellent drainage, it will work when growing Gollum jade.

Water regularly in spring and summer, allowing soil to totally dry out before you water again. Cut back on watering in fall and water lightly and infrequently in winter. As with many succulent types, overwatering is the primary cause of death among them.

Fertilize lightly in spring. Feed this plant again in summer using a weak mix of succulent food, if it is not growing vigorously.

Other Gollum Jade Info

During the growth phase, you’ll see the stem thicken and become somewhat gnarly looking. It can eventually grow to 3 feet (91 cm.) high and 2 feet (61 cm.) wide, so make sure the container is changed as it grows. Using the Gollum jade crassula for bonsai training is also a consideration. Plant it in the ground if conditions are favorable. It is hardy to USDA zones 10a to 11b.

Enjoy the easy-to-grow Gollum jade and other members of the Hobbit family.

Most people are familiar with jade plant's popularity all over the world as an easy-to-grow houseplant. Yet, many people are surprised to find that in warm climates growing jade plants outdoors is an excellent option. When most of us think of jade plants, we think of beautiful potted bonsai-like specimens. However, in parts of California, Arizona, and other arid warm regions, jade is a popular choice for hedge plants. Read on for more information on growing jade outside.

Outdoor Jade Plant Care

Native to South Africa, the most common variety of jade grown in the home or garden is Crassula ovata, commonly known as money tree. As container plants, they grow 2-5 feet (.5-1.5 m.) tall. Because jade plants are such slow growers, their size and shape can easily be controlled by keeping them in smaller pots and performing regular pruning and shaping. They can even be shaped easily into unique bonsai specimens. Because their stems and leaves are quick to form new roots, they are a popular choice for propagation by cuttings. They are seldom bothered by pests, need very little water, and are tolerant of poor, dry potting media and being root bound. All of this applies to outdoor jade plants as well. They are hardy in zones 10-11, but prefer hot, arid climates and can be prone to rot and other fungal problems in humid climates. Growing jade plants outside does require some patience, as they are slow growers, but in time they can top out to 6-10 feet (2-3 m.) tall. Usually, though, outdoor jade plants are kept trimmed to 2 to 4 foot (.5-1 m.) tall hedges or borders, or shaped into bonsai-like specimen or accent plants. In the right conditions, broken or fallen branches of outdoor jade plants will form new roots, allowing them to easily fill in as lush hedges and borders, and even form colonies. However, their slow growth makes them easy to maintain the desired size and shape.

Growing Jade Outside

Jade in the garden will grow best in a sandy loam soil. Quick draining soil is a must, as they will be prone to root and crown rot and other fungal problems in wet, slow-draining, compacted, or clay soils. Jade plants can grow in full sun to pretty dense shade. However, 4-6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal for outdoor plants and they’ll do best with a little shade from the intense afternoon sun. Although jade plants are succulent and can tolerate drought, their foliage can become tinged red or wrinkled and shriveled when stressed from too little water. Jade in the garden will benefit from a deep watering weekly or biweekly. They will also benefit from an annual spring fertilizer for cacti and succulents. In the right conditions, outdoor jade may form short-lived white-pink blossoms. These flowers should be deadheaded after their very short bloom period to maintain the healthy, green appearance of the plant. Mealybugs are a common pest of jade plants, so jade in the garden should be checked over regularly for these pests, as well as scale and spider mites.

Jade plants, or Crassula ovata, are popular houseplants, beloved by plant enthusiasts because of their stout brown trunks which bear thick, glossy, green succulent leaves. They can be formed in to unique bonsai shapes and can grow to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall in containers. Generally easy-care, low maintenance plants, there are a few specific jade plant pests that can damage and even kill them if not controlled. Read on for more information on pests of jade plants.

Jade Plant Pests

The most common of jade plant pests is the mealybug. Mealybugs will form white, cottony patches at the joints where leaves are attached to stems. Their mouth parts pierce into plant tissues and they feed upon the plant sap. As they feed, mealybugs secrete a sticky substance, known as honeydew. This sticky honeydew provides an ideal location for the spores of the fungal disease sooty mold to settle upon. Not only do the jade plants suffer from the sap loss from a mealybug infestation, they often end up with a nasty infection of sooty mold. Mealybugs and other jade plant pests are difficult to control because jade plants can be very sensitive to horticultural soaps and oils. These insecticides can be too harsh on the succulent foliage, causing even more damage to the plant. Instead, it is recommended that mealybugs on jade plants be wiped off with cotton balls or Q-tips soaked with rubbing alcohol.

