How to Plant and Care for Jade Plants Indoors or Out

Where to Grow Jade Plants

In most regions, jade plants are typically grown indoors because they can't survive freezing temperatures. If you're growing jade plants outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11, select a spot with four to six hours of direct sunlight and well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Outdoor jade plants are slow growers but can reach up to 10 feet tall, so ensure there's ample space for them to expand.

Indoors, jade plants rarely flower. However, outdoors, under optimal conditions, they can produce small pinkish-white, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.

Note: Jade plants are toxic to dogs, cats, and horses and are moderately toxic to children. Keep these plants out of reach of pets and kids.

Jade Plant Care Tips

Jade plants perform best in warm environments with bright sunlight and excellent drainage. Follow these tips to create the ideal conditions for your jade plant, helping it thrive for years.

Light: Provide your jade plant with four to six hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day to ensure the healthiest and greenest leaves. Insufficient sunlight can lead to narrow leaves with a grayish tint and may result in leggy plants. During summer, consider placing your jade plant outdoors for additional sunlight, which can spur growth. Position your jade plant by a south-facing window to maximize direct sunlight exposure. Alternatively, use a grow light for about 12 hours daily.
Soil and Water: Jade plants thrive in well-drained, gritty soil; damp soil can lead to root rot. Use a potting mix crafted for succulents when growing in containers. Add two tablespoons of ground limestone per gallon of potting mix (if not already included) to adjust the pH to around 6.5, which jade plants prefer. Water your jade plant when the soil feels nearly dry but not so much that it pulls away from the pot's edges. Jade plants are susceptible to overwatering rather than underwatering. Dropping leaves may indicate insufficient water. Maintain moderately moist soil during active growth from mid-March to mid-October. In winter, reduce watering, but don’t let the soil dry out completely. Overwatered jade plants may show brown or white leaf spots. Use lukewarm water to water your jade plant until it drips from the drainage hole. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then empty any excess water from the saucer.
Temperature and Humidity: Indoors, jade plants thrive at temperatures between 65°F and 75°F, similar to most household preferences. They do not tolerate temperatures below 50°F, so avoid exposing them to cold weather. Jade plants prefer humidity levels between 30% and 50%.
Fertilizer: Jade plants require minimal fertilization. Use an all-purpose organic fertilizer in early to mid-spring. Occasionally apply a low dose of fertilizer during the growing season to maintain their vibrant green color.
Pruning: Decide how much you want to prune your jade plant; you can shape it like a bonsai or allow it to grow naturally. Pruning is helpful if the plant becomes top-heavy. Prune in spring with twig shears, snipping any protruding branches that disrupt your desired shape, cutting back to a lateral branch. Cuts will heal, and new growth will appear within weeks.

Potting and Repotting Jade Plants

You'll likely need to repot your jade plant every two to three years to prevent it from outgrowing its container. Use an unglazed clay pot to allow moisture to evaporate and reduce waterlogging risk. As the plant matures, repotting may be necessary every four to five years.

As the jade plant grows, selecting wide, heavy-bottomed pots becomes crucial to prevent toppling, as these plants can grow top-heavy. When repotting, clean the roots and check for fungus. Then, place the jade plant in fresh soil, spreading the roots evenly as you fill the pot. Wait a week before watering lightly.

Pests and Problems

Indoor jade plants often encounter dust more than pests. If the leaves look dull, gently wipe them with a moist cloth. Alternatively, move the plant outdoors (if warm enough) and spray it lightly with a hose to remove dust.

Regularly inspect the plant, including the undersides of leaves, for aphids, scale, spider mites, and mealybugs. Mealybugs are especially common and appear as small, fuzzy white spots. If pests are present, remove them with a paper towel sprayed with rubbing alcohol.

How to Propagate Jade Plant

Propagating a jade plant is straightforward:

Take a leaf or a 3-inch cutting from a healthy, mature plant. Let the base dry out until a scab forms.
Dip the scabbed end in rooting hormone powder.
Position the cutting in a container filled with equal parts soil and vermiculite.
Place it in a well-lit area, misting occasionally. Roots and new plants will form soon

Common Jade Plant: A common jade plant (Crassula ovata) grows into a durable, shrubby tree that pairs well with cacti and other succulents. It is also known as Crassula argentea and Crassula portulacea.
Silver Jade: Silver jade (Crassula atropurpurea arborescens) has silvery-blue, flattened leaves with red margins. It can reach heights of 6 feet and requires similar care to common jade.
Variegated Jade: Crassula ovata ‘Variegata’ resembles common jade but has creamy white variegated leaves.
‘Hobbit’ Jade: Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’ grows slowly and remains small indoors. While it can tolerate lower light levels than some jade plant varieties, plenty of light will encourage its leaf tips to take on a handsome red hue. This variety is hardy to Zone 9.

Companion Plants for Jade Plant

Pair potted jade plants with low-growing, sun-loving succulents that require little water, such as hens and chicks or showy sedum. For outdoor jade plant companions, match the growing conditions and space needs of each plant. Look for succulents that thrive in well-drained, gritty soil and full sun.

Agave Desmetiana ‘Variegata’: Like jade plants, Agave desmetiana thrives in sandy, well-drained soils and full sun, yet tolerates partial shade. Its curved, bright green leaves with golden-yellow edges sharply contrast the jade plant's glossy, fleshy leaves.
Blue Chalksticks: Blue chalksticks (Senecio mandraliscae) serve as excellent ground cover succulents, frequently used in landscaping designs for Zones 10 and 11. They produce blue-green spikes on short, cylindrical stems, reaching heights of 6 to 8 inches and spreading 1 to 2 feet wide.
Coppertone Sedum: Coppertone sedum (Sedum nussbaumerianum) is a charming evergreen perennial in Zones 10 and warmer, turning a striking copper color under full sun. It adds an elegant touch to rock and succulent gardens and container plantings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common problems with jade plants?

Shriveled leaves indicate the plant needs more water. If it's losing leaves, it likely requires more light. Numerous yellow leaves suggest overwatering.

Can jade plants be rooted in water?

Yes! Take a 3- to 6-inch branch or cutting from a healthy jade plant, removing any leaves near the base that might be submerged. Allow the cutting to form a scab for a couple of days to prevent root rot. Once callused, immerse it in clear, filtered water, securing it with toothpicks. Position the cutting in a sunny spot, changing the water every few days until new roots form. After roots emerge, transplant the cutting to soil.

How long do jade plants live?

Properly cared-for jade plants can live 50 to 100 years. Considered symbols of good luck, they are often passed down as heirlooms, believed to bring prosperity and fortune.

Should you mist a jade plant?

No, avoid misting jade plants as it may promote fungal diseases. These plants prefer dry conditions, and misting isn’t advisable.

Do jade plants like coffee grounds?

Yes, but only in moderation. Sparingly spread coffee grounds as a natural fertilizer around the base of the plant. Excessive use can cause root burn, and coffee grounds can retain moisture in the soil, which jade plants prefer to be on the dry side. Also, coffee grounds are acidic, while jade plants favor neutral to slightly acidic soil.