Propagating jade plants from leaf or stem cuttings is very easy, and it’s a great way to expand your collection. I’ve had my plant for over 20 years, and I’ve multiplied it many times. It’s so much fun, and I love sharing the babies with friends.
In this post I’ll explain exactly how to do it. I will give you detailed step by step instructions to guide you through the entire process – from taking and preparing the cuttings, to potting up your new plants.
You’ll learn when and how to propagate your jade plant, get my expert tips for the best success, and I’ll even share some simple hacks I’ve learned over the years.
Jade Plant Propagation Methods
There are two main ways you can propagate a jade plant (Crassula), either from cuttings or by division. However, you can only divide them if there is more than one stem coming out of the soil.
So the most popular method to use is rooting stem cuttings, and that’s the technique I will focus on in this guide.
While it is also possible to propagate a single leaf, it will take much longer to get a full-sized jade plant that way. It’s fun to experiment though, so I’ll also include details about that.
Related Post: Plant Propagation: A Detailed Guide For Beginners
When To Propagate Jade Plants
The best time to propagate a jade plant is during the warmest months of the spring and summer. They will root faster in a warm, slightly humid, and well-ventilated environment.
In fact, it’s so easy that sometimes a branch or leaf will break off and start to root on its own without any help from you. But, with the right conditions, you can do it any time of the year.
Propagating Jade Plants From Cuttings
You can propagate any size stem from your jade plant, even huge ones. So, if a branch broke off or you find a severed piece, then try rooting it.
You can even save your clippings after pruning your jade. Otherwise, below I will show you the correct way to take cuttings and prepare them for propagation.
How To Take Stem Cuttings
You can take cuttings from anywhere on your jade plant, so find a firm, healthy section. Don’t worry about hurting your plant, new leaves will grow just below the cut in a few weeks.
The section you choose should be at least 3-4 inches long, and have a few leaves on top. Use a clean pair of sharp clippers, and make your cut at a 45° downward angle.
Preparing Your Stem Cutting
Before you try rooting it, there are a few things you should do to prepare your jade plant cutting for propagation.
First, if it’s completely covered with leaves, remove the lowest ones to expose a few inches of the stem. The roots will form out the leaf nodes, so try to get a couple on there. Don’t remove all of the leaves though.
It’s also important to allow the wound to cure (dry out and callus over) for a few days. This will help prevent rotting. The larger and thicker the stem is, the longer you should let it cure.
This isn’t as much of a concern in the summer months, but definitely something you’ll want to do if you’re propagating succulent plants during the winter.
Tips For Propagating Jade Plant Leaves
To successfully propagate your jade plant from a leaf, you have to remove it correctly. To do that, take hold of the leaf and gently wiggle it or move it back and forth until it comes off.
Be sure to get the entire stem along with it. If the bottom part is broken off, then the leaf might not root.
For the best results, plant them as soon as you can. It’s ok if they shrivel a little bit, but it won’t work if they are completely dried up.
How To Propagate A Jade Plant Step By Step
The best way to root jade cuttings is by planting them in soil. Follow the step by step instructions below:
Supplies Needed:
- Jade plant stem or leaf cuttings
- Well draining potting soil
- Hand trowel
- Rooting hormone
- Clean pot
- Pair of clippers
See my detailed list of the best plant propagation supplies here.
Step 1: Fill the pot with soil – Loosely fill your container with fresh and slightly damp potting soil. The medium should not be wet or saturated, but it shouldn’t be bone dry either.
Related Post: How To Choose The Best Jade Plant Soil
Step 2: Apply rooting hormone – Dust the exposed stem of your jade plant, or end of the leaf, with rooting hormone to help stimulate propagation and speed things up.
Step 3: Plant the cutting – Make a hole in the medium first, and gently place the stem into it so the powder won’t rub off. Then lightly pack the soil around the base of the cutting so it stays in place, and the medium comes in good contact with the stem. If you’re using leaves, you can simply lay them on top of the soil, or lightly bury the stems.
Step 4: Place somewhere warm and bright – Put the container in a spot where it’s protected from full sun and heavy rain, and don’t water until after roots have formed. If the air is really dry, then lightly mist the cutting daily. Be careful though, they don’t need very much humidity.
