Jade plants are easy to care for, even for beginners, and they make great houseplants. Find out how to care for jade plants the right way. We’ll explore how and where to grow jade, watering, propagation, repotting, fertilizing, and troubleshooting. You’ll be a jade plant expert in no time.
Jade plants are a staple in my indoor plant collection, and are super easy to care for!
I get tons of questions from readers asking for details about how to grow a jade plant, so I thought I’d answer them all in this post.
Some people really struggle with keeping them alive, and many think they are difficult to grow. On the contrary, growing a jade plant indoors couldn’t be easier – as long as you give them the proper care.
Even growing a jade plant outdoors isn’t that challenging, as long as you live in the right hardiness zone and give it a little more attention.
The great news is that, no matter what variety you have, the growing instructions are the same for all crassula.
Keeping these gorgeous specimens thriving for years to come is simple if you follow the tips in this article.
Jade Quick Care Overview
Scientific name: | Crassula |
Classification: | Succulent plant |
Common names: | Jade plant, Money plant |
Hardiness: | Zones 9-11 |
Temperature: | 55-85°F |
Flowers: | White or pink, blooms in winter |
Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
Water: | Allow soil to dry between waterings, do not overwater |
Humidity: | Little to none |
Fertilizer: | General purpose plant food in spring and summer |
Soil: | Fast-draining, sandy soil |
Common pests: | Mealybugs, scale, spider mites |
Information About Jade Plants
Jade plant (Crassula) is a perennial succulent often grown as a houseplant. In their native habitat, these plants can reach 6′ tall, and are often used as shrubs in warm climates.
In colder areas, if you want to grow jade outside, keep them in roomy pots and move them indoors once temperatures approach 45°F (7°C).
Grown in pots, either outdoors or in, jade plants adapt to the conditions by staying smaller.
They’re also known by the common name “money plant”. But don’t confuse it with other plants that go by the same common name, because they require very different care…
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
- Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum), aka Devil’s Ivy
Different Types Of Jade Plants
Like I mentioned above, there are lots of different types of jade plants, and I grow a few myself. I have several in my collection, and I adore every one of them! Here are a few of my favorites…
- Crassula ovata – This is the common jade plant variety that everyone knows and loves. It has wide, flat leaves, and can grow to become a large shrub with a very thick trunk.
- ‘Gollum’ Jade plant – Also called E.T. fingers or baby toes, this variety has really cool tubular shaped leaves that are long, narrow, and rounded.
- Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ – Often used interchangeably with the one above as they look very similar, this is commonly called “Shrek Ears” or “Ogre Ears” because the tubular leaves are wider on top as if they are tipped with suction cups.
- Dwarf Jades – As the name suggests, dwarf varieties are simply a smaller version of the regular one. They look exactly the same, but stay compact.
- ‘Jitters’ Jade – A unique variety that has thin, wavy, rippled leaves that are lighter green than the other types.
- Crassula arborescens – Also called a “Silver Dollar” jade plant, this gorgeous specimen has wide silver/gray leaves with red tips.
Jade Plant Flowers
Did you know that jade plants can flower? In warmer climates where they grow outside year-round, they flower during the winter. But it’s very uncommon for them to bloom indoors without help.
To get your jade plant to bloom, you need to give it similar conditions to what it experiences when it’s grown outdoors.
The trick is to give it tons of light during the summer. Then, expose it to cooler (but never freezing!) temperatures in the fall, and allow the soil to dry out.
When you bring your jade back inside in the fall, put it in a sunny spot, and keep the soil dry. You should start seeing flower buds in a few weeks.
Crassula Toxicity
According to the ASPCA website, jade plants are toxic to dogs and cats if they ingest them.
My cats have never touched mine, but it’s a good idea to keep them out of reach if your pets like to snack on plants, just in case.
How To Grow Jade Plants
Before diving into the details of how to care for a jade plant, first let’s talk about where to grow them. Choosing the perfect spot will set you up for the best success.
Crassula Hardiness
Jade plants can actually handle a bit of cold, and are even tolerant of light frost. They are hardy down to zone 9.
