Jade Plant Care Guide

Your complete guide to nurturing a thriving Jade Plant

Your Plant's Story

This resilient Jade Plant started its journey as a cutting from one of our treasured mother plants in our greenhouse. Each plant carries the ancient wisdom and enduring energy of its parent, carefully propagated and nurtured until ready to become your long-term companion.

The Magic: This succulent is basically the plant world's chill friend - it can live for 50-100 years with proper care, often becoming a family heirloom passed down through generations!

From African deserts to your space: Your jade plant's ancestors evolved in the arid regions of South Africa, developing thick, fleshy leaves that store water and woody stems that create beautiful, tree-like structures over time.

Hand-selected for you: Every Dirt Witch jade plant is chosen for its healthy stem structure, plump leaves, and that special resilient energy that makes them perfect companions for busy plant parents.

At a glance

Not Pet Safe

Keep away from curious pets and little ones

Bright indirect light

Loves bright indirect light for at least 6 hours daily - avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch leaves

Beginner-Friendly

The ultimate chill plant that forgives mistakes and grows slowly

Plant Overview

Essential Care

Light

Perfect placement: Bright indirect light - this sun-worshipper wants at least 6 hours of bright light daily

  • Best spot: South or west-facing window where it can soak up those rays

  • Gradually introduce: If moving to brighter light, do it slowly to prevent leaf burn

  • Avoid: Low light conditions (will cause weak, leggy growth) and harsh direct afternoon sun (can scorch leaves)

  • Too little light signs: Stems become thin and reach toward light, plant looks "stretched out"

  • Perfect light signs: Compact growth, thick stems, and that beautiful jade green color

Watering

Finding the rhythm: This drought-tolerant beauty teaches you patience - wait until the top inch of soil is completely dry before watering

  • Spring/Summer: Every 1-2 weeks during active growing season

  • Fall/Winter: Once a month or less - jade plants appreciate a winter rest

  • Pro tip: Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, then let it dry out completely

  • Signs it needs water: Leaves may wrinkle slightly or feel less plump

  • Signs of overwatering: Yellow, mushy leaves or stems that feel soft (this is the quickest way to kill a jade!)

Humidity

Creating the vibe: Normal household humidity (30-50%) is perfect - no need for extra fuss

Easy approach:

  • Standard indoor air is fine - no need for humidity trays or misting

  • Avoid overly humid environments (can cause leaf problems)

  • Good air circulation helps prevent any moisture issues

Temperature

Comfort zone: 65-75°F during the day, can handle cooler nights down to 50-55°F

  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 50°F for extended periods

  • Winter care: Cooler nights actually encourage better growth and potential flowering

  • Consistent temps: Avoid placing near heating vents or drafty windows

Soil & Feeding

Soil: Well-draining succulent mix or create your own: 1 part potting soil + 1 part sand + 1 part perlite

Feeding schedule:

  • Growing season (Spring/Summer): Monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer (20-20-20 at quarter strength)

  • Dormant season (Fall/Winter): No feeding needed - let it rest

  • Fertilizer type: Water-soluble balanced fertilizer, but only feed when soil is already moist

Monthly Care Ritual

Every month, create a moment to connect with your jade:

  • Check soil moisture and water only when dry (this teaches you patience and mindfulness)

  • Inspect for pests, especially where leaves meet stems

  • Gently dust leaves with a soft cloth (they'll respond with brighter, more vibrant color)

  • Rotate pot 1/4 turn for even growth (like turning toward balance in your own life)

  • Remove any spent or damaged leaves that have completed their cycle

  •  Check if it's getting enough bright light - adjust placement if needed

Growing season bonus ritual (Spring/Summer):

  • Offer diluted fertilizer monthly as nourishment

  • Consider light pruning to encourage bushier, more tree-like growth

  • Check if repotting is needed (every 2-3 years - these beauties like being slightly root-bound)

 

Propagation & Repotting Magic

When Your Plant Needs More Space

Every 2-3 years for young plants, every 4-5 years for mature ones, or when your plant starts sending you these signals:

  • Roots are coming out drainage holes like they're exploring

  • Water runs straight through without the soil getting a proper drink

  • Your jade has become top-heavy and needs a sturdier, heavier pot

  • Think of repotting as giving your jade room to grow into the magnificent tree it's meant to become

The Magic of Making More Plants

Best methods: Stem cuttings or leaf propagation (both are incredibly easy!)