How to Solve Jade Pest Problems

Other common jade insect pests are spider mites and soft scale. Spider mite infestations will cause chlorotic patches or speckling on jade foliage. Again, rubbing alcohol is the recommended treatment for pests of jade plants and horticultural soaps and oils should be avoided. It is important to stay diligent when treating these pests. Mealybugs, soft scale, and spider mites are all very small pests that can go unnoticed for quite some time and can easily hide in hard to reach plant surfaces. It may be necessary to clean infected jade plants with rubbing alcohol several times before you'll finally be rid of these pests. In extreme cases, jade plants with pests may need to be disposed of.

Compact, rounded heads atop sturdy branches give a bonsai type appeal to the ripple jade plant (Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia). It can grow into a rounded shrub, with mature plants capable of reaching 3 to 4 feet (around 1 m.) in height, according to ripple jade plant info. Bluish leaves are twisted and erect, sometimes with purple edging when this plant is growing in the right place. Growing ripple jade, also called curly jade, is a joy when it’s located in a happy spot.

Growing a Ripple Jade Plant

Place your ripple jade outside, if possible, when temperatures allow. If you live in an area that doesn't have freezing temperatures, grow ripple jade plants in the ground. These plants make an attractive border or background plant for shorter succulents. Happy, healthy plants produce white blooms in spring to summer. When planted inland, morning sun is preferable. Locate ripple jade plants in full morning sun to keep them vigorous. When planted in coastal areas, ripple jade may take afternoon sun as well. While this specimen can take some shade, too little sun creates stretching, disturbing the appearance of this plant. Jade plants growing indoors need a sunny window or exposure to a grow light. If your plant is stretching, ripple jade plant info advises pruning for shape and acclimating to a full-sun location. Increase sunlight every few days by a half hour to an hour until you’ve reached six hours of sun. Use cuttings left from pruning to start more plants. Let the cut end callous for a few days before planting.

Ripple Jade Care

Caring for ripple jade begins with planting in amended, fast-draining soil. As with most jade plants, limited water is needed for ripple jade care. Wrinkled leaves indicate when your jade needs a drink. Well-established ripple jade plants that are settled into a container or a planting bed need little attention. Succulents, overall, need little to no fertilization, but if your plant looks pale or unhealthy, sometimes a springtime feeding of succulent fertilizer is just the pick me up your plant needs. Bottom leaves may yellow and fall off before the plant enters winter dormancy. This is normal for the plant and usually does not indicate a need for feeding. Find the happy spot for your ripple jade and watch it develop.

Who wouldn’t want a plant that looks like ET’s fingers? Jade, the pleasantly-plump succulent that is such a great houseplant, has several cultivars with unusual foliage, including ET’s Fingers. These fun plants are great additions to indoor containers or outdoor beds if you have the right environment.

ET’s Finger Jade Plants

ET’s Finger is a cultivar of jade, Crassula ovata. Jade plants are succulents with fleshy foliage and are native to South Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that thrives in hot, dry, sunny environments. For most people, growing a jade outside isn’t possible, but it makes a great houseplant. What makes the ET’s Finger jade so unique is the shape of the leaves. The original jade has small, flesh, oval leaves. ET’s Finger jade plants grow leaves that are also fleshy, but the shape is elongated and tubular with an indentation at the end that is reddish in color and a little wider than the rest of the leaf. In other words, besides the fact that most of the leaf is green, it looks like ET’s finger. This cultivar is also called ‘Skinny Fingers’ and is very similar to another one called ‘Gollum.’

Growing ET’s Finger Crassula

Care of ET’s Finger jade is the same as for any jade plant. If you are growing jade outdoors, you should be somewhere with dry, hot conditions and mild to warm winters (zones 9 and higher). As a houseplant, you can grow this plant in any location. In fact, they do very well because they can be neglected and go unwatered for a while and still be fine. Give your ET’s Finger jade soil that drains well. Between waterings, let the soil dry out completely. Overwatering, or poor drainage, is the most common way jade houseplants fail. These desert plants also need full sun, so find a sunny window. Keep it nice and warm during the growing season, but let it get cool in winter. You can also place your pot outside in the summer. Your ET’s Finger jade should produce small white flowers in the summer and will grow slowly but steadily if you give it the right conditions, including occasional fertilizer. Trim off dead leaves and branches to keep it healthy and looking nice.