However, if you live in an area with harsh winters like I do, then it’s best to bring them indoors before it gets below 45°F (7°C).
Where To Grow Jade Plants
Indoor jade plants benefit from being outdoors in full sun during the summer.
However, they are sensitive to sunburn, so it’s important to move them into the sun gradually over several weeks.
Sunburned leaves turn brown, the damaged area dies, and, usually, the leaf drops off. Severe sunburn may be fatal to jade plants.
If you put yours outside during the summer, be sure to bring it back inside before any chance of frost in the fall.
Related Post: Debugging and Cleaning Potted Plants Before Bringing Them Indoors
Jade Plants Care & Growing Instructions
For the most part, caring for jade plants is easy. But they do have some pretty specific growing requirements in order to thrive. So, for best success, follow these instructions.
Jade Plant Watering
First, and probably the most important jade plant care tip I can give you is about watering. They do not like very much at all.
Consistently overwatering jade plants will kill them. If it stays wet on a regular basis, it will start to rot at the base.
So, always be sure to check the soil first, and only add more when it’s completely dry. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering with this plant.
To check if it needs it, stick your finger one inch into the soil. If it’s damp, don’t water it. You could also use a soil moisture gauge to make monitoring water requirements easy.
I put my jade plants outside during the summer, and only water them if we’re in a severe drought. During the winter indoors, I do it about once a month, but only if they need it.
Related Post: How To Properly Water A Jade Plant
Jade Plants Light Requirements
Another very common question I get asked by readers is “how much light do jade plants need?“. So, my second most important jade plant care tip is sunlight.
Do jade plants need a lot of sunlight? Yes, you bet they do! They need a ton of light in order to grow strong and thick. They’ll start to grow weak and leggy if they aren’t getting enough light.
To avoid legginess, give as much direct sunlight as possible. Place them next to a sunny, south-facing window inside the house.
If it isn’t getting enough natural light indoors, consider giving it a bit of artificial help. This grow light is good value and easy to install. This helps to make up for a lack of direct sunlight.
With enough sunlight, a jade plant’s trunk and stems grow thick and start to look woody. Also, the leaves or tips turn red, making them even more beautiful.
Temperature
Though they can survive light frost, jade plants aren’t very cold hardy. Ideally, they prefer it to stay between 55-85°F. They can handle the heat in the summer, but may need more frequent moisture.
They can also survive brief periods of freezing temps, but will start to suffer if it’s cold for too long. So make sure to protect them or move them inside if it’s going to be below 45°F (7°C) for a long time.
Best Potting Soil For Jade Plants
A general-purpose mix is adequate for growing jade plants, but sometimes regular potting soil can hold too much moisture. The best soil for jade plants is a porous and quick-draining mix.
You can buy succulent soil or use a gritty mix. Or you can make your own succulent potting soil, using a light mix of coarse sand, potting soil and perlite.
The best pot for a jade plant is clay, especially if you tend to overwater. Clay pots will help to wick the moisture out of the soil, allowing it to dry out faster, and lowering the chance of overwatering.
Tips For Repotting A Jade Plant
Jade plants have very shallow roots. So, they can live in the same container for many years without being repotted. In fact, it’s better to keep them a bit root-bound rather than put them into a pot that’s too large.
Signs that your plant needs repotting are that the jade is top-heavy and keeps falling over, roots are growing out of the drainage holes, the pot looks as if it’s about to bust open, or your jade has stopped growing after many years of thriving in the same container.
Jade Plant Fertilizer
Jade plants will definitely benefit from being fed now and then, just like any other plant. But there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, don’t fertilize them during the fall and winter months. Like many succulents, jade plants go into a dormant state during the winter and you don’t want to force new growth.
I also recommend using organic products on jade plants. Chemical fertilizers can build up in the soil, and cause damage over time.
To make it super easy, you can buy organic plant food specifically made for feeding cactus and succulent plants, like this one from Espoma, which is biologically active, planet-friendly, and pet-safe.
