Jade Plant Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Crassula argentea

Orpine Family

Succulent Plant

No other succulent houseplant is as widely known, or as widely grown, as the fleshy-stemmed, paddle-leafed jade plant. Even when it is a youngster, and is barely six inches tall, the jade plant resembles a broad-spreading tree in miniature. Despite its heavy stems, this species has a small root system--for that reason, jade plants are usually sold in pots that seem absurdly small. Your jade plant may eventually flower with hundreds of tiny pale pink blossoms; but such a glorious event is usually reserved for old, shrub-sized specimens that have been tended by a succulent expert.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: For your plant's long-term health, bright, direct sunlight is necessary (placement in an unobstructed southern or western window is ideal).

WATERING: Make sure the plant's soil becomes entirely dry between waterings; but when the time does come to water, do so thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than ten minutes.

FEEDING: Feed sparingly, and only during active growth or flowering. Use an all purpose houseplant fertilizer at half the concentration and frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS: Jade plants develop a lanky, weeping habit when they are given too much water and too little light. Overwatering can also result in root and stem rot. Also, check periodically for scale and mealy bug insects. Warning: some insecticidal sprays may harm the plant's succulent leaf tissue. Consider using fine horticultural (paraffin-based) oil to control these pests.