Jade Plant Care
Crassula ovata (including 'Gollum', 'Sunset' and variegated forms)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright with several hours of direct sun. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the soil is completely dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Gritty: our Arid Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 10β27Β°C. Cool winters are good. |
| π¨ Humidity | Dry is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if eaten. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Needs sun |
| π Grows to | 30 cm to 1 m+ over many years. |
The jade plant is a classic succulent with thick, glossy leaves on sturdy, tree-like stems. With sun and very little water it can live for decades, and it's often passed down through families. It's considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Light + placement
Jades want lots of light, including a few hours of direct sun: a south or west window is ideal. With enough sun, leaf edges blush red. In low light they get leggy and drop leaves.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, then let it drain. In winter, water about once a month. Wrinkled leaves mean thirst; soft, yellow leaves and a mushy stem mean too much water.
Soil + repotting
A gritty, fast-draining mix like our Arid Potting Mix in a heavy pot with drainage (terracotta helps prevent tipping). Repot every 2β3 years.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every other time you water. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
A light sprinkle of worm castings on top of the soil every few months gives it a slow, natural boost (keep it thin so the gritty mix still drains fast). Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Prune in spring to shape it; it branches below each cut. Wipe the leaves to keep them shiny.
Propagation
Let a stem cutting or a single leaf dry for a few days until the cut end calluses, then set it on dry gritty soil and water lightly after a week. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, yellow leaves; mushy stem | Overwatering | Let it dry completely; check for root rot. |
| Wrinkled, thin leaves | Thirsty | Water deeply. |
| Leggy stems, dropping leaves | Not enough light | Move to a sunnier window. |
| Red leaf edges | Healthy sun stress | Nothing to fix; it's a good sign. |
| White cottony spots | Mealybugs | Dab with rubbing alcohol; treat with Houseplant Spray. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for the classic jade, 'Gollum', 'Sunset', variegated jade and their Crassula cousins. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a jade plant?
Only when the soil is completely dry: every 2β3 weeks in summer and monthly in winter.
Is a jade plant safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
How do I get my jade to flower?
Lots of sun in summer and a cool, bright, dry winter.
How long do jade plants live?
Decades, with enough sun and not too much water.
Jade Plant care kit
- Arid Potting Mix: Our fast-draining Soil Bar mix for plants that like to dry out.
- Pruning Shears: Clean, sharp cuts when shaping or removing leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
String of Turtles Β· Maidenhair Fern Β· Philodendron Birkin Β· Bird's Nest Fern Β· String of Hearts Β· Spider Plant Β· Lucky Bamboo Β· Rabbit's Foot Fern Β· All plant care β