If you prefer something more general purpose, I recommend using a compost fertilizer. You can use a pre-made compost tea, or buy tea bags and brew your own.
Controlling Jade Plant Bugs
With proper jade care, your plant will grow healthy and strong. Healthy plants don’t usually have problems with pests, so hopefully, you’ll never see any bugs on your jade plant.
Mealybugs, houseplant scale, and spider mites are fairly common jade plant pests, especially indoors.
You can spot-treat small infestations by dabbing a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and using that to remove the bugs.
Neem oil is very effective at controlling insect pests and has a residual effect. Organic insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil spray can also help to get rid of bugs.
Be careful when spraying anything for the first time. Jade plants are sensitive to sprays, which could end up causing more damage than the bugs.
If you choose to use a spray, test it on a couple of leaves first. Then wait a few days to make sure there’s no damage before treating the whole plant.
Jade Plant Pruning
Pruning is another important part of jade plant care. Regular trimming keeps the foliage compact, and allows the stem to grow thicker.
Pinch off new tips and trim leggy growth to encourage branching, and your plant will grow fuller and thicker.
Use a sharp pair of pruning snips (you can’t go wrong with these ones from Fiskars), or get yourself some bonsai pruning shears. Learn exactly how to prune jade plants step by step here.
Tips For Propagating Jade Plants
Jade plants are extremely easy to propagate. They can be grown from stem or leaf cuttings in slightly moist, well-drained soil.
Allow the cut area to dry for a few days, then dip it in rooting hormone. This helps to speed up the process, and I highly recommend it.
If you want to learn more about how to do it, then check out my detailed step-by-step jade plant propagation instructions.
Troubleshooting Common Jade Plant Problems
In this section, I’ll help you troubleshoot some of the most common problems you may have with growing jade plants. Plus I’ll give you tips for how to fix it.
Leaves Or Branches Falling Off
When jades start dropping leaves or branches, it’s usually caused by improper watering (usually too much).
Ensure the soil dries completely before giving more, and use a soil moisture gauge to make things a little easier.
Mushy Or Rotting Stem Or Leaves
If the stem, branches, or leaves are mushy, then it usually means they are rotting because of excessive water. Either prune off the rotted tips, or take healthy cuttings to start new plants.
Leaves Turning Brown
This could be caused by either under or overwatering (which has lead to root rot), or sunburn.
Ensure you’re giving your jade the correct amount of moisture, and harden it off before moving it into the full sun.
Trunk & Stems Turning Brown
A jade plant trunk and stems normally start turning brown and become woody as they age. However, if smaller stems suddenly turn brown after moving them into the direct sun, it is from sunburn.
In that case, move the plant back to the shade and slowly acclimate it to the full sun over a period of a few weeks.
Shriveling Or Drooping Branches Or Leaves
When jade leaves or branches shrivel, that usually means they aren’t getting enough moisture.
However, it can also be a sign that the stem has rotted. If the base is not mushy, then water the plant more often. Otherwise, treat it for rot.
Roots Growing On The Stem Or Branches
When roots grow on the stem or branches, they are called aerial roots. Though it’s not always a problem, this can be triggered by under watering, and also happens when the main stem is rotting.
Ensure they’re getting enough moisture, and check the entire stem for signs of rot. If all is good, then you can just prune off the stems with aerial roots if they bother you, or leave them be.
FAQs About Jade Plant Care
Below I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about growing jades. If you can’t find the answer to your question here, ask it in the comments below.
Is a jade plant indoor or outdoor?
You can grow jade plants either indoors or outdoors, depending on where you live. They aren’t cold hardy, and must be brought indoors in freezing weather (anywhere less than zone 9).
Do jade plants go dormant?
Though jade plants don’t go fully dormant, they do go into a state of dormancy in the winter. During this time, growth will slow and they don’t require as much water.
Does a jade plant like to be root-bound?
Yes, a jade plant likes to be root-bound and can live in the same pot for several years. Their root system isn’t very large, so keeping them in a smaller pot will help prevent overwatering.
Is jade easy to grow?
