Guide to Fertilizing Your Dragon Jade Plant

The Dragon Jade Plant, also known as Crassula ovata or the Money Tree, is a popular succulent that is native to South Africa. This plant can be grown indoors or outdoors and is known for its long lifespan and easy care. One important aspect of caring for your Dragon Jade Plant is fertilizing it properly. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about fertilizing your Dragon Jade Plant.

Why Fertilize Your Dragon Jade Plant?

Fertilizing your Dragon Jade Plant is essential to promote healthy growth and development. It provides essential nutrients that are required for the plant’s survival, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are necessary for the production of chlorophyll, which is responsible for the plant’s green color and photosynthesis.

When to Fertilize Your Dragon Jade Plant?

The best time to fertilize your Dragon Jade Plant is during the growing season, which falls between spring and fall. During this time, the plant is actively growing and requires more nutrients to support its growth. You should avoid fertilizing your plant during winter when it is dormant.

What Type of Fertilizer Should You Use?

When selecting a fertilizer for your Dragon Jade Plant, opt for a balanced water-soluble fertilizer that is formulated specifically for succulents. This type of fertilizer contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid using fertilizers that contain high amounts of nitrogen as they can cause leaf burn.

How to Fertilize Your Dragon Jade Plant?

To fertilize your Dragon Jade Plant, dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the diluted fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves or stem as it can cause damage.

How Often Should You Fertilize Your Dragon Jade Plant?

During the growing season, you should fertilize your Dragon Jade Plant once a month. However, if you notice that the plant is not growing as vigorously as it should, you can increase the frequency to every two weeks. During the dormant season, you should not fertilize your plant.

Signs of Overfertilization

Overfertilization can be just as harmful as underfertilization. Signs of overfertilization include brown or yellow leaves, leaf drop, and stunted growth. If you notice these signs, stop fertilizing your plant and flush the soil with water to remove any excess fertilizer.

Signs of Underfertilization

If your Dragon Jade Plant is not receiving enough nutrients, it will exhibit signs of underfertilization. These signs include slow growth, yellowing leaves, and small and weak stems. If you notice these signs, increase the frequency of fertilization or switch to a more potent fertilizer.

Conclusion

Fertilizing your Dragon Jade Plant is an essential part of its care routine. It provides the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and development. By following this guide, you can ensure that your plant receives the right amount of fertilizer at the right time.

FAQ

Can I use regular fertilizer on my Dragon Jade Plant?

No, regular fertilizer contains too much nitrogen which can cause leaf burn. You should use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer formulated specifically for succulents.

Can I fertilize my Dragon Jade Plant during winter?

No, you should avoid fertilizing your plant during the dormant season.

Can I apply fertilizer directly to the leaves of my Dragon Jade Plant?

No, you should apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant to avoid causing damage to the leaves or stem.

How often should I fertilize my Dragon Jade Plant?

During the growing season, you should fertilize your plant once a month. You can increase the frequency to every two weeks if you notice that the plant is not growing as vigorously as it should.