Famous since the 1970s, Crassula Ovata, or the Jade plant, is considered a constant favorite as a houseplant. They’re given to people as house warming presents because they’re regarded as lucky plants. Since they’re succulent, they can survive with little care making them perfect as household plants.
The Jade plant has fleshy and thick leaves and comes in various shapes and sizes. They can be oval or round, and even irregular shaped. The leaves are gold and green in color with red streaks on them. Needless to say, they’re wonderful to look at it.
This plant grows a couple of inches every year; therefore, it can live on for decades if proper care is provided. Jade plants grown indoors can grow up to 2-3 feet.
Sunlight
Houseplants are tolerable to indirect sunlight, but the Jade plant requires direct sunlight. They’re perfect for patios and gardens, maybe even rooftops where they can receive sunlight at least a few hours a day and partial shade for the rest.
Young Jade plants can survive in bright indirect sunlight, but larger, fully grown plants need direct sunshine rays. However, not more than 4-5 hours of direct sunlight, or else the leaves can scorch and burn.
Watering
Like every other plant, except maybe a cactus, a Jade plant requires regular watering. However, the watering should depend on the soil’s texture; if the soil is dry to touch on top, you can water the plant. Even a better way to check is to dip one finger into the ground and check if the top 2-3 inches are dry.
Don’t water the plant just because it’s been days since you last watered it! It’s better for the plant to be underwatered than to be overwatered. Moreover, whenever possible, choose distilled or filtered water since that is the best for them as this plant is sensitive to salt.
Temperature
As these plants thrive in bright sunlight, they can tolerate high temperatures. Above 20 degrees Celsius is a prime temperature for them.
If the plants are placed outside, try to bring them in the house during winters; they can’t tolerate extremely low weather conditions. Also, keep them away from windows or air conditioner vents as they’re intolerable to drafts as well.
Plant Nutrition
The best part about Jade plants is, they don’t require constant fertilization. But if you want to give your plant a secret boost, a water-based fertilizer is the way to go. However, make sure you don’t use the fertilizer directly on dry soil. Use the fertilizer after you have watered the plant sufficiently.
Toxicity
While the Jade plant isn’t lethally toxic for animals such as cats and dogs, eating them may lead to nausea. Similarly, for humans, it can cause mild skin irritation if your skin is sensitive and other symptoms such as vomiting.
Additional Care
If you see the leaves are dry and brown, you can prune the plant for a healthier and neater look. But dry leaves are also an indication of less water, so make sure you water them!
Furthermore, repotting the plant is unnecessary as they tend to get snug and cozy in their pots. But for some additional boost, once every 2-3 years is doable. When you want to grow another of the same plant, you can use a single leaf! No hassle of cutting buds; just one or two plates will suffice.
The pots should have a sustainable drainage system as the soil shouldn’t be logged with water. This will cause the roots to rot.
Common Issues
Jade plants are prone to fungus and mealy bugs. Overwatering the plant will lead to rotting of the roots; hence a moderate watering hand is required.
Final Thoughts
Native to South Africa, this plant, which is low maintenance, is a favorite among many to keep in their homes. A favorite for over five decades, it goes to show this plant has something worthwhile in it as it’s still a go-to houseplant. You only have to follow this guide, and you’ll easily be able to maintain this plant, a lucky plant that will spruce up your home or office interiors.