One of the classiest household succulents is the jade plant. These little beauties are so charming you simply want more of them. That leads to the question, can you separate a jade plant? Jade plant division can produce a healthy new plant over time, but so can simply using a leaf. These tenacious plants are tough to kill and easy to propagate. Separating jade plants won't hurt them and will give you more of these easy to grow succulents.

Can You Separate a Jade Plant?

If you have a jade plant, you know the simple pleasure its steady, slow growth and beautiful, chubby leaved stems can bring. There are many ways you can get a start from your plant, with jade plant division being one of the simplest and fastest ways to get a mini-me from the parent. As with most things, timing is everything and it is important to know when to divide jade plants. The most obvious answer is when you are repotting them, but time of year can also increase your chances of success.

Jades are remarkably adaptable plants. About the only thing they can't withstand is boggy soil. They can be propagated from either stem or leaf cuttings. Use only healthy plant material and not tissue that is damaged or diseased. You can choose to use cuttings removed during trimming or unpot the whole plant and divide the stem. How do you know when to divide jade plants? The best time is when they are actively growing in spring or, better yet, summer.

Make sure the plant is not dehydrated, as dry plant material will not produce roots readily. For jade plant division, you need a container, a nice half and half mixture of potting soil and vermiculite, and a clean sharp blade.

Dividing a Jade Plant

Once you have your materials assembled, it is time to separate the plant. Remove it from the soil and examine the stems. It should be apparent which part is pulling away from the main plant. Cut this away between the stems, ensuring some root comes away with the division. Next, lay the cutting out on a clean, dry surface to form a callus. This is when the end tissue dries out and helps spur rooting and prevents fungal issues. After a couple of days to weeks, depending on how big the cutting is, you are ready to plant.

After separating jade plants and allowing the ends to callus, plant in well-draining soil with a bit of grit or vermiculite mixed in. If necessary, use a little stake to keep the soon-to-be plant upright. Place the container in a warm, bright location away from direct sun. After a week or so, lightly moisten the soil but still keep it a bit on the dry side. In three to four weeks, after the plant has had some time to establish itself, you begin treating it as you would any jade.

Jade plants are common houseplants that even the most novice of gardeners can grow successfully. Does a jade plant bloom? Getting a jade plant to bloom requires mimicking its native growing conditions. Lack of water, cool nights, and bright days encourage the plant to form buds and finally flowers. It's a bit of a trick, but you can fool your plant into producing pretty little starry white to pink flowers in spring. Read on to learn more.

Does a Jade Plant Bloom?

Jade plants are primarily known for their thick, glossy, succulent leaf pads. There are many types of jade but the most familiar houseplants are Crassula ovata and Crassula argentea. These succulents reproduce by vegetative means but can also flower and produce seed. 

We often hear, "my jade plant won't bloom," and strive to provide information on what may cause a jade plant not flowering and how to promote blooms in reluctant plants. Jade plants grow for many years without blooming. Even in their native habitat, the plants need to be very mature before they form flowers. 

Among the many jade plant flowering requirements is an arid ambient environment. Interior conditions are often too humid for the plant to form buds. Getting a jade plant to bloom will require you to move it to a dry location, withhold water, and expose it to cooler nighttime temperatures. 

Of course, your plant should be an older species for blooming or you will still not find a single flower. Given the right setting and environment, a jade plant not flowering may simply be that it is not old enough to reproduce yet.

Getting a Jade Plant to Bloom

All plants need the same environment they would experience naturally to promote flowering and fruiting. Some require a dormancy period, some a photoperiod, and others extreme environmental conditions. Jade plant flowering requirements are a combination of all three. The plant doesn't exactly enter dormancy but it does require a rest period before buds form. As the days become shorter, reduce watering and do not fertilize. 

