Growing Jade Vines: Care Of Jade Vines Indoors And Out

Also known as emerald creeper, jade vine plants (Strongylodon macrobotrys) are so extravagant that you have to see to believe. Jade vine is known for its spectacular blooms consisting of dangling clusters of shimmering greenish blue, claw-shaped flowers. The huge, pendant-like clusters are suspended from twisting, wisteria-like stems with waxy green leaves. Read on for more information about growing jade vines and jade vine care.

Growing Jade Vines

This tropical climber is rambunctious in its natural environment, although the plant is in danger of extinction due to deforestation. If you’re interested in growing jade vines, you may have success growing the vine in the ground if you live in USDA plant hardiness zone 10 through 11. Jade vine plants are also well suited for growing in greenhouses. You may be able to grow jade vine as a houseplant too, if you can provide the proper growing conditions. Keep in mind that you may not see blooms until the second year; the vine won’t bloom until the base of the stem is at least ¾ inch (2 cm.) in diameter.

Care of Jade Vines

Since most of us may not reside in a suitable area, growing jade vine as a houseplant is the best option. Jade vine care requires giving the plant plenty of direct sunlight and temperatures above 60 degrees F. (15 C.), as lower temperatures may damage the roots. Your plant will be happiest in a clay pot that allows the roots to breathe. Use a peat-based potting mix that drains easily. Provide a sturdy trellis for the vine to climb or place your plant in a hanging basket (until it becomes too heavy). Water jade vine only when the top of the soil is visibly dry, then water slowly until excess moisture drips through the drainage hole. Although the plant thrives in high humidity, it tolerates normal room humidity. However, if your room is very dry, you can increase the humidity around the plant by setting the pot on a tray with a layer of damp pebbles. Jade vine plants aren’t heavy feeders and a mixture of ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml.) of water-soluble fertilizer per gallon (4 L.) of water is plenty. Feed the plant twice a month during spring and summer and withhold fertilizer during fall and winter. Any type of balanced fertilizer is suitable, or you can use a fertilizer formulated for blooming plants. Trim your jade vine plant after blooming but be careful of hard pruning because the plant blooms on both old and new growth; hard pruning will delay blooming.