The jade tree (Crassula ovata) is a succulent plant and, like all succulents, it is easy to care for and to grow; for this reason, it is a very common choice among gardeners. It does not need a lot of water and can live for several years; moreover, it is possible to grow it from small cuttings. If you want to have your own jade tree, follow the instructions in this article to grow, care for, and keep it in top condition.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Grow the Jade Tree from a Cutting
Step 1. Choose a cutting
If you have a large jade tree or know someone who owns it, you can grow several other jade trees by cutting off a stem. Choose a part of the plant with a thick stem and healthy leaves.
Use clean, sharp shears to cut the stem. Make sure you leave a few inches of space between the base and the leaves, so you don't have to remove them when you bury the cutting
Step 2. Let the stem dry out a bit
By giving it a few days to dry slightly and heal the cut, you allow the small cutting to stay healthy as it develops its roots. All you need to do is let the twig sit in a moisture-free area until it looks a little dry. The place where you cut the cutting should also scar slightly.
The wider the incision, the longer the time required for this phase. If you do this in the winter, rather than in the hot months of summer, the times could be even longer
Step 3. Apply a rooting hormone
It is a substance composed of several plant hormones that help the cuttings to grow more successfully. You can make a housewife or buy a commercial solution.
- If you have opted for the commercial rooting hormone, you must follow the instructions on the package; however, in general, you need to spread it directly on the stem you want to bury just before planting it.
- This step is optional; Although it increases the chances of a jade tree growing, this plant is known for its ability to develop its own roots.
Step 4. Fill a container with the right potting soil
You shouldn't use the universal one for this purpose, as it is too heavy to allow for root growth. Instead, buy a specific soil for succulents or make a mixture yourself. The key factor to remember is that this plant needs well-draining soil.
- You can make your own homemade mix by mixing sand, perlite, and a type of compost. Succulent plants prefer a substrate that drains easily, so avoiding universal soil is very important. You can find ingredients for a custom soil at the nursery.
- If you are concerned that the water will not be drained quickly enough, use a clay pot instead of a plastic one. Check that there are drainage holes in the bottom and, if there is a saucer, always empty it of excess water..
- The jade tree doesn't need a lot of space; if the cutting is small, then you can also use a small pot.
Step 5. Plant the plant
Use your fingers or a pencil to make a small hole in the earth (large enough to insert the stem). Place the cutting in the hole so that the entire area treated with the rooting hormone is buried. If you have decided not to use this substance, plant the stem deep enough to allow the cutting to stand upright on its own.
Lightly compact the soil around the stem. You don't have to over-compress it, otherwise you interfere with its ability to drain water; compact it just enough to stabilize the plant
Step 6. Place the pot in a sunny spot
It is important that the small cutting receives a lot of sunlight, but not directly, otherwise the leaves will burn. Within three to four weeks, you should notice new buds at the top of the plant; this is a good sign and indicates that the cutting has taken root.
- Resist the temptation to wet the cutting as it develops the roots, or the chances of the stem rot and die are increased.
- Once the jade tree is rooted, you can transfer it to a larger pot if you wish.
- If the cutting doesn't take root and you've only waited a few weeks, try waiting a little longer. Succulent plants easily develop the root system; you probably haven't given yours enough time. Alternatively, gently remove the cutting from the pot and check for roots. Do not do this inspection often, as it slows down the process.
Part 2 of 3: Caring for the Jade Tree
Step 1. Wait until the plant is dry before watering it
Jade trees belong to the succulent plant family, meaning that although they need water, they don't require it in large quantities. If the soil is damp to the touch, the plant should not be watered; if, on the other hand, you realize that the leaves are starting to wither, it means that you are not watering enough.
- Stick a finger into the soil to a depth of 2-3 cm. If it is dry when you take it out, you can wet the jade tree; if it is humid, the plant does not require water.
- During the winter, this plant's water requirements are lower than normal, so inspect the soil before deciding whether to water.
- Many people recommend watering succulents by immersing the whole pot in a tub of water, to allow the plants to absorb it from the bottom. However, you can also water the jade tree from above. The most important thing is to allow the liquid to drain completely from the container.
- Do not leave the jade tree in standing water; if you notice excess liquid, empty the saucer.
- When watering, try not to get the leaves wet.
Step 2. Place the plant in a sunny area
It needs a lot of light, but that doesn't mean it needs to be in full sun all day. Avoid placing it near south-facing windows, as the leaves may burn. Instead, find a spot where he can get 3-5 hours of sunshine every day.
- Move it gradually. If, for example, you have kept it in a dark and shady corner, but you want to place it on a sunny windowsill, do not move it abruptly; such a drastic change probably causes the leaves to burn and fall. Instead, try to move it gradually, so that it has time to adjust. Take it from the dark corner to a spot where it can receive indirect sunlight for an hour. Leave it in that area for a few days before moving it to an even sunnier area. Continue in this way until you can put the vase in its final location.
- If the edges of the leaves turn brown, they are probably getting too much sun.
Step 3. Keep it tidy
If there are any dead leaves in the pot that have fallen from the jade tree, remove them. You should also prune it to keep it healthy; during this procedure you can practically remove the stems you prefer, but avoid bothering the main stem too much, otherwise you can kill the plant.
Cutting off the new growth allows the plant to maintain a bushy and less threadlike conformation
Step 4. Keep the jade tree at the correct temperature
This plant is very robust and you can hardly make it die, consequently you don't have to worry excessively about the temperature; keep it at room temperature though, which means don't place it near south-facing windows, where it would receive a lot of direct light for most of the day.
During the winter, these plants prefer a slightly lower temperature, around 13 ° C
Part 3 of 3: Keeping the Jade Tree in Good Condition
Step 1. Change the soil every 2-4 years
While it is possible to leave the plant in the same pot for many years, as long as you don't overwater it, changing the soil every two to four years can inspect the roots for damage or rot. Plus, providing her with cool, dry soil helps her thrive.
If you find that the plant you have owned for several years now is not doing well, you can repot it to help it bloom again
Step 2. Dust the leaves
If the jade tree is covered with dust, you can use a soft cloth to clean it; alternatively, you can put it outdoors on a rainy day to rinse the leaves.
However, if you have decided to wet the leaves, make sure you can dry them completely afterwards, otherwise the plant could rot or become covered with mold
Step 3. Counter any insect infestation
This is not a common problem, but these plants can be prone to pests. If you notice the presence of small scale insects, take some rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to gently scrub the leaves.
- When looking for insects, check for small woolly deposits on the leaves, which are an indication of the presence of pests. You can also use a magnifying glass to spot red mites that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- Do not use insecticidal soap on the plant, as it may damage the leaves.