Keep the plant in an area of 60 degrees F. (12 C.) during fall but protect it from any freezing. Blossoms should start to form around the shortest days of the year and bloom in late winter to early spring. These starry little flowers are produced in clusters at the tips of branches and are short lived. Once the flowers fade and the stalk becomes brown, you can cut off the flowering stem. Begin to increase water and temperature as the spring progresses. 

In summer, move the plant outdoors gradually to an area with some protection from searing sun rays, but where it is bright for most of the day. Water when the surface of the soil is dry. Jade plants like to be crowded, so they rarely need repotting to a larger container but they do need new soil every three years.

Repot after the flowers have bloomed and at least a month before you move the plant outdoors for summer. Use a good cactus mixture for plants left indoors but add a bit of humus-rich soil to plants that are taken outside.

In spring to late summer, fertilize with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Don't expect annual blooms, however, as the plant needs time to store adequate energy for this infrequent floral spectacle.

Jade plants are one of the most popular succulent houseplants. There are many varieties from which to choose, each of which has similar cultivation needs. Jade plant problems that cause black spots range from insects, viruses, fungal disease and even incorrect care. Succulents like jades have low moisture needs and can become seriously damaged in poorly draining containers and planting media. Sucking insects and various diseases can also take a toll on foliar health and appearance. It is important to investigate possible causes for spots on jade plant leaves. Proper diagnosis can lead to correction of the issue and the return of your plant's health.

What Causes Black Spots on Jade Plant?

Who isn't charmed by the jade plant's chubby leaves and ease of care? If the plant is in the correct light, a low humidity area and has the proper potting mix, these plants don't require a lot of babying. However, even the best succulent gardener may find their plant has some issues, chiefly black spots on jade plant. The spots can lead to serious decline of plant health and even death if not properly addressed. One of the most common jade plant problems that causes the issue is incorrect watering and drainage, but there are a few other potential issues that can be compromising your plant. Jade plants thrive in dry, sandy soils with low fertility. The average potting soil is probably too moisture retaining and rich for these South African succulents. Well-draining soil with plenty of grit and a container which allows moisture to evaporate will ensure plant health. Use an unglazed container to increase evaporation with numerous drainage holes. Excess water can cause a condition called oedema, where roots take up water faster than it can be used. This leads to tan or dark brown corky lesions on the leaves which darken as the condition progresses. Repotting the plant in sandy, gritty soil in an evaporative container and monitoring soil moisture should cure what ails the plant quickly and diminish black jade plant leaves.

Injury, Diseases Causing Spots on Jade Plant

Spots on jade plant leaves may simply be the result of injury. Causes could range from rambunctious toddlers to inquisitive cats, but however the injury occurs, usually the plant will defoliate the damage and no remedy is necessary. More frequently, when a jade plant has black spots it is due to excessive humidity and overwatering in winter. Jade plants go into dormancy when light levels are low and do not actively grow in winter. Reducing water in winter is important to maintaining jade plant health. In high humidity conditions, Anthracnose and other fungal diseases may be issues of concern. Increase ventilation and water only when the soil is dry to the depth of the second knuckle of a finger inserted into soil. Occasionally, an antifungal spray may be required. Viruses are usually spread by insects and cause black spots on jade plants. These rarely kill the plant but can be in all parts of the jade. Discard infected material and do not take cuttings, as the resulting plants will be infected.

Black Jade Plant Leaves and Bugs

Even indoor plants are prey to insect infestation, especially when they are grown outdoors during summer and then brought in for winter. There are likely little hitchhikers that can overrun the jade and any other nearby plants. These include but are not limited to:

• Aphids
• Whitefly
• Mealybugs
• Spider mites

Inspect the leaves carefully and hand pick any insects that are large enough to remove. Small bugs, like spider mites, can be recognized by their webbing on leaves and stems. Use a horticultural soap labeled for use on succulents or wipe leaves and stems with a cotton ball soaked in a 1 % solution of rubbing alcohol and water. Good cultural control and care will reduce the effect these pests have on your jade plant. In most cases, black jade plant leaves aren't a death sentence for your succulent and can be easily managed with careful investigation and some simple steps.

White Spots On Jade Plant: What They Mean For Your Succulent

Most of us recognize the jade plant succulent. It has chubby leaves and a thick but tender trunk (when young). There are several varieties common to house plant growers. Succulents are universally known as easy-to-grow plants with few maintenance requirements. Most tolerate heat, bright light, and periods of drought. However, succulents do need well-draining soil and low humidity in most cases.

