Jade plants were once omnipresent; they were the classic indoor plant that grew in macramé plant hangers. Thankfully, jade plants have never gone extinct, and macramé is again popular. They are easy houseplants to grow.
Jade plants are popular indoor plants that many people grow in their homes and workplaces because they are considered lucky. I didn’t have to be lucky to figure out how to care for and maintain jade plants. To learn how to care for this plant, continue reading to learn the watering technique I use for my plant.
How Can I Water Jade Plants?
Jade plants require the soil to dry out between waterings because they are adapted to withstand drought. To satisfy their moisture needs without creating root rot, water jade plants once every 14 days with a great soak. Before watering your jade plant, make sure the soil is dry.
Jade plants can enter a state of hibernation in the summer to combat drought; thus, they have varying watering needs at different times of the year. To avoid water stress and maintain the health of your jade plant, you should use the ideal watering schedule in conjunction with the proper well-draining, succulent soil and pot.
How Often To Water Jade Plants
Jade plants have developed unique adaptations to survive in hot, dry climates with little rainfall. These include storing moisture in their thick stems and leaves and preventing water loss (transpiration) from the leaves. They do this by opening their stomata at night rather than during a hot, sunny day.
Jade plants enjoy dry circumstances since they adapt to drought. As a result, they are vulnerable to the harmful effects of overwatering, such as yellowing or transparent leaves and root rot.
It’s critical to replicate the watering conditions of their natural environment if you want to effectively cultivate jade plants in your house or yard. It would be best if you watered when the soil is entirely dry, as jade plants need the dirt around the roots to dry out between watering periods. This often entails watering jade plants every 14 to 16 days.
Jade Plants Watering Requirement During Winter
Jade plants need less winter water because of the slower soil evaporation rate from the cooler temperatures. It is worthwhile to check the soil moisture through the drainage hole and adjust the watering frequency to prevent root rot. It will allow the soil around the roots to dry out completely between watering sessions.
Also, consider whether your indoor jade plant is close to a heat source like a heater or forced air, which can lead to daily temperature fluctuations and hasten soil evaporation. The jade plant should remain healthy if there is a time between waterings for the soil to dry out.
Generally speaking, watering jade once every three weeks is suitable for winter. Still, you should always examine your soil to determine how frequently you should water your jade plant based on your particular conditions.
Jade Plants Watering Requirement During Summer
High temperatures can cause jade plants to go dormant and stop developing. To survive in their harsh, hot, and dry native environment, jade plants use this strategy. Jade plants should receive less watering when dormant since they are more susceptible to root rot from excessive moisture surrounding the roots.
Water your jade once every three to four weeks if the weather is over 80°F (26°C) to prevent overwatering and root rot; however, if the leaves begin to wither, increase the watering frequency. Finding the best watering balance for your particular climate may need some experimentation.
How Much Water Should I Give Jade Plants?
Understanding how much water your jade plant needs to thrive is vital! The frequency of watering your jade plant can vary according to climate, humidity, and temperature, but the amount of water should remain constant.
Give jade plants a great soak to the point where water drips out the bottom of the pot. For the roots to absorb the hydration they need, this guarantees that the water has permeated the soil. A generous watering also promotes root development and growth, which is beneficial for the health of the jade plant and further strengthens its drought tolerance.
A jade plant’s leaves will begin to wilt and eventually turn brown as a sign of drought stress when they are watered too lightly, which results in only the top inch or so of the soil being moist. The water also needs to reach the roots where it is required. By giving the earth a good soak and then letting it dry out, you can mimic the jade plant’s native environment’s watering patterns, which include brief but intense downpours followed by hot, dry spells.
Signs of Underwatered Jade Plants and How To Fix It
The following are signs of underwatered jade plants:
- Wrinkled Leaves
The leaves of a jade plant that has been submerged frequently have wrinkled surfaces. The leaves lose their stiffness and plumpness due to a lack of water. If left unchecked, it might cause long-term damage.
- Leaves Drooping
Like wrinkled leaves, drooping or falling off leaves is a pretty obvious sign that your jade plant is drowning. If you notice this, water your jade plant immediately because it’s usually a more severe sign than wrinkled leaves.
- Browning Foliage
They could have a reddish hue when they first appear. The leaves on your jade plant are likely underwatered if they are turning brown and crispy, while this could also indicate other problems (like sunburn). For the majority of plants, this is a typical indicator of underwatering. Feeling the soil is an optimum way to determine whether a plant is submerged.
The next step is to give your plant water once you decide it requires it. Make sure to gently and uniformly water your jade plant so that the water can get to the roots. Try bottom watering if you have it in a planter with drainage holes.
Signs of Overwatered Jade Plants and How To Fix It
The following are some signs of overwatering in Jade plants:
- Yellowing Leaves
This one is tricky to diagnose because it could indicate other problems (like too much sun). Still, if you notice yellowing and wrinkling/drooping, it’s probably a watering problem.
- Leaves Dropping And Falling Off
This is another common symptom of both overwatered jade plants, although it is typically more severe in underwatering.
When you discover these signs in your jade plant, stop watering it and allow it to dry before the next watering. Ensure you reduce your frequency as well.
Facts To Always Remember
Have these in mind when watering your Jade plants:
- Pick a container with at least one drainage hole that has no more than 2 inches of space between the root ball of your jade plant and the distance between the root ball and the edge of the container.
- To replicate the drainage patterns and soil nutrients that jade plants need to thrive, you should plant your jade in unique succulent and cactus soil.
- Jade plants should be put in containers with drainage holes in the bottom to avoid standing water collecting around the roots, which can also lead to root rot.