Jade plant care: watering, light and repotting
Also called crassula, money tree, friendship tree · Crassula ovata · Crassulaceae family
28 d in winter
How often to water the jade plant?
Allow about 12 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 28 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Lives for decades. A cool, dry winter encourages flowering.
What light does it need?
The jade plant loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from May to August, feeding every 45 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1–3 ft (30 cm–1 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Wrinkled leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water thoroughly, then let it dry out.
Falling leaves
Cause: Too much water. What to do: Water less often, especially in winter.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the jade plant?
About every 12 days in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the jade plant?
The jade plant loves the sun: a south- or west-facing window suits it, ideally less than 3 ft (1 m) from the glass. Without enough light, the stems stretch and growth slows down.
Should you mist the jade plant?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the jade plant?
Every 3 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the jade plant safe?
The jade plant is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the jade plant forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.