Baby Jade Plant in a Pot:
How to Care for Your Container Plant

Jade plants are popular succulent plants that are very easy to care for. They are native to South Africa and Mozambique, but they can be grown just about anywhere. Jade plants are also known as the “money plant” or “lucky plant” because of their association with good fortune and prosperity. If you have a baby jade plant in a pot, follow these tips to keep it healthy and happy.

Choosing the Right Pot

When choosing a pot for your baby jade plant, make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom. This will ensure that excess water can drain out of the soil and prevent root rot. The pot should also be large enough to accommodate the growing plant. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is about one inch larger in diameter than the current pot.

Soil Requirements

Jade plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A good soil mix for jade plants is a combination of sand, perlite, and peat moss. You can also use a cactus or succulent soil mix, which is readily available at most garden centers.

Watering

Like most succulents, jade plants do not require frequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Water your baby jade plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. When you do water your plant, water it thoroughly until water drains out of the bottom of the pot.

Light Requirements

Jade plants require bright, indirect sunlight for at least four hours per day. They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can cause sunburn on the leaves. If you notice that your plant’s leaves are turning brown or yellow, it may be getting too much direct sunlight.

Temperature Requirements

Jade plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18-24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10°C) and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C). Avoid placing your plant near cold drafts or hot radiators.

Fertilizing

Jade plants do not require frequent fertilizing, but you can give them a boost during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once a month.

Pruning

Jade plants do not require frequent pruning, but you can trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node.

Propagating

Jade plants are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a stem cutting that is at least two inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem. Allow the cutting to dry out for a few days before planting it in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until new growth appears.

FAQ

Q: Can I grow my baby jade plant outdoors?

A: Jade plants can be grown outdoors in warm climates with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. In colder climates, it’s best to keep your jade plant indoors.

Q: Why are my jade plant’s leaves turning brown?

A: Brown leaves on a jade plant usually indicate overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Make sure your plant is getting enough light, but not too much, and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

Q: How often should I fertilize my jade plant?

A: Jade plants do not require frequent fertilizing, but you can give them a boost during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it once a month.

Q: Can I propagate my jade plant using leaf cuttings?

A: No, jade plants cannot be propagated from leaf cuttings. Instead, take stem cuttings that are at least two inches long and remove any leaves from the bottom half of the stem before planting in well-draining soil.