There's something absolutely magical about taking one mature jade and creating multiple new plants from it. Here's how to work this succulent magic:

Stem cutting method:

  • Cut a 3-4 inch healthy stem with clean, sharp scissors

  • Let it dry for a few days until the cut end forms a callus (this prevents rot)

  • Plant in well-draining soil and keep lightly moist until roots develop

  • New roots appear in 2-4 weeks - it's like watching patience pay off

Leaf propagation (the real magic):

  • Gently twist off healthy leaves, making sure you get the entire leaf

  • Let them dry for a few days until the end calluses over

  • Place on top of succulent soil and mist lightly

  • Watch tiny new plants emerge from the leaf edges (pure plant magic!)

Pro tip from one plant obsessed person to another: Jade propagation is addictive because it's so reliable! You'll soon have baby jades everywhere. They make incredible gifts and are perfect for sharing with fellow plant lovers. Your jade's legacy continues growing in homes all over town, spreading that calm, resilient energy wherever they go!

Common Visitors & How to Handle Them

  • The cottony crashers: These white, cotton-like visitors love to hide where leaves meet stems - they're attracted to stressed or overwatered plants.

    Signs: White cottony clusters, especially in leaf joints and stem crevices

    Natural remedy: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab (they dissolve instantly), increase air circulation, check watering habits

  • The armor-wearing freeloaders: These small, hard bumps attach to stems and leaves, slowly draining your jade's energy.

    Signs: Small brown or tan bumps that don't move when touched, yellowing leaves

    Gentle removal: Scrape off with your fingernail or soft brush, treat with neem oil to prevent return visits

  • The microscopic troublemakers: These tiny visitors show up when air is too dry and circulation is poor.

    Signs: Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or dusty appearance

    Natural approach: Increase humidity slightly, improve air circulation, spray with neem oil solution

FAQ & Plant Wisdom

  • Your jade is telling you it's thirsty! Wrinkled leaves usually mean the plant has used up its stored water and needs a good drink. Check that the soil is dry, then water thoroughly.

  • This is your plant's way of saying "too much love!" Yellow, soft leaves typically indicate overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and reduce watering frequency. Check for root rot if the problem continues

  • Your jade is reaching for more light! This "etiolation" happens when plants don't get enough bright light. Move it to a sunnier spot and consider pruning the leggy growth to encourage bushier development.

  • This is your plant teaching you to tune into natural rhythms! Check the soil with your finger - when the top inch feels completely dry, it's time for a thorough watering. This usually means every 1-2 weeks in summer, monthly or less in winter.

  • My jade plant is losing leaves - should I be worried?

    Depends on which leaves and why! A few older, lower leaves dropping is normal. But if you're losing lots of leaves, check for sudden temperature changes, insufficient light, or watering issues.


  • Only if you live in zones 11-12 where it never freezes! Otherwise, jade plants are happiest as indoor companions.

    They can vacation outside in summer but need to come in before temperatures drop below 50°F.

  • Every 2-3 years for younger plants, every 4-5 years for mature ones. Jades actually prefer being slightly root-bound, so don't rush to upsize. When you do repot, choose a heavy pot (terra cotta is perfect) to prevent top-heavy tipping.


  • Jade plants can bloom with age and proper care, but it's rare indoors. They need cool winter nights, bright light, and maturity (often 10+ years).

    Don't worry if yours never flowers - the beautiful foliage is the real star!

  • Absolutely! Jades are the tortoise of the plant world - slow and steady wins the race. This slow growth is part of their charm and contributes to their incredible longevity.

    Patience is part of the jade plant wisdom.

Still need help?

Having trouble with your jade plant? We are here to help!

  • Email us at hello@dirt-witch.com with photos of any issues

  • Send us a DM on Instagram @dirtwitchstudio with your questions

Remember: Jade plants are incredibly forgiving and can handle some neglect better than too much attention. Trust your instincts, observe what your plant is telling you through its leaves, and embrace the slow, steady growth that makes these plants such wonderful long-term companions!

Happy growing!