How To Grow And Care For A Jade Plant

The jade plant is relatively easy to grow. These succulents are native to Argentina, and do well in hot, dry surroundings. They bloom naturally, but you may find that they don't do it often when raised indoors. In addition, your plant will have to be at least eight years old to flower.

However, most people don't buy this succulent for its flowers. They're buying it for the attractive, bluish green leaves that give it its name.

The jade plant can grow up to ten feet tall under the right conditions, but aren't likely to do so in your house. Most jade plant in the home remain a relatively manageable size.

When choosing the soil for your jade plant, look for cactus medium or a sandy loam. You should avoid over-watering your jade plant to prevent root rot. That means doing more than just applying water sparingly, however.

You also need well drained soil that will allow excess water to run away from the roots. It's a good idea to put your plant's pot on a platter to catch water as it leaves the pot. This prevents it from sitting in a puddle. All pots should have drainage holes.

Remember not to let this succulent plant get too dry, either. Overly dry soil will damage the plant. You'll see the leaves fall off, and the plant will look more scraggly and "leggy".

Fortunately, if this happens, your plant isn't ruined or likely to die. Just water it and prune the plant back to see if you can salvage it.

To avoid either of these problems, water the plant by periodically placing it in the shower or sink, and allow the water to come down briefly in a rainlike fashion.

The leaves will be washed lean of dust and the soil is soaked, but the plant won't sit in a puddle. Consider watering your plant in the evening.

That way it'll be dry i the morning, and won't suffer from burns due to water droplets magnifying the sunlight. Once the plant is dry, it can be returned to its planter.

Slow watering without allowing the soil to become extremely dry will encourage the plant to grow slowly. Indoors, with limited space, this is usually desirable.

Remember that this type of plant will want a lot of sun. Consider putting indoor jade plants into a south or southeast facing window, so it'll get at least five hours of sunlight each day. Enough light and infrequent water are really all a plant needs - they seem to thrive on neglect.

It's a good idea to start out with a small plant from a grower you trust. Make sure they're someone who takes care of their plants and will offer you one that's in good condition.

A local nursery is often a better choice than a home improvement store, and will be willing to order plants for you if they don't have them. Jade plants are an easy, attractive plant for just about any home.

The leaves will be washed lean of dust and the soil is soaked, but the plant won't sit in a puddle. Consider watering your plant in the evening.

That way it'll be dry i the morning, and won't suffer from burns due to water droplets magnifying the sunlight. Once the plant is dry, it can be returned to its planter.

Slow watering without allowing the soil to become extremely dry will encourage the plant to grow slowly. Indoors, with limited space, this is usually desirable.

Remember that this type of plant will want a lot of sun. Consider putting indoor plants into a south or southeast facing window, so it'll get at least five hours of sunlight each day.

Enough light and infrequent water are really all a plant needs - they seem to thrive on neglect.

It's a good idea to start out with a small jade plant from a grower you trust. Make sure they're someone who takes care of their plants and will offer you one that's in good condition.

A local nursery is often a better choice than a home improvement store, and will be willing to order plants for you if they don't have them. Jade plants are an easy, attractive plant for just about any home.

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