Step 5: Check for roots – The roots should start forming in about 2-4 weeks. You’ll know they are ready when you see new leaves growing on the top of the cutting, and it doesn’t move when you lightly tug on it.
Related Post: How To Propagate Succulent Plants From Cuttings
How Long Do Jade Plants Take To Root?
In the right conditions, it doesn’t take very long to propagate jade plants. The new roots will usually start forming in 1-2 weeks, and should be long enough to pot up within 4-6 weeks.
If the air is super dry or it’s cold, then it will take much longer. In that case, you can try putting the pot on a heat mat and lightly mist the cutting to speed up the process.
Related Post: Why Your Jade Plant Is Turning Red & What To Do About It
Repotting Your Jade Plant Cuttings
Once the roots have formed, you can water it like you normally would any jade plant. They don’t need a lot of moisture, so allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
You can leave the baby plants in their containers until they’re large enough to pot up. I usually wait until they have outgrown their starter pots before transplanting them into larger ones.
The best type of soil to use is a fast draining one or a gritty mixture. You could try making your own using my succulent mix recipe.
Next up, learn exactly how to care for your new babies in my detailed jade plant care guide.
Look at all these cute little baby plants I have now. Jade plant propagation sounds like it would be hard, but it is super easy. They make great gifts, and are fun to share with friends.
Do you want to learn how to multiply all of your plants? Then my Plant Propagation eBook is for you! It will show all you need to know to get as many new plants as you want from your existing ones. Grab your copy today!
More About Plant Propagation
- How To Propagate Aloe Vera By Division
- Rooting Aloe Vera Cuttings Step By Step
- Propagating String Of Pearls In Water Or Soil
- How To Propagate Plumeria From Cuttings
- Propagating Christmas Cactus From Cuttings Or By Division
- Propagating String Of Hearts (Rosary Vine) From Cuttings Or Division
Share your jade plant propagation tips in the comments section below.
James says
Hi Amy, I’ve recently got hold of some liquid rooting hormone, in the form of a gel, called Roota (made by Baby Bio). What’s your opinion of using a liquid rather than a rooting powder? I’m not sure whether it works as well as the powder type. Thanks, James.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Honestly, I have never tried the gel myself. However, I would expect that it would work just as well to root your jade cuttings. The main benefit of using a gel over a powder it that it would cover the stem easier. Sometimes you have to wet the stem in order for the powder to stick.
Jennifer Brooks says
Hello, I have one jade plant that I call the “Grand Daddy” – he was a tiny little guy given to me at my baby shower. My son is now almost 19 and headed to college! Grand Daddy has lots of offspring even though he’s pretty gnarled since I didn’t know how to properly prune him. I am getting ready to take a cutting to send with my son to his college dorm. I have identified a branch of one of my plants that seems healthy but probably would be good to take off in order to keep the main stem thick.
My question is how deeply I can/should plant the cutting. It is pretty long (maybe 6-8″) but pretty curved. I know I need to cut it right at the main branch but wonder if I can further cut it so it’s not so long or if I can plant it deeply the way you would a tomato plant? Hope my question makes sense!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh how cute, I love stories about plants like this. 🙂 Yes, your question totally makes sense, and the short answer is that you could do it either way. If the stem on a jade cutting is super long and curved like you said, then I will trim it down so it’s easier to put into the pot. I’d cut it down so there’s only about 2-4″ of stem below the leaves. That way it will be short enough to easily put into a pot, and also stand up straight. Have fun!
Cherry says
Hi! I have always wanted a jade plant and finally bought one a little over a month ago. It’s in a 10 inch pot and is growing towards one side and I’m afraid it might topple over. Should I propagate it? I would love any suggestions from you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh how fun, congrats on your new jade plant. When you say it’s growing towards one side, do you mean it’s reaching for the window? If so, then you should give it more light by either putting it in a sunny window, or adding a grow light. Here’s my detailed care guide for more information… How To Care For A Jade Plant. Yes, you could prune off the parts that are leggy, and try propagating them if you want. That will encourage it to grow bushier.