The causes of white spots on jade plant leaves could be cultural or environmental.

What Causes White Spots on a Jade Plant?

Jade plant white spots may be a cause for some concern. If the plant is not normally adorned with these marks, it’s likely there is an issue. It could be bugs, excess moisture, high humidity, or something else.

Identifying the problem starts with a close look at the white dots on jade plant leaves. Are they flat, and dusty or do they move? Flat spots could be a fungal disease. Dusty dots are also fungal, likely powdery mildew. If the fuzzy spot moves, it could be mealybugs, which are tiny, fluffy white insects.

What to Do About White Spots on Jade Plants

While most mildews and fungal spots will appear as browning, necrotic areas, an initial infection can show up as small whitish blobs. These may be irregular or uniform. Fungal disease is common in succulent plants, primarily in the winter months.

Overwatering, excess ambient moisture, poorly draining or previously infected soil, and plastic or heavily glazed pots that retain moisture may all be culprits. If you suspect a fungal disease, and if other symptoms like leaf drop and soft stems accompany the white spots, remove the jade plant from the soil. Check the roots for disfiguring marks, softness, odor, and dark spots. If the infection is mild, prune away bad roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.

What Is the White Fuzz on My Jade Plant?

An overall cast of powdery, whitish fuzz on the leaves and occasionally the stems of the jade indicate powdery mildew on jade plants. This is also common in the winter months, where low light and cold temperatures create a cool atmosphere. In such conditions, soil and leaves do not dry out quickly. This is an opportunity for several fungi that develop into powdery mildew.

Avoid watering overhead and instead, introduce water directly to the roots. Only water when the soil is dry to the touch and half-water in the winter. Segregate infected plants because the tiny spores can spread from plant to plant. Remove any infected leaves and stems. A fungicide spray containing sulfur may be necessary in severely infected plants.

How to Get Rid of Mealybugs on Jade Plants

If white dots on jade plants move, you have a pest problem. White fuzz on a jade plant could be mealybugs. These are unarmored scale insects that suck sap from plant parts. Their nymphs are tiny, creamy and fuzzy. As they feed, they excrete a substance called honeydew which can become a habitat for sooty mildew, a fungus.

If you see tiny, fuzzy, dots on jade plant parts, wipe them gently with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the plant stems and leaves vigilantly for several days until all signs of the insects are gone.

See Our Complete Guide to Houseplant Care

The tree-like structure of a jade plant sets it apart from other succulents. With proper care, jade plants can grow to a height of 2 feet (0.5 m.). They are among the easiest houseplants to care for, but if you have limp jade plant leaves, it's time to take a close look at how you water the plant.

Why Has My Jade Gone Limp?

When the foliage on a jade plant is drooping or you appear to have a dying jade plant, the usual cause is improper watering. In spring, summer, and fall, keep the soil lightly moist. The plant takes a rest break in winter and needs less water. Overwatering in winter is the most common reason for a dying jade plant. This is because the roots begin to rot when you give them more moisture than they can absorb.

How to Avoid a Limp Jade Plant

In winter, try watering your jade plant by spraying it with a generous amount of water from a spray bottle or by drizzling water from a squirt bottle such as those used for dishwashing liquid. Make sure you clean and thoroughly rinse the containers before using them to water your jade plant. Spraying the plant also helps prevent spider mites, which are common problems with jade plants. You'll know if your jade plant isn't getting enough water because the leaves will shrivel, but they quickly rehydrate when you water the plant. The best way to rehydrate the plant in winter is by watering it lightly two or three times rather than flooding the pot with water. In spring, summer, and fall when the plant needs more moisture, water the plant by soaking the soil thoroughly. Allow the excess moisture to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot and then empty the saucer. Never leave the plant sitting in a saucer of water. You should also allow the top inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm.) of soil to dry out before watering it again. Watch for shriveling and dropping leaves, which indicate that the plant isn't getting enough water, and limp leaves, which indicate that it is getting too much. Insect and disease problems with jade plants often gain a foothold when the plant is stressed by improper watering. Many people believe that jade plants and other succulents can withstand long periods of drought, living off the moisture stored in their thick, fleshy leaves. While many succulents need less water than other plants, allowing them to dry out results in discolored or shriveled leaves that drop from the plant. Regular watering at the appropriate times is essential to keep them attractive and healthy.

