Jade Plant Soil & How To Choose The Best Potting Mix

What is the best potting soil for jade plants? I get asked this question so much that I finally decided to write a post about it. So in this article you’ll find all you need to know about how to choose the perfect mix for Crassulas.

Jade plants are easy to care for, but they require a specific type of soil in order to thrive.

If you’re not careful about what kind of potting mix you choose, your jade plant might end up dying on you. Dun, dun, duuuun! (sounds scary, right?)

Well don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this detailed guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about jade plant soil – from what kind to use, to the properties to look for.

Heck, I’ll even give you my simple recipe and instructions if you want to try to make your own mix.

Table of Contents

What Kind Of Soil Do Jade Plants Need?

When deciding what kind of soil to use for a jade plant, it’s important to understand that they are succulents. This means they hold water in their leaves.

Since they store their own water, they don’t like to be planted in any type that retains moisture. When it holds onto too much water, it will eventually cause major problems.

Choosing the right type is very important in order to prevent a host of issues, like overwatering and root rot.

It doesn’t matter what type of Crassula you have. Whether it be Gollum, Jitters, Ogre Ear, or Silver Dollar, they all require the same type of soil.

Related Post: How To Water A Jade Plant

The Best Soil For Jade Plants

The best soil for jade plants is a gritty, sandy mix that has good drainage. My top recommendations are one that is specifically made for cacti and succulents, or a nice coarse gritty mix.

While you certainly could use general purpose mix, I don’t recommend it. Especially for beginners.

General potting soil is usually filled with moisture-retentive ingredients that are not good for jades.

So what should you get instead? To help you find the best one, below are the main things to look for.

Adding potting mix into container for Crassula

Fast Draining Soil

Read the label and look for one that says it is fast or well draining. If it says anything about being moisture retentive, then skip it.

Gritty, Sandy Or Rocky

Open the bag and take a look at the mix. It should mostly be made up of pieces of grit, sand, and small rocks.

If it looks more like rich dirt or compost, with no signs of sand or rock, then it’s not the right choice.

Porous Mix

Another keyword to look for on the package is “porous”. This means the soil will let the water run through it very quickly, which is exactly what you want for jades.

Jade Plant Soil pH

Though jade plants aren’t super fussy about the soil pH, ideally it should be slightly acidic. You can quickly and easily test yours with a pH probe, it should be around a 6 on the scale.

If it’s too alkaline, you can use a soil acidifier or add acidic fertilizer granules. Don’t mix in peat moss or similar, because it (you guessed it) holds too much moisture.

How To Make Potting Soil For A Jade Plant

If you want to try to make your own potting soil for jades, then this section is for you!

While there are lots of options of commercial brands on the market these days, it’s usually cheaper to make your own.

Plus you’ll have full control of what goes into it, and can measure and mix it to the exact consistency that you prefer. Here’s my recipe and instructions.

Related Post: How To Propagate Jade Plant Cuttings

Jade Plant Soil Mix Recipe

Here’s a list of what you’ll need. To measure my parts, I use a 1 gallon bucket. But you could use a measuring cup, large spoon, or a scoop – whatever you have on hand.

3 parts potting soil
2 parts coarse sand (or substitue with turface or poultry grit)
1 part perlite (or use pumice instead)

Mixing Instructions

Pour all of the ingredients into a bucket or potting tray. Then use a hand trowel or shovel to thoroughly stir it until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed together.

You can use it right away, or store it in a bucket with an airtight lid to save it for later.

Related Post: How To Prune A Jade Plant

Jade Plant Soil FAQs

Below I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about jade plant soil. If you can’t find yours here, please ask it in the comments section below.

Can jade plants grow in gravel?

Yes, jade plants can grow in gravel, and it’s very common for the ground to be made of it in their native habitat.

Though thick gravel isn’t ideal for use in containers, you can mix small bits into the potting soil to help increase drainage.

Is it OK to plant jades in regular potting soil?

Though it could work OK to plant jades in regular potting soil, it is not the best option.

General purpose mixes retain too much moisture, which means it’s very easy to overwater. Instead, I recommend buying a succulent and cactus mixture.

Can I use compost for jade plant?

I do not recommend using compost for a jade plant. It holds way too much moisture, and won’t drain fast enough for them. Look for a gritty or sandy mix instead.

Is sand good for jade plants?

Sand is good for jade plants because it helps the soil drain faster. Just make sure to use coarse sand rather than one that is very fine.

Is peat moss good for jade plant?

In general, peat moss is not good for jade plants because it holds too much moisture.

When it comes to jade plant soil, it’s super important to use the proper mix. Choosing the right potting soil will prevent many common problems, and give you the best chance for success.

If you want to learn how to maintain healthy indoor plants year round, then you need my Winter Houseplant Care eBook. It will teach you everything you need to know in order to have the best success. Download your copy today!

More About Garden Soil

Share your tips for the best jade plant soil or your favorite recipe in the comments below!

How To Choose The Best Jade Plant Soil

What Kind Of Soil Do Jade Plants Need?