How to Feed and Care for Jade Plants

Anyone looking for a beautiful and elegant plant to add to their indoor garden will definitely want to consider the Jade Plant. As a succulent variety, this plant can tolerate low-water conditions and require very small amounts of fertilizer. This variety of plant is an excellent choice for indoor gardening as it adheres well to containers and thrives well in warm, dry conditions. The Jade Plant is a very simple plant to care for.

This species of plant is perfect for that large empty corner you don’t quite know what do with as they can live for many years. In addition, this plant can grow to be an average of five feet in height, even in indoor conditions. The characteristics of a Jade Plant include dark green foliage with a slight red trim on the edge of the leaves. This beautiful plant also produces elegant star shaped white or pink flowers, making it an excellent addition to any room’s décor.

Although this breed is a hardy one, it does require a certain amount of care in order to ensure it stays free of pesky insects and common houseplant diseases.

As is most common with houseplants, over watering is the most frequent cause of plant death. The result of over watering is root rot which is an irreversible condition. However, it is also common to under water this plant as well. If you find that the plant is dropping leaves, then the soil has become too dry for too long. A specific watering routine will help ensure a healthy plant. For instance, allowing the soil to stay moist in the spring and summer months is fine as these are active growth periods. However, allowing the soil to dry out between watering during the winter months is a proper routine to follow.

Obtaining the proper balance between water and soil is actually quite easy and can definitely improve the health of your plant. Drainage is very important, to implement this, using a cacti mix soil combined with some added organic material such as sphagnum peat moss and coarse sand is perfect.

Sunlight is an essential part of a plants care as well. Providing these plants with abundant southern exposure sunlight will leave them happy. It is important to note however, that it is possible for the plants to become over heated. If you begin to notice a brown color along the edges of the leaves, it is time to find an alternate location for sunlight exposure. The Jade Plant can tolerate temperatures from fifty degrees Fahrenheit to seventy-five as well as night time temperatures of fifty degrees Fahrenheit with no problem.

The process of feeding your Jade Plant is simple as well. Usually a fertilizer mixture of 10-10-10 NPK is perfect along with some additional micro-nutrients such as magnesium. These plants are very tolerant of root bound conditions, so there is no need to be concerned with over growth with this breed. However, it is important to remember not to administer fertilizer during the dormant period of winter.

Just as you love your Jade Plant, there are also several pesky insects who also love this species of plant. Mealybugs and Spidermites are the most common pests found on the Jade Plant, but can easily be taken care of. For mealybugs, simply wiping the leaves with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol will rid the leaves of this pesky nuisance. Spidermites may take a bit more resolve to get rid of. Generally, these insects can be removed by a simple brushing or if need be, by using a spray.

A normal routine of wiping the dust off the leaves, even when no insects are present is still a very good practice to keep. Removing the dust allows the plants pores to breathe, which allows them to take in carbon dioxide and release much needed oxygen. It is also a good idea to keep dead leaves trimmed to allow the Jade Plant the ability to grow at its optimum potential.

         

Common Houseplant Resources