Jade plants are lush, easy to maintain succulents. Thick, glossy leaves lend the plant a subtle yet showy look, while the woody trunks of mature plants introduce texture. Find out everything you need to know about Crassula ovata or Jade plant care and what these succulents need to flourish.

Get to Know Jade

The botanical name of Jade plants is Crassula ovata. Some call this plant by the nickname money plant, but Crassula ovata is unrelated to the Chinese Money Plant or the Money Tree.

The plant is a succulent from South Africa. Most varieties have thick, oval leaves with glossy sheen that grow in alternating pairs along the branching stems. Healthy and thriving plants display a slight red accent along the outer edge of the leaves. Young plants have fleshy stems, which become woody with age and give the plant a tree-like appearance.

Crassula ovata is a slow-growing houseplant and, in the best case, will add a couple of inches of height per year. Mature plants stand three to six feet tall and two to three feet wide.

Jade Plant Care

Jade plants need similar care to most other succulents, so they need bright, indirect sunlight and loose, well-drained soil. Do right by your Jade plant and use a neutral to acidic soil mix. Most ready-made succulent or cacti mixes support Jade plants. 

The leaves will burn and shrivel in direct sunlight, so avoid a spot directly in front of a south-facing window; a few feet back is perfect. Aim for about six hours of sunlight. If there is too little light, the plant will become leggy, or the leaves will fall off.

How Often to Water Jade Plant

Wait until the soil is dry before giving the plant water. The amount of sunlight and humidity influence how quickly the potting mix dries, but generally, plan to water every few weeks during the spring and summer. In winter, dormant or semi-dormant plants need water roughly every six to eight weeks. Resist the urge to water if the soil is damp. Jade plants store water in their foliage to stay hydrated for an extended time. The leaves will wrinkle if the plant becomes too dry, so water immediately if you notice puckered foliage.

Root rot is a very real problem for Jade plants. Dying foliage that falls from the plant is a sign it is over-watered. Always use a pot with drainage. Elevate your Jade plant care or compensate if you tend to overwater by using an unglazed clay or terracotta pot. Clay wicks moisture out of the soil, causing it to dry out more quickly and reducing the risk of root rot.

Jade Plant Temperature and Humidity Needs

Jade plants prefer consistent temperatures in the 65° to 75° F range. Keep the plant away from drafts, and if you move it to an outdoor porch or patio for the summer, wait until the temperature is above 55° F and choose a spot protected from direct sunlight and rainfall. The plant can experience shock if exposed to drastic temperature fluctuations and appear wilted.

Humidity between 30% and 50% is best for Jade plants. These plants hail from hot, dry climates, and too much moisture makes it hard for them to thrive. Average humidity is fine, but avoid areas with increased humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom.

Jade Plant Fertilizer Tips

Jade plants grow slowly, but you can help maximize growth with fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer, like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, during the spring and summer to encourage abundant growth. Dilute the formula to avoid damaging the roots and stop fertilizing during the fall and the winter if growth slows to a stop.

Do Jade Plants Bloom?

Crassula ovata features tiny, white, or pink-hued flowers. The star-shaped flowers bloom in clusters, creating mini constellations of blooms in spring. The conditions must be perfect for a houseplant to flower, but you can help set the plant up for success. Dial in the care and let the plant become slightly rootbound to increase the odds of spring flowers.

When to Repot a Jade Plant 

Jade plants are content to stay put for years at a time. Young plants often need repotting every two to three years, while mature plants can wait closer to five years. 

These plants have a shallow root system, so they can easily become top-heavy. Keep large plants stable with a heavy clay pot, but avoid sizing up too much. Excess soil will retain moisture and increase the risk of root rot. Most plants do well in a cachepot, and an inner nursery pot placed inside an outer decorative pot is another solution to provide proper care while anchoring the plant.

Jade Plant Propagation Tips

Expand your Jade plant collection or share the wealth with a friend through propagation. Create new Jade plants through leaf or stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be several inches long and have a few leaves. Allow the cut end to dry out before attempting to root.

Leaf cuttings need the petiole or the small stem that connects the leave to the branch. Place leaf cuttings on top of the soil; do not stick the cut end in the potting mix. The cut end will gradually produce roots and a new, tiny plant.

Is Jade Plant Pet Safe?

Crassula ovata is not pet-safe. Eating or chewing on jade plants can cause irritation in the mouth and throat and an upset stomach. If you have curious little ones or pets prone to chewing on houseplants, reconsider bringing a jade plant into your home.

Styling Tips

Jade plants can live for decades with proper care and are easy to maintain, making them a great choice for people interested in adding long-term greenery without a serious maintenance commitment. The tree-like form gives Crassula ovata a stately look, and this plant can easily go solo on a console table or desk. Mature plants make excellent floor plants. Pair Jade plants with other succulents or snake plants since all of these houseplants have similar needs and thrive in the same conditions.