How to Plant and Care for Jade Tree: The Step-by-Step Guide
Nicknamed the money plant, the jade tree is an easy-care succulent that symbolizes luck, wealth, and prosperity. Native to South Africa, this hardy plant features fleshy, oval leaves and can thrive for years with proper care. Here’s how to plant Crassula Ovata and keep it healthy, even if you don’t have a green thumb!
How to Plant the Jade Tree (Crassula Ovata)
Planting the Stem of the Jade Tree
To propagate new jade plants, simply plant cuttings. Here’s how:
- Take a Cutting: Ask a friend for a thick stem with healthy leaves. Use clean pruning shears and leave a few inches between the leaves and the bottom of the stem.
- Let it Scar: Allow the cutting to dry in a warm, dry place until a thin crust forms at the cut site.
- Dust with Rooting Hormone: This mixture encourages growth.
- Prepare the Pot: Use a special potting soil for succulents, or mix regular soil with a handful of sand for drainage. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole.
- Plant the Cutting: Make a hole in the soil, place the stem inside, and pack the soil around it.
- Sunlight: Position the pot in a sunny spot but avoid direct sunlight. New shoots should appear in about 4 weeks.
Tip: Avoid watering the cutting while it roots to prevent rot.
Planting the Leaf of the Jade Tree
You can also propagate using a leaf. Follow these steps:
- Select a Leaf: Take a healthy leaf with a small piece of stem attached.
- Let it Dry: Place it in a warm, dry area until the cut dries.
- Apply Rooting Hormone: Dust the cut end with rooting hormone.
- Plant: Use a potting mix of equal parts soil and perlite, placing the cutting so that only the cut end is buried.
- Light and Warmth: Keep the pot in a warm, bright place.
New shoots should appear in a few days!
Jade Tree (Crassula Ovata) Care Tips
To maintain a healthy jade tree, consider four key factors: water, temperature, light, and fertilizers.
How Often to Water the Jade Tree
- Be Cautious: Don’t overwater! Too much water can lead to root rot. Watering once a week is usually sufficient.
- In winter, limit watering to once a month.
- Check Before Watering: Insert your finger into the soil. If it feels damp, wait. If dry, it’s time to water.
- Use non-calcareous or filtered water to avoid harmful salts.
Where to Place the Jade Tree
- Light Requirements: Crassula ovata loves light but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Mature plants may develop red tips if exposed to too much sun.
- Temperature: Ideal temperatures are 18-24°C during the day and 10-13°C at night. Protect from frost.
When to Prune the Jade Tree
- Pruning isn’t regularly needed but can help with growth. Prune in spring or immediately after flowering to encourage uniform growth.
When to Fertilize the Jade Tree
- Fertilize only once a year during the growing season (early spring to early fall). The jade tree goes dormant in winter.
Should I Repot the Jade Tree?
- Repot when roots outgrow the pot—every 2-3 years for young plants, every 4-5 years for older ones. Use fresh, well-draining potting soil and repot in early spring.
Warning: Watch for mealybug infestations, which can harm your plant. Use a cotton swab or cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
With this practical guide, you can successfully plant and maintain your money plant, ensuring it thrives for years to come!