Jade plants are very easy to grow with the proper care. Keep the soil on the dry side, give them plenty of light, pinch them back if they get leggy, and they will thrive for decades.
Jade plants are one of my favorite houseplants. They are low maintenance, easy to take care of, and beautiful too. There are several varieties to choose from, and it’s fun to collect them. If you follow these jade plant care tips, you’ll have no problem keeping yours thriving for decades!
If you want to learn all there is to know about maintaining healthy indoor plants, then you need my Houseplant Care eBook. It will show you everything you need to know about how to keep every plant in your home thriving. Download your copy now!
More Posts About Growing Succulents
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- African Milk Tree: How To Grow & Care For A Euphorbia trigona Plant
- How To Grow & Care For Echeveria Plants
Share your jade plant care tips in the comments section below.
Marilyn Sponzo says
My beautiful Jade plant is falling over! It is outside on our patio and seems healthy. Do I give it a bigger pot? Can I trim it a little? Please help.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the entire jade plant, pot and all, is falling over because it’s top heavy, then yes, I would move it into a larger container. However, if just the plant is falling over, then check the stem to make sure it’s not rotting.
Madhuri Padamati says
Hi Amy,
I’ve had a curly leaf jade for about 2 months. A branch and a few leaves fell off before I realized that it was not getting enough light. I’ve moved it to a NW facing window a month ago and it’s been doing okay. I see that the leaves aren’t as thick and green like the regular jade plant. Also I see roots coming out of the drainage holes. Is it time to repot? Currently it is in a 4″ dia x4″ H pot. Please suggest what should be my next step.
Thanks in advance!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, if roots are coming out of the drainage holes, then I would repot it. If the leaves are thin, even though you water it properly, that’s another sign that it’s likely pot-bound. Also, jade plants need lots of light. So move it to a south facing window, if you can. Good luck!
Donna says
How do you know when to repot a jade plant? Mine is still pretty small, but I would like an idea when it would be ready. Thank you
Amy Andrychowicz says
Jade plants have fairly shallow roots, and can live in the same pot for many years. Don’t repot it until it has outgrown the container. You’ll be able to tell when you see roots coming out the drainage holes, the pot looks like it’s about to burst, or the plant has gotten too tall and top-heavy for the pot. Here’s detailed post about when and how to repot plants.
Yvette says
Hi Amy – I’m a new jade plant parent but happy to say the had plant I bought 3 yes ago is still alive. However, lately the leaves are quite wrinkled and now developing this whitish scale (like when you get dry skin) on them and some have little white spots. I don’t know if it’s being underwater or a different problem. Any assistance would be so welcome!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Congrats on your success with your jade plant so far! The white scale/spots you mention could be a type of bug infestation. Here are a few articles that may help you make a positive ID…
How To Get Rid Of Scale Insects On Houseplants
How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs On Your Houseplants
When you say it’s wrinkly, that does make me wonder if it’s not getting enough water. But, check the stem and base of your jade first to make sure it’s not mushy. Because wrinkly leaves could be a symptom of stem rot from overwatering too. Good luck!
Leena says
I live in the Pacific Northwest (Zone 8b) and am very new to plants. I recently purchased a two feet grown Jade tree. However, I’ve experienced several problems since the very first day including: whole branches softening and falling off, black raised spots on yellow/light green leaves, dark scabs embedded on the side of the leaves, and tiny white specks on top of the leaves. It had sparse and small leaves with very flexible branches. I thought it was overwatered so I waited for the soil to dry out completely. After 3 weeks, I finally watered it and then used organic liquid fertilizer which has helped it pop up new greener leaves and mildly improved the stiffness of the branches. I’ve also been using rubbing alcohol and a q-tip to clean the leaves with the black spots and some slowly fell off but left scars. On the fourth week, I brought the tree back into the nursery I purchased it from to see what was going on. However, I was told it was fine and could have been the adjustment period. They suggested repotting it which was part of their service.
