My mother has this gigantic blooming jade plant.. I swear, it even looks like a tree! She’s so proud of it. Anybody who comes and sees this plant at our place they are just in shock, absolutely in awe. Mom also began growing a jade plant for me, but it’s still in the beginning stage. I can’t wait for it to be as big and lush as hers. Well, to start showing-off like her.
The green thumb gene passed me right by, but for my mom, growing a beautiful jade plant is the easiest thing on earth, so today I’m sharing her tried and true tips (it’s not a secret anymore, sorry Mom) with you.
1. Pot and soil dilemma
Well-draining soil is the No. 1 thing jade plants (Crassula ovata) love. They will rot if they sit in water for too long (this is the very first thing my mother ever taught me about jade plants). That’s why it’s not just the soil, but also the pot, that makes all the difference!
- Pick a pot with drainage holes. Clay or terracotta pots are ideal because they absorb excess moisture. we have jade plants in clay pots. Number one rule.
- Use succulent or cactus soil. If you only have regular potting soil, mix in some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Mom’s trick? She mixes a little bit of crushed eggshells into the soil. Eggshells provide calcium, which helps the plant develop strong roots and thick leaves. So, in our family we don’t throw away eggshells, because they are amazing for plants. And not just for jade plant.
2. Water the right way
Overwatering is the number one killer of jade plants (Great, if you won’t find out that the hard way). These plants are succulents, meaning they store water in their leaves. Watering them too often can lead to root rot.
- Only water when the soil is completely dry. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
- During summer, water once every two weeks. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Mom always says, “It’s better to underwater than overwater.” If the leaves start shriveling, it’s thirsty. But if they turn yellow and mushy, you’ve watered too much.
3. Give it sunlight
Jade plants love the sun! If you want yours to grow strong and vibrant, make sure it gets plenty of light.
- Place it in bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill is perfect.
- If growing outdoors, protect it from harsh afternoon sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Rotate your plant every few weeks so all sides get equal light and grow evenly.
Mom keeps her jade plant near a south-facing window, and it thrives! If you notice leggy growth (long, thin stems), it’s a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough light.
4. Organic Fertilizers
Wish your jade plant would grow fast and strong? Nourish it well with organic fertilizers! Here are some of the best:
Eggshells: As I noted above, you can raise the pH and give your plants calcium to counter weak stems.
Banana peel tea: Soak banana peels in water for a few days and transfer the liquid to feed your plant. This provides it potassium, which is good for growth.
Orange peel fertilizer: Place dried orange peels in a food processor or coffee grinder, and grind into a powder and then mix into the soil. This incorporates nitrogen, which helps keeps leaves green and glossy.
Rice water: Save water after you rinse rice and then use it to water your jade plant. It has nutrients required for plants to grow and prosper.
My mom will swear by banana peel tea and eggshells. Her jade plant is living testament to the miracle of natural fertilizers!
5. Make your Jade plant flower
Most people don’t even know jade plants can flower! If you want yours to bloom, follow these tips:
- Give it a dry period. Reduce watering in the fall and winter—this signals to the plant that it’s time to bloom.
- Expose it to cool temperatures. Place it somewhere with temperatures between 55–60°F (13–15°C) at night.
- Limit fertilizer in winter. Too much fertilizer can prevent flowering.
- Ensure it gets plenty of sunlight. A well-lit spot helps the plant store energy for blooming.
Mom’s jade plant flowers every winter (can you imagine those pretty flowers every single winter??), and I can’t wait for mine to do the same! Getting your jade plant to bloom can be so rewarding, can be and it is—and if you’re into flowering plants, learning how to grow and prune for stunning blooms like bougainvillea is a great next step.
6. Prune and Propagate
To keep your jade plant looking full and bushy, prune it! Yeah, prune it.
- Trim leggy stems to encourage more side branches.
- Pinch off the top growth to make the plant grow outward rather than upward.
And the best part? You can use the cuttings to grow new jade plants!
How to Propagate Jade Plants from Cuttings:
Cut a healthy stem or leaf. Leave it to dry for a day or two until the wound is calloused.
Plant it in dry soil and wait a few days before you water. In no time at all you’ll have a new jade plant! Exciting, right?
If you want to grow a healthy jade plant, select: the right soil, infrequent watering, plenty of light, and organic fertilizers. But, if what you want are the otherwise elusive, beautiful flowers of the jade plant, then the period of dryness and the drop in temperature that’s your game.
Mom’s jade is your proof that you can with time and proper care turn your jade into a lovely tree. Visitors always ask about it, they want to know how we made them so tall and strong. I can’t wait for mine to get to that point, and hope yours does too!