A favorite houseplant often used as a bonsai, jade has been a must-have plant for decades. Under the right conditions, this emerald green succulent can be expected to live up to 50, even 100 years!

To keep your jade plant in the running for the longest living, you need to know how to take care of it. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn all about how to care for a jade plant indoors.

Indoor Jade Plant Care

Learning about the care and maintenance of jade plants (Crassula ovata) is easy. The most important factors to consider when growing jade houseplants is water, light, temperature, and fertilizer. So let's get started.

Best Soil for a Jade Plant

Jade plants, like other succulents, require soil that is very well-draining. This specimen also tends to become top-heavy, so soil with some heft to it is also imperative.

Choose a soil made for succulents, like this Back to the Roots Organic Succulent Mix from Amazon, or mix your own with a source of organic matter like peat moss, coir, or composted bark, plus heavier materials such as sand, grit, or rock. Bark chips or perlite can be added to improve drainage.

Jade plants like an acidic soil with a pH of around 6.5. If the pH needs to be adjusted, mix in 2 tablespoons of limestone for every gallon of growing medium. You can get a 4-in-1 moisture/sunlight/temperature/PH meter, as well as garden lime to amend your soil, from Amazon.

Watering a Jade Plant

Be careful when watering. Succulents are easily overwatered, and it can be the death of them. Because succulents store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, they do not require as much irrigation as other houseplants. Keeping the soil too wet can lead to root rot.

That said, too little water can result in dwarfed plants, leaf spotting and drop, and even death of the entire plant. If your jade plant is losing leaves or has leaf spots, this is most commonly caused by too little water.

During their growing period from early spring to late autumn, water jades so the soil is moderately moist but not soaking wet. When the plant is out of the growing phase, reduce the amount and frequency of water given.

Don’t water your jade plant on a schedule. Instead, allow the top inch (2.5 cm) or so of the soil to dry out before watering again. Do not allow a jade plant to sit in a saucer of water.

Check Out Our Complete Guide to Houseplants

Fertilizing Your Jade Plant

For proper jade plant care, fertilize every other month to every two months with a flowering houseplant fertilizer during their growing phase from early spring to late autumn.

Use a balanced water soluble fertilizer. This Miracle-Gro flowering houseplant food is a great option. Never fertilize your jade plant when the soil is dry, as this will damage the roots. Instead, water normally, then immediately water again with fertilizer.

Wait four months before feeding plants that have been recently repotted.

Sunlight Requirements of a Jade Plant

In their native region, jade plants thrive in dry, sunny areas. They need full sun in order to grow properly. If they do not have full sun, they may become stunted and leggy.

Inside, jade will enjoy a full sun site in a south-facing window, but not at first. Gradually move your jade from indirect sunlight to direct sunlight to prevent scorching.

Proper Temperature for Jade Plants

Jade plant care instructions say that jade plants do best in daytime temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees F (18-24 C), and 50 to 55 degrees F (10-13 C) at night. That being said, as long as they get enough light they will do fine in temperatures that are higher than this.

Bud formation is encouraged with cooler nights and dark conditions after sunset.

Repotting a Jade Plant

Because this succulent can become so top heavy, it is best to use sturdy clay or ceramic pots. Jade plants can be grown for many years when root-bound. However, it is best to repot them every 2-3 years.

Repot jade plants during their growing season when new growth is evident. Prune the roots if repotting into the same size pot and cut back stems to encourage development of a thick main trunk that will hold up the top weight of the plant. Limit the amount of water given to the newly re-potted jade until it becomes established.

Jade Pruning

To keep plants compact and vigorous, cut stems in the spring back to a lateral branch. This encourages trunk development and root growth. Pruning can also be done to form a bonsai at this time.

Jade Plant Propagation

Jade propagation is easily done via stem or leaf cuttings, which when pushed into the soil will root within a couple of weeks. If you do want to propagate in this manner, allow the surface of the cutting to heal over for a few days prior to planting. Propagation via cuttings can occur at any time during the year, although they root more easily during the plant's growing season.

