Jade plants, also known as pachira aquatica, are slow-growing plants and are mainly raised indoors and used as ornaments to add color and beauty to apartments. Its leaves are shaped like ovals and are succulent.
Jade is one of the easiest plants to grow and nurture. It is also called houseplants because they can survive indoor breeding conditions. It takes almost 2 years for Jade plants to triple their growth inch making it more germane to indoor conditions. Lucky plant, money tree, or lucky money are other names for Jade plants.
Jade plants are known for their robust and evergreen branches, with leaves growing in pairs, one facing the other. The leaves are always green, although they have some with yellow-green leaves. High exposure to sunlight may cause a twist in color. The trunks are always round and growing straight without bending. The trunk shares the same color with the leaves, but changes as the plant grows.
How to Grow Jade Plants
Jade plants are mainly grown indoors and are very useful for decorating and shaping up your apartments. Its name, the lucky plant, is a fancy word earned by the plant due to its known place in homes, offices, and apartments. Growing a Jade plant is very easy, unlike other plant species. Read through as we guide you through the simple steps to growing your Jade plant.
Choose A Pot
Potting your Jade plant is necessary since it is mostly grown in homes for ornamental purposes. A pot provides a good and adjustable breeding condition for your Jade Plant. Choose a pot that is wide and bigger. This is because your Jade Plant may likely outweigh the pot when it has grown older. Jade plants tend to be heavier the more they grow; hence you need a larger pot with a good diameter to contain such pressure.
Choose A Suitable Soil
Moisture-free soil is the best soil for your Jade plant pot. A heavily moisturized soil may provide a breeding ground for bacteria that may attack the plan’s root, making it wither.
Harvest Potted Plant Leaf Or Stem
Harvest a leaf or cut the stem of the potted plant. The stem should be 2-3 inches long, and at least 2 pairs of the Jade plant leave. After harvesting the leaves or the cut stem, leave it for some days in a warm place. A callus forming on the cut area will let the plant undergo rotting and grow roots.
Lay It On The Potted Soil
At this point, the potted soil should be slightly moist but not excessively moist. Lay the leaves horizontally on the pot and ensure the cut part is covered with soil. Don’t place a stem cutting horizontally as you are placing the leaves. If you use stem cutting, place it vertically on the soil and let it stand upright. You can use other small pegs to support it.
Expose The Pot To Sunlight
After doing all the above, place your pot with the cut stem or leave it where it can access sunlight. In other words, the pot should be kept in a warm place for a while. Don’t apply water at this point.
Check Back After Two Weeks
After two weeks, revisit the pot to check whether the leaf or cut stem has started growing roots. If it is yet to generate root, wait a bit longer and continue observing.
Water When Roots Begin To Sprout.
If the plant has finally generated roots at the early stage, immediately commence deep watering of the plant. Ensure that the watering process is done as meticulously as possible. Observe the roots while watering. Ensure that it is not dragged much during watering, but the water should penetrate deep to allow the roots to grow downwards.
Note: The potting soil should be allowed to dry out before another watering commences. Also, the plant should not be exposed to excessive sunlight in the early days. When it is well mature, it can withstand high-intensity temperatures due to its succulent nature.
How to Care For Jade Plants
Just like other plants, the Jade plant grows well under certain conditions. After your Jade plant begins to grow, temperature, watering schedule, fertilizer application, and protection against pests and diseases are necessary for the plant to blossom. Continue reading as we take an in-depth look at how to care for your Jade plant.
Temperature Checks
Room temperatures (65°F to 75°F and 28°C to 24°) are the best conditions for your Jade plant. A slightly cooler temperature during winter and night can equally do better.
However, your Jade plant is not resistant to frost. Jade plants kept outdoors during summer should be taken indoors during autumn. Your Jade plan should not be exposed to drafty areas during winter. This can force the leaves to wither.
Watering Your Jade Plants
Different seasons require different watering schedules at different times for your Jade plant. How you water your jade plant in the summer and strong can affect the life chances of the plant. Ensure deep watering of the plant, especially in the early stages of the plant.
Don’t water again until the soil is completely dried up. You can water your Jade plant once each week or once each month. Depending on the weather condition and where you are keeping the plant. Splashing the water on the leaves in an intensely humid environment may result in rot.
The water should not be salty. Distilled and filtered water is ideal. Brownish leaves mean the plant is not well watered, while waterlogged and squish leaves mean it has been overwatered. Always ensure an optimal supply of clean water for your jade plant.
Applying Fertilizer
You should rarely apply fertilizer to your Jade plant. It requires fewer nutrients and a good and sizable pot with the right soil type. The fertilizer should be suitable for a succulent houseplant. A diluted liquid fertilizer is recommendable.
Transplanting Jade Plant
Your Jade plant must be repotted in the early stages to aid growth. This can be done in 2 to 3 years of the plant’s life. For the older Jade plant, it should be transplanted at least after four or five years to encourage growth. Repotting your Jade plant is a necessary step to aid the growth of your Jade plant, but it should be handled with extreme care.
Protect Against Pest And Diseases
Root root, mealybugs, and wrinkled and squishy leaves are some of the problems your Jade plant can undergo due to improper handling, which exposes it to pests and diseases.
If your jade plenty is affected with mealy bugs, a spraying bottle of water with drops of alcohol can help wipe off the mealy bugs.
Root rot is caused by excessively moisturized soil which provides a breeding ground for bacteria. Reducing excessive watering helps tackle the problem.
Why Do Jade Plant Leaves Fall Off?
Jade plant leaves begin to fall off, and the plant lacks enough water for it to grow. The symptom is always obtained early in the plant’s life. Enough watering is needed to sustain the plant during those early periods.
How Do You Know An Overwatered Jade Plant?
You can easily spot an overwatered Jade plant with the symptoms, which include squishy leaves, leaf drops, waterlogged soil, root rot, and yellowish leaves.
Can A Dying Jade Plant Be Revived?
A dying Jade Plant can be revived. It depends on what is causing the plant to die. Dehydration caused by adverse temperature can be reversed. Water and soak the soul optimally to revive the plant.
Image Credit: Lorraine Godinho