The Jade plant, commonly known as the money plant, lucky plant or money tree is a succulent houseplant. It is commonly used as an accessory to decorate interiors. Jade plants are easy to grow as they are low maintenance and can survive with little attention.
The Jade plant is a native of South Africa and Mozambique but has made a name for itself around the world as a house plant. Its popularity stems from the low level of care required to grow it. Jade plants can survive indoor conditions and do not require constant watering.
In this article, we talk about everything you need to know to grow and care for jade plants.
Jade Plant – An overview
Jade plants are evergreen plants with thick branches. When cared for properly, the jade plant can grow 3-8 feet tall and live for a very long time. Jade plants have thick, shiny, smooth leaves that are jade green in color. Jade plants produce small pink or white, star-shaped flowers in winter that enhance the plant’s visual appeal.
Jade’s popular variety, called ‘Hummel’s Sunset’, won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Types of Jade Plants
There are over 40 types of Jade plant varieties found around the world. One more thing, Jade plants are very popular for plant decoration nowadays. It is because there different kinds of varieties. If you want to decorate your home or garden. Then Below we mention some of the best and fan-favorite varieties.
- Common Jade
Common Jade or also known by its scientific name – Crassula Ovata, is the most commonly found in homes. It is easy to maintain and was one of the earliest to be discovered. It grows quickly and blooms around spring.
- Gollum
Gollums have unique leave patterns. It has pipe-like leaves with a tint of red at the edges. The fun fact about Gollums is that its name was inspired by the character Gollum from Lord of the Rings.
- Blue Bird Jade
Blue Bird Jades are also known as Crassula Ovata ‘ Blue Bird’. They bloom during spring, producing white and pink flowers that enhance the plant’s overall beauty.
- Hobbit
Another plant whose name was inspired by The Lord of The Rings is Crassula Ovata ‘Hobit’ or just known as Hobbit. The plant ended up getting this name due to the pattern of its leaves. Hobbit’s leaves grow in trumpet shape and look like Hobbit fingers. Due to this, they are also known as Hobbit Fingers.
- Pink Jade
Pink Jades are known for their beautiful flowers. Pink jades have flowers that bloom with a tinge of light pink in them. These are so beautiful that their botanical name also carries the word Beauty in it. The botanical name for this jade variety is Crassula Ovata “Pink Beauty”.
How to care for Jade Plants
Jade is comparatively easy to grow. They do not need too much attention, but with the right amount of care, they bloom with some of the most beautiful flowers and tie your whole house together.
Each jade plant requires different levels of care but here are some common steps to keep in mind –
- Crassula Ovata requires little water in summer and even less in winter. This plant is prone to over-watering during winters which can lead to rotting.
- Jade plants need 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. The leaves edges turn red when grown with bright sunlight. This can be used as an indicator that the plant is getting sufficient sunlight.
- Jade plants can be fertilized every six months.
- Jade needs porous soil to grow in. Anything that has good drainage and does not retain water is suitable for jade plants.
- Jade plants are generally grown indoors but can be grown outdoors in warmer regions. Indoor jade plants can be brought out in summer to get direct sunlight. They shouldn’t be left out if the temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius.
- Jade plants prefer dry climates but can withstand high humidity. The ideal temperature ranges from 18 – 25 degrees Celsius.
Precautions To be Taken While Caring For Jades
Jade plants require drainage to avoid root rot. Rocky and sandy soil are the most compatible and prefer a neutral or acidic pH. Use terracotta pots as they allow the soil to dry out faster.
Jade plants’ leaves work as water reservoirs and store water. Water every 7 to 14 days, more frequently in summer. Allow the water to dry out completely in between watering.
Jade plants are easy to propagate. They can be propagated through stem cutting or leaf cutting. Jades are pot-bound and do not require frequent repotting. They can be repotted every 3-4 years, preferably in spring.
The most common pests found on the jade are mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, or scales. Do not use chemicals to drive the pest away. Instead, wash the plant with water to remove pests and use cotton swabs with 70 percent rubbing alcohol to kill pests.
Common Problems found in Jade plants
Jade plants don’t usually face many problems but here are some common ones and the reasons that may be causing them.
- Dropped/shriveled leaves with spots or wrinkles – This can be due to under-watering. Water thoroughly in intervals of 7 – 14 days. Allow the water to dry out in between watering.
- Soft squishy leaves – a sign of over-watering. This can cause root rotting. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering.
- White spots on leaves – This indicates excess salts, overwatering, and mealybugs.
- Dark spots – Sign of fungal disease. Use fungicides and provide an adequate amount of sunlight
- Droopy Leaves – This indicates that the plant has been exposed to cold temperatures. Provide it with adequate temperature and wait for it to recover. Cut off any foliage that does not recover.
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Conclusion
Jades are gorgeous plants that light up the place wherever they are kept. They are also considered lucky and are said to bring monetary success to its owner. In this article, we gave you a brief of what to expect if you are considering buying a jade plant. Hope this article helped and provided you with the necessary information.
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