How to Grow a Jade Plant: Complete Guide

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are hardy, long-lived succulents that can grow for decades with the right care. Known as the “money plant” or “lucky plant,” they are popular as both indoor and outdoor ornamentals. Growing jade plants successfully requires the right soil, light, watering routine, and nutrition. With consistent care — and the right fertiliser like Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) — jade plants develop into strong, compact shrubs or even bonsai-style trees.

1. Understanding Jade Plants

Native to South Africa and Mozambique, jade plants are succulents adapted to dry climates. They store water in their fleshy leaves and stems, allowing them to survive drought and neglect. Jade plants can grow indoors in bright light or outdoors in warm, frost-free climates. With proper care, they may live for 50–70 years, often passed down as family heirlooms.

Key traits of jade plants include:

Slow growth: Typically 5–10 cm per year, faster outdoors in bright light.
Evergreen succulent: Thick, glossy leaves with a deep green colour, often with red edges in strong light.
Branching habit: Can grow into small trees or bonsai shapes with regular pruning.
Flowers: Rare indoors, but may produce clusters of small pink or white flowers in late winter under the right conditions.

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3. Light, Watering, and Fertiliser Needs

Getting the basics of light, water, and feeding right is essential for jade plant health.

Light: Jade plants need 4–6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Outdoors, protect them from harsh afternoon sun to avoid leaf scorch. Indