How to grow Jade Plant

Crassula ovata · money tree, jade tree, lucky plant

A slow-growing South African succulent shrub with thick, oval, glossy leaves, often edged red, that becomes a miniature tree with age. It rarely flowers indoors.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Crassulaceae
Light	Full sun
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 5 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Sow straight into the bed after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 14 days	—	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 44 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 74 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 104 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 134 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 164 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 28 days	—	—

Growing notes

Light

Full light in a sunny spot, ideally with some shade from hot afternoon sun; bright light keeps it healthy and compact.

Soil

Free-draining cactus compost in a pot with drainage holes; never leave it standing in water.

Care

In spring and summer water in moderation when the compost has dried, keeping it only lightly moist, and feed a general liquid fertiliser monthly. From autumn to late winter water very sparingly and keep it in a cool, bright place. Overwatering causes leaf drop and root rot. Leaves and stems root easily as cuttings. The plant is toxic to cats, dogs and horses if eaten.

Pests and diseases of Jade Plant

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.