They ended up recommending me a Lechuza self-watering pot which I’m starting to question if that was a sound purchase? Should I switch to a different planter pot? The self-watering pot seems to go against what this plant needs after much research. Also, are their ways to improve my Jade’s condition?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Sorry to hear that your jade plant is struggling so much! It sounds to me like it is/was being overwatered, as you mentioned. The soft branches that are falling off, and black spots on the leaves could both be due to overwatering, as well as the yellow leaves. The soil should dry out completely before watering again, every single time. I would hold off on fertilizing it again until it has recovered. Fertilizing an already sick plant could send it over the edge, and end up killing it.
I would also check the leaves for scale (hard scabs that leave a scar when removed), and possibly mealybugs (tiny white specks on the leaves).
As for the self-watering pot… I’m afraid your garden center gave you some bad advice, which is a shame. You definitely don’t want to grow jades in a self-watering pot, or they will likely end up rotting over time. The best container to use for growing jade plants (especially since it sounds like you’re overwatering) would be an unglazed terracotta pot. That will wick moisture away from the soil, and allow it to out dry faster. Good luck!
Nadine says
I have a jade that I’ve been growing over the past 15 years, every summer it goes outside. I never knew it could bloom either until a couple of years ago where, like you, it was by accident that I discovered it! That year I had left it out until the first frost was forecasted. The following year, I brought it in too early and it didn’t bloom. Last year I left it out as long as possible and again got the blooms.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome that your jade bloomed for you! That is so cool. Sounds like you’ve figured out the trick for getting them to flower. The cooler temps is key.
Bren da says
My jade plant got a major sunburn! Now what?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear your jade got sunburn! What a bummer! The first thing to do is move it out of the sun right away. Keep it in a shady spot for a few days, and let it recover. Check on it daily to see how the it’s doing. Don’t prune off any of the damaged leaves, just leave it alone. If any of the damaged branches or leaves turn mushy, then prune them off. Otherwise, you can leave the damaged leaves on the plant, and they will eventually drop off on their own as your jade recovers. It may look bad for a few months, but it should recover just fine.
It’s important to slowly acclimate jades to living in full sun. So, after letting it sit in the shade for a week or so, slowly start moving it to the sun. I usually give it a few hours of morning sun for a few days, then move it a little further into the sun, and give it a few more days before moving it again. It takes a few weeks for them to acclimate. Good luck!
Samantha says
Hello! A cat decided to play with my jade and knocked it over. It now doesn’t have roots. What’s the best way to recover it? Will the roots grow back?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no! Sorry to hear that your cat knocked over your jade plant. Darn it! The good news is that they are really easy to propagate, and it doesn’t take long to grow roots again. Here are step-by-step instructions for how to root your jade plant. Good luck!
Zalina Rahaman says
Hi Amy
I do an almost daily inspection of one of my Jade plants for Mealy bug and saw a few brown spots on the underside of the leaves. What could this be and what does it mean?
Looking forward to your response. This plant is taking a beating since I bought it. Seems it came with the bug.
Zalina
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh bummer, sorry to hear your jade has bugs! It sounds like houseplant scale to me, and here’s how to get rid of it… How To Get Rid Of Scale Insects On Houseplants.
Barbara jordan says
I Have a jade plant that has roots growing all along the stem top to bottom. it needs to be cut back but I was wondering if I should cut those little red stop or just leave them be?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I think you’re asking if you should cut off the roots that are growing along the stems of your jade plant? If so, there is no need to do that. You certainly could if you don’t like how they look, but they don’t hurt the plant.
Kathleen says
Which jade plant food do you suggest. I checked on line and many of the reviews are conflicting. Help
Amy Andrychowicz says
Search in the post above for the section titled “Jade Plant Fertilizer”. I have a bunch of suggested products that I use and love listed in that section.
Kathleen Meitz says
my water is softened. Can I use this on my new Jade plant or do I need to buy distilled water
Amy Andrychowicz says
I recommend using either rainwater or distilled water on jade plants. The salt from your water softener can build up in the soil over time. If tap water is your only option, then let it sit out for 24 hours so the chlorine can evaporate. You may also be able to find a water filter that will remove the salts and chemicals from your tap water.