Cherry says
I did get a grow light so I’m hoping that will help but I actually bought it from the nursery already leggy like that. I’ll also try pruning it and propagating the stems. Thank you so much for your help!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Cool! Yes, pruning it will definitely help it fill out and become bushier. Have fun propagating your jade cuttings! You’ll have lots of new babies to share with your friends. 🙂
David says
I followed your detailed directions last summer and successfully propagated a stem cutting my daughter was given by a coworker. Now, 9 months later I’m repeating the process. It takes a lot of patience. I cured my stem for 7-10 days and then waited about 3-4 weeks before lightly watering my potted cutting.
The one problem I’ve encountered is how secure the plant is in its pot. I use a standard succulent/cactus soil. Do I need to add something to the soil to stabilize the growing plant? Or use some form of stake? Any recommendations are welcome. Thanks
Amy Andrychowicz says
Wonderful, so happy to hear that you were able to successfully propagate your jade cutting with my instructions! How fun! I’ve never had to stake my cuttings. I always take cuttings that have about a 3-4″ stem. Then, after sticking it into the soil, I press down around the base of the cutting to secure it in place.
If you’re having trouble with yours falling out of the pot, then you could try taking longer cuttings. Or, like you said, simply stake it in place until it has roots. You could use anything as the stake, whatever is tall and sturdy enough (a pencil or chopstick might even do the trick). Then use a plant tie or twine to tie the cutting to the stake until it’s secure (not too tight though). Once the cutting has roots, you should be able to remove the stake.
Christina says
Hey! Quick question…do you use the rooting hormone right away or do you let the clipping dry out for a few days first? I’m a little confused about the process.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oops, sorry for the confusion! 🙂 Let your jade cuttings dry out for a few days, then dust them with rooting hormone right before you stick them into the soil.
Zalina Rahaman says
This is a very detailed article with very easy to understand steps. I am just waiting for Spring to propagate one of my jade plants. Its certainly the right time for me to be reading your instructions.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad to hear you found my instructions for propagating jades useful. 🙂 Good luck, and have fun!
Helen L Danner says
Hi, I rooted some lovely stems, but in damp soil, is this wrong?
Should I report them?
Thanks
Helen
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the soil is damp, then it should be ok. Just don’t water it again until your jade cuttings have roots. If the soil is wet or soggy, then it would be best to remove the cuttings and let the soil dry out a bit before planting them again.
Tim says
Hey thanks for posting this I’m doing a project at college. For the project I am gonna Do some propagation of jade cuttings then we pass them out at the Physc department. Then have a sticker of the foothill horticulture department and then have directions on how to care for them and then have information about the Physc dept on campus to raise awareness for people who are in need of help. This is the guide I will be using. Also wanted to say thanks for such detailed instructions. I am waiting for mine to callus so I avoid rotting the stem cutting I took. How long does it take to callus?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome. It shouldn’t take more than a week for jade cuttings to callus over. But it may take longer in a very humid environment.
Kathleen Pignoli says
I am in California, hot no rain for months. What makes turn pinkish on underside, starting to shrivel. A public walkway along side property is lined with large jade plants.I am afraid they will die. I am thinking i should water. Can jade plants get too much sun? I appreciate your knowledge on propagating because large stems are constantly laying on ground from foot traffic also. Thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
No, jade plants can’t get too much sun, so there’s no worries there. My guess is that they need to be watered. Here’s a post that has detailed info about caring for them… How To Care For A Jade Plant
Tim says
Sounds like your getting heat stress and the plant get new pigmentations so the red/pinkish is actually desired in some other succulents too. People will actually stress a plant out to get a color pigment. You got it and didn’t have to try. Also with age your jade tree can bloom maybe try fertilizer for that succulent and see if you get some flowers. Sounds like your jade is pretty drought tolerant witch is normal and a great trait to succulents. Can use succulents as a lawn substitute too and when it blooms it’s a great thing for pollenators and looks nice compare to one mono color.
Ali says
Hi Amy, any suggestions for this big fella?? This is the first summer we couldn’t take it outside due to its enormous size. Now all of the outer branches are dropping and it doesn’t look happy. It also bloomed two years in a row, but not this past year 🙁
How can I send you a pic?