Common Problems, Pests, and Diseases

Now that you know about care for a jade plant indoors, it’s a good idea to know what kinds of problems may plague the succulent. Overwatered plants may show signs of root rot or edema, which are blisters on the leaves. White spots may also appear on the leaves of the plant. Both of these conditions are the result of the plant trying to transpire excess water from their systems, and is most likely to happen in late winter.

If your jade has stems and branches that are on the verge of collapse, it likely has a bacterial rot that can not be treated and unfortunately the plant should be thrown away. If powdery mildew is evident along with scabby or corked areas, treat with a horticultural oil or copper fungicide, like this option from Amazon.

With the exception of watching how much water your plant gets, jade is an easy to care for specimen. However there is one jade pest to look out for: mealybugs. The nymphs of this insect are the actual problem as they pierce soft plant tissue and feed on the sap. They also leave behind sooty mold. Mealybug nymphs can be treated with an alcohol swab rubbed along the surface of the foliate.

Use caution with insecticides, which can result in phytotoxicity.

Types of Jade Plants

The jade plant, Crassula ovata, resides in the genus Orpine (Crassulaceae) and is native to southern Africa. Sometimes referred to as friendship plant, money plant, or silver dollar plant, C. ovata was previously sold and may still be found under the classification C. argentea, C. portulaca, and C. obliqua.

Crassula means thick or fat and is a reference to the fleshy foliage of the plant, while ovata means egg-shaped, a reference to its oval leaves which are generally a rich jade green in color.

There are a number of varieties of jade, although not all are readily available. 'Bronze Beauty' has tubular, small coppery/green leaves and is extremely slow growing while 'California Red Tip' has foliage tinged with purple/red when grown in full sun.

The dense foliage of 'Gollum' also has more tubular-shaped, almost finger-like leaves along with a reddish hue similar to 'Hobbit' although its leaves are smaller and curled. 'Sunset' has striking green leaves variegated with cream/white and pinkish-red.

'Tricolor,' a chimeral variety, is adorned with pointed rather than rounded leaves of a creamy white and rose striated foliage that blooms in gradations of pink and white. 'Variegata' as the name suggests, sports bicolor leaves of cream and green.

Jade Plant Care Essentials

• This 4-in-1 moisture/sunlight/temperature/PH meter will help you regulate your jade plant's growing conditions
• This Back to the Roots Organic Succulent Mix from Amazon is specially made for succulents and will help your jade plant thrive
• Fertilize your jade plant every other month with Miracle-Gro flowering houseplant food for beautiful blooms
• Treat common jade plant diseases like powdery mildew with this copper fungicide spray from Amazon
• Use this organic garden lime, available on Amazon, to amend your soil to a pH of 6.5

In some cultures, jade plants are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to your home. If that's true, then there's no wonder why you would want to multiply your collection of these lucky houseplants.

Even if jade plants don't bring you riches and good fortune, they are low-maintenance houseplants that are worth growing just for their beauty alone. Jade plants can also live for decades and are often passed down from one generation to the next.

Whether you want to expand your own plant collection or share some good luck with your friends and family, learning how to propagate jade plant cuttings is fun and easy. Here's how to do it.

Jade Plant Basics

Jade plants look often look so at home growing inside that it’s easy to forget they are native to South Africa and Mozambique. These succulents look like little trees with a thick central stem, branches, and dark green oval leaves. Jade plant flowers appear during winter like pale stars on the branches.

Jade plants make excellent indoor plants, since they can thrive in moderate light. But they can also grow outside in the garden in milder climates. Under ideal circumstances, they can grow over 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Wherever you choose to grow them, jade plants are long-lived and require little care.

Jade plant propagation is just as simple as caring for these hard-to-kill houseplants. The best way to grow more jade plants is by rooting plant cuttings.

Best Time to Propagate Jade Plants

Summer is the ideal time for propagating jade plants and transplanting newly propagated plants, but you can take jade plant cuttings any time of year. They are just more likely to develop roots quickly during the active growing season in summer.

How to Propagate Jade Plants

Are you wondering how to propagate jade plants? If “plant propagation” makes you think of seeds, you’ve probably never propagated succulents.

The best way of propagating jade plants, as with most succulents, involves taking cuttings. One way is to take and root a stem cutting. The other popular way to propagate succulents is to take and root a leaf cutting. No seeds necessary.