Kathleen Meitz says
Thanks for your help. Is it normal for some of the leaves to turn yellow and fall off?
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome. No, it’s not normal for jade plant leaves to turn yellow and fall off. That is usually a sign that it’s being overwatered. Make sure you’re letting the soil dry out completely before watering again.
Linda says
I have left my Jade plant when it frosted overnight. The leaves are all droopy and possible dead. Will it survive if I trim off the dead leaves { most of them}? I believe the roots were not damaged. Will it, can it come back from the roots?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Oh no, sorry to hear your jade plant was damaged by frost. If the frost-damaged leaves are mushy then yes, definitely prune those off. Otherwise, if they are just drooping, they may recover. In that case, I would just leave it alone and give it more time to see if it pops back. Time will tell. And yes, jades can handle pretty hard pruning, so no worries there (although you don’t want to cut off all the leaves). It won’t come back from the roots, but new branches and leaves will grow on the stems below the cuts.
Naomi says
I visited LosAngeles in December and went back home to Ohio with 3 starts from a Jade tree that was outside in my friends yard. When I got home I put the clippings on my porch and forgot about it until May. When I took it out of the bag it was still very much alive. I potted it and it eventually grew to about 3 feet tall. Amazing. I still don’t believe it.
Amy Andrychowicz says
OMG, that is so funny!! Glad to hear that your jade cuttings survived all winter out on your porch, and still grew to be a nice sized plant. That’s nuts!
Tal Saarony says
Hello Amy,
Thanks so much for your post and all the advice!
I received a rooted cutting from a friend. It is very healthy and has been growing well; however, it has just the one stem that keeps getting taller, about 6″ by now. Should I just pinch the top 2 leaves? I would love as much branching from that one column as possible…
It is fall now, can I still do it?
Should I wait for new baby leaves, or can I pinch the current top ones which are not tiny?
Anything else I can do to encourage branching?
Thanks so much
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, regular pinching and pruning will encourage your jade plant to branch out and grow bushier. I recommend waiting until spring to prune or pinch it though.
Caroline says
I’m so glad I came across your website! I just happened to get my hands on a baby jade tree last year and I’ve been winging it in regards to her care. She’s been doing really well despite the fact that there’s been a lot of trial and error, but now I’m looking forward to see her bloom!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! Congrats on your new baby jade plant. Have fun, and I hope she grows well for you!
Shirley Darby says
Amy, I have a jade “tree,” about 24″ tall by 20″ wide, and a trunk at least 2″ in diameter. It is growing straight, and has always done very well, inside or out, although it has gotten too heavy (in a ceramic pot) to move far. In the last two months (July/August) it has had a rash of branches breaking off, from various parts. These are the smaller ones (1/4″ diameter) growing from the main side branches. They just suddenly break off, for no reason! No bugs, no disease, no pets, no wind. It never had any breakage when it was outdoors in windy weather, and our winds can get pretty strong in Kansas! It has not been outdoors for 2 years now, and has been in south windows. Otherwise, it seems to be healthy. It is self-pruning? Just to look at it, you wouldn’t know it has lost branches. thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Amy Andrychowicz says
When jade plants drop their leaves or branches, it’s usually due to improper watering. Most of the time it’s caused by overwatering, but in rare cases it could be underwatering. I know it’s been a very rainy summer for many, so if your jade has been outside all summer, then it may have been getting too much moisture. When it’s outdoors, make sure the plant is in full sun, is potted in a very fast draining, porous soil, and the pot has plenty of drainage holes. You want the soil to dry out very quickly after it rains. Also, unless you have a drought or it’s extremely dry where you live, you won’t need to water the plant all summer.
Shirley Darby says
In this case, it’s more likely to be underwatering, as I pass it by more often than not when watering the other houseplants, which isn’t even once a week. I have watered it more often, and I put it in a sunnier window, and no branches have dropped since. Thank you.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, glad you were able to stop your jade from dropping more branches! You’re welcome! 🙂