If you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, it’s time to add jade to your collection. Native to South Africa, the jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a broadleaf evergreen succulent shrub that can live for decades. That means it stores water in its leaves and stems, so you’ll rarely need to water it, which is ideal if you’re a wee bit forgetful about giving your plants a drink.
These slow-growing plants need bright indoor spaces, such as a south- or west-facing window. They can even grow outdoors as long as you bring them indoors before freezing temps arrive. Some people also believe that the jade plant will bring prosperity and good luck, so it’s one of the best Feng Shui houseplants for good energy.
Learn more about how to care for this low-maintenance plant at home.
Jade Plant Care Tips
Jade is not difficult to grow; in fact, it’s one of the best beginner plants you could choose. As long as you don’t drown it by overwatering, it can live for decades.
Light
Jade plant needs bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If you don’t give it enough light, it tends to get leggy and gangly-looking. Use a grow light if you don’t have a bright spot in your house. However, don’t put it direct sunlight because that can cause the leaves to burn. If you choose to take it outdoors for summer, start in a shaded place and gradually introduce it to more direct sunlight over the course of several weeks so it doesn’t sunburn.
Soil
Any well-draining potting mix is fine, though you can use a cactus mix which contains coarse sand, perlite, or pumice. Also, make sure the container you use has holes in the bottom so excess water can drain out.
Water
Remember jade is a succulent, so you should only water when the soil feels dry or it may develop root rot (which is usually fatal). Never water on a schedule. Simply poke your finger into the potting medium before watering. If it feels dry a few inches deep, go ahead and give it a good drink until water runs out the bottom of the pot. If it still feels wet, wait another few days and check again. Typically, your jade plant will need watered every few weeks.
EXPERT TIP: Don’t overwater! Jade plants often die because of too much water, which causes root rot.
Temperature
Jade plants do best at average room temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees during the day, and slightly cooler at night. During the winter, keep your plant away from drafty windows. If you took your plant outdoors for summer, be sure to bring it indoors before freezing temperatures arrive.
Fertilizer
Use a general-purpose houseplant liquid fertilizer at half strength once or twice a year in spring and/or summer. The soil should be moist before applying fertilizer to avoid damaging the roots.
Repotting
Young jade plants should be repotted every two or three years, while adult plants should be repotted every four to five years in the early spring. Keep in mind: If you like the size of your plant, jade plants don’t mind being root bound, so you don’t have to repot your jade.
Common Problems With Jade Plants
- Yellow leaves: The primary cause of yellow leaves is overwatering or poor drainage. Remember that jade plants don’t like being too wet. Be sure your planter has drainage holes and that you empty excess water from the saucer.
- Root rot: If you notice soft, squishy leaves, you’ve overwatered. There’s often no recovering from root rot, but you can try repotting the healthy portions of the plant in fresh potting mix, or take a cutting and propagate a new plant (see how below).
- Shriveled leaves: Wrinkly and shriveled leaves are likely the result of too little water. If the soil is dried out completely, give your plant a good drink and the leaves should bounce back in a day or two.
- Leaf drop: Overwatering or poor drainage can result in a loss of leaves.
- Pests: You may occasionally see mealybugs, spider mites, scales or aphids. Depending on the pest you can treat your plant with insecticidal soaps or Neem oil. Read the label and follow the directions closely. Also, isolate the infected plant from your other houseplants immediately. If you can’t get the infestation under control after several attempts at treating, you may need to cut your losses and toss it.
How to Propagate Your Jade Plant
If you’ve never propagated a plant before, the jade plant is a great place to start. There are two simple ways to grow a new plant, either from a cutting or a single leaf.
To use a cutting, start with a cut that’s at least three inches long and allow the cutting to dry out for a few days in a warm, dry place. Place the cutting into a potting mixture and water sparingly (the soil should be slightly damp).
You can also use a single leaf by laying healthy leaves onto your potting mixture. As you water the leaves sparingly, they will start to grow roots and, eventually, tiny plants.
Are Jade Plants Toxic to Pets?
Unfortunately, jade plants are toxic to pets if ingested, according to the ASPCA. They can cause vomiting, depression, incoordination if your pet nibbles on them. For this reason, keep this plant out of reach from pets. If you suspect your pet has eaten any parts of this plant, call your vet immediately.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) leads Good Housekeeping’s gift guide strategy. She writes and edits commerce content, where she analyzes lifestyle trends, shopping data, and works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute to recommend top-tested products. Previously, she was the associate lifestyle editor for GH and wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, BobVila.com, and Unique Homes Magazine. When she’s not tracking down buzzy products, you can find her walking her dog, Skye, around Jersey City.
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