I'll walk you through how jade plant cutting propagation works, whether you take a stem or leaf cutting.

1. Take Your Cuttings

Always start with a pair of sharp, clean pruners when taking any plant cuttings. These fine tip pruning scissors from Fiskars make it easy to take a cutting from a tightly branched jade plant.

For stem cuttings, each cutting should be between 5 and 10 inches (13 and 25 cm) long. After snipping the stem from the plant, cut off the lower leaves. Set aside your stem cutting to dry out for a few days.

Leaf propagation works pretty much the same way. Take a leaf from a jade plant, then allow it to dry out for several days.

2. Root Your Cuttings

After your cutting has formed a callus over the cut end, insert the cut end of the stem in either a glass of clean water or a rooting substrate. You can use a dampened succulent potting mix or perlite, which you can get from the Home Depot, to prevent your cutting from rotting as it forms roots.

For leaf cuttings, follow basically the same process. Insert your callused leaf cutting into a moistened rooting medium at a 30° angle, just covering the cut end of the leaf.

3. Transplant Rooted Cuttings

In a few weeks, roots will develop on the stem and you can transplant your jade plant cutting to grow on in its new home. For leaf cuttings, expect roots in a few weeks as well.

Jade plants need well-draining soil, which typical of succulents. A potting mix that's designed specifically for cacti or succulents, like this mix from Miracle-Gro is ideal for transplanting.

Also make sure you grow your jade plant propagations in a container with a drainage hole. These plants will not tolerate sitting in water or wet soil.

Caring for Jade Plants After Propagation

Although jade plants are very tolerant of neglect, they do thrive under certain growing conditions. To ensure your new jade plant propagations thrive and grow into strong, long-lasting plants, give them exactly what they need to thrive.

Jade plants need at least a few hours of direct sun everyday. If you're growing yours indoors, then a west-facing window is ideal.

When it comes to irrigation, jade plants are not terribly thirsty plants. It is best to water them well, then allow them to dry out completely before offering additional water.

Outside in the garden, jade plants can get by just fine on precipitation alone, except in times of drought. If you are overwatering your plants, you may see signs of root rot, including blisters on the leaves. The sign that you are underwatering your plants? Thin, breaking leaves signal too little water.

Pruning is not essential for jade plant establishment. However, pruning back a leggy jade plant won’t cause any injury. Then you can use the pruned stems to propagate even more jade plants.

Jade plants are resilient and lovely plants and, because they are so easy to grow, some may grow to the size where jade plant pruning is needed. While jade plants actually do not need to be pruned, knowing a little about pruning jade plants can keep a plant to an acceptable size. Below you will find tips for how to prune a jade plant properly.

How to Prune a Jade Plant

The first thing to consider when deciding if you should trim your jade plant is to ask: does your jade plant really need to be pruned? Typically, jade plant pruning is done only on older, overgrown plants. Pruning jade plants is not necessary for the health of the plant and is done only for aesthetic reasons. Be aware that any time you prune a plant you are exposing the plant to potential bacterial damage, which could weaken or even kill the plant. While the risk of damage due to jade plant trimming is minimal, you still need to think about it when deciding if your jade plant really needs to be pruned. If your jade plant does need to be trimmed, start by mentally picturing which branches you would like to remove. You should never remove more than 20 to 30 percent of the branches on the plant when pruning jade plants. When considering which branches to remove, keep in mind that a trimmed jaded plant branch will die back to the next node (where the leaves grow out of the branch) on the branch, and that when you trim jade plant branches, typically two new branches will grow from where the node is. The next step in jade plant pruning is, after you have decided which branches will be trimmed back, take a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears and trim off the branches you have chosen. Remember to prune the branch to the nearest node, or, if you are trimming the jade plant branch completely, prune it so that the cut is flush along the main branch.

When to Prune a Jade Plant

The best time for jade plant pruning is in spring or summer, but jade plants can be pruned year round. Pruning jade plants in spring or summer will simply result in a faster recovery from the trim than any other time of year because the plants are in active growth. Now that you know how to prune a jade plant, you can keep your plant looking shapely and full. Also, remember that the jade plant cuttings are very easy to root, so each time you prune your jade plant, you can grow a few more plants for friends and family.