Amy Andrychowicz says
When jade plants drop their branches and/or leaves, it’s usually cause by improper watering. Most of the time it’s because of overwatering, but in some cases it could be under watering. They do need more water during the spring and summer months then during the winter, so your plant may not be getting enough water if you’ve been using the same routine/schedule you do during the winter. As for the blooms… unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult for jades to bloom indoors. Read the “Jade Plant Flowers” section above for details about that.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh, and you can post a photo on my FB page if you want… Get Busy Gardening Facebook page.
Carol says
I have 3 tiny 1-2 inch jade sprouts in separate small terra cotta pots. Can I put all 3 in one small pot, so they look a little better and take up less room?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, that would work just fine. Jade plants like to be pot-bound, so combining your small propagated cuttings into one pot would be fine.
Tawny M Leste-Carlson says
Hi Amy! Do you recommend fertilizing leaf and stem cuttings as they’re growing? I purchased 2 different succulent and cactus fertilizers ~ one has a 2-7-7 NPK ratio, the other is 1-2-2. I also wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you sharing your GINORMOUS wealth of knowledge and all of your helpful tips on growing succulents in 4b (which is my zone as well). Most of the info on the internet comes from those in Arizona, California, etc and while its ALL helpful, I feel like you have a better understanding of what it takes to grow not just succulents but all plants in our difficult climate. PLUS, you actually answer all the questions and comments that we post. Thank you so very much. ?Lots of hugs from Duluth/Superior
Amy Andrychowicz says
Hold off on fertilizing your jade plant cuttings until they have roots and have started growing new leaves. Awe, you’re so kind!! Thanks so much for such a nice comment, you made my day! 🙂
Nicole says
I took a clipping from my sisters jade plant. Let the end dry out for a few days then planted it in some soil and watered. It’s been about 2 1/2 weeks now and the leaves feel thin. Is this normal? What’s the next step I should take.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I would recommend misting your jade cutting, or giving it a bit more humidity to encourage it to root. It’s not uncommon for jade cuttings to shrivel a little before they grow roots, but you don’t want it to dry out completely. Just don’t give it too much moisture, maybe a light misting once a week or so. And be sure to keep the soil dry.
Maggie Morish says
Now I know why I didn’t succeed in growing a jade plant from a leaf. I actually didn’t include the entire stem when I broke it off (silly me). Thanks for the post. I really liked how you took the time to include pictures as it made the guide easier to follow.
Keep it up!
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL! That’s a very common mistake! You’re welcome! Hope you’ll have success propagating your jade plant leaves from now on! 🙂
Maggie Morish says
(fingers crossed)
Thanks Amy!
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
sue thomas says
Hi Amy, I have a 45 year old jade plant with significant trunks (4″ diameter), but the leaves are getting very small and shriveled. I think the plant has run its course and I’m planning to take cuttings, per your instructions, to start new plants. The old one is about 6 1/2 feet tall. After I take cuttings, is there anything I can do to start plants from the trunks or revitalize them? They are in a huge, unmovable pot with very stale soil making it virtually impossible to remove them without destroying them. Any advice is very welcome!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Once you take cuttings from your large jade plant, it will start to put on new growth by itself. Giving it a good pruning may be just what it needs to revitalize itself.
Joanie says
I have a very healthy jade plant growing in one of my kitchen windows. Recently I noticed long extenders sprouting. Do I pinch those off?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Long extenders sprouting… humm, I wonder if it’s starting to flower? Otherwise, if your jade plants is growing leggy, then give it more light and yes, pinch off the leggy growth.
Scot says
Hi,
we bought the jade plant that was grew in 7- shaped ( i cant attach here a photo of its look), i like to cut the stem, hopefully it will grow back up right, can you pls teach us what to do.
The plant is indoor in the UK, the growth is very slow, i did mix my own the soil , which are sand ( buidling sand ) , perlite and planting soil, i am not sure whats causing the slow growth.
The plant is place next to glass door, being in the UK, some days it get some morning 1 hour of direct sunlight , others, just daylight throughout.
Thank you for your time.
Amy Andrychowicz says
You can prune your jade plant to give it better shape, and new leaves will fill in just under the cuts. Here’s is my comprehensive guide to help answer your questions about caring for your jade plant… How To Care For A Jade Plant