Often called the money plant, the jade tree (Crassula Ovata) is a low-maintenance succulent that symbolizes luck, wealth, and prosperity. Native to South Africa, this hardy plant features fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and can thrive for many years with proper care. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, here’s everything you need to know to successfully plant and care for your jade tree, even if you don’t have a green thumb!

How to Plant the Jade Tree (Crassula Ovata)

The easiest way to propagate a jade tree is by using cuttings. Whether you’re planting from a stem or leaf, the process is quick and simple.

Planting the Stem of the Jade Tree

To propagate your jade tree from a stem cutting, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a Healthy Cutting: Ask someone with a mature jade plant for a healthy stem cutting. Select a thick stem with healthy leaves.
  2. Let the Cutting Dry: Allow the cutting to air dry for a few days until a thin crust forms at the cut site. This helps prevent rotting.
  3. Dust with Rooting Hormone: Apply rooting hormone to the cut end of the stem to encourage faster root development.
  4. Prepare the Pot: Fill a pot with succulent potting soil. If you use your own soil, add a handful of sand to improve drainage. Avoid regular potting soil as it’s too heavy for succulents.
  5. Plant the Cutting: Make a hole in the soil and place the cutting inside, ensuring that the rooting hormone is covered. Pack the soil around it gently.
  6. Place in a Sunny Spot: Keep the pot in a bright area but away from direct sunlight. In about 4 weeks, you should see new shoots appearing.

Note: During the rooting process, avoid watering your cutting to prevent rot. Wait until roots have developed before watering or transplanting.

Planting the Leaf of the Jade Tree

You can also propagate the jade tree by planting a leaf. Here’s how:

  1. Choose a Healthy Leaf: Select a mature leaf with a small piece of stem attached, as leaves without stems may not root properly.
  2. Dry the Cutting: Let the leaf rest in a dry place until the cut edges heal.
  3. Apply Rooting Hormone: Dust the cutting with a rooting hormone to help the leaf root better.
  4. Plant the Leaf: Place the cutting in a potting mix made of equal parts soil and perlite. The cutting doesn’t need to be buried completely.
  5. Bright, Warm Location: Put the pot in a warm, bright spot. In a few days, new shoots should begin to grow.

Jade Tree (Crassula Ovata) Care Tips

The money plant

Taking care of your jade tree involves paying attention to four key factors: water, temperature, light, and fertilizers. Here’s a breakdown of how to keep your plant healthy.

How Often to Water the Jade Tree

Be careful not to overwater your jade tree, as this can cause root rot. Succulents like jade trees store water in their thick leaves, so they don’t need frequent watering.

  • Watering Frequency: Water your plant once a week during warmer months and reduce to once a month in winter.
  • Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels damp, wait. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
  • Leaf Appearance: If the leaves are swollen, the plant is likely overwatered. If they’re shriveled, the plant needs water.

Use non-calcareous or filtered water, as tap water may contain salts that can harm the plant.

Where to Place the Jade Tree

Jade trees love light but should be protected from direct sunlight. Direct exposure can scorch young plants, while mature plants may develop red-tipped leaves.

  • Light Requirements: Aim for partial sunlight for 4-6 hours a day. This will encourage healthy growth and potential flowering. However, remember that only mature plants will bloom with small white star-shaped flowers.

Jade trees thrive in warm temperatures, ranging between 18°C to 24°C during the day. At night, they tolerate temperatures between 10°C and 13°C.

When to Prune the Jade Tree

Pruning is not necessary unless the plant is growing unevenly or suffering from pest infestations. However, pruning can encourage vigorous growth.

  • Best Time to Prune: Prune in early spring or after flowering to promote new growth.

When to Fertilize the Jade Tree

Jade trees require minimal fertilizing. Fertilize once a year during the growing season (early spring to fall). Avoid fertilizing during the winter dormant period.

Should I Repot the Jade Tree?

As your jade tree grows, it may outgrow its pot. Repotting ensures that the plant has enough space to develop.

  • Young Plants: Repot every 2-3 years.
  • Mature Plants: Repot every 4-5 years.

How to Repot:

  1. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the current one.
  2. Use well-draining soil designed for succulents, or mix sand or perlite into regular potting soil.
  3. Terracotta or clay pots are ideal for jade trees as they wick away excess moisture.

Pest Control

Watch out for mealybugs, which can attack the leaves. To remove them, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Conclusion: Thriving with the Money Plant

By following these simple planting and care tips, your jade tree will thrive, bringing a touch of green and a symbol of good luck into your home. With minimal care, it will continue to grow for years, and you may even see it bloom when it’s fully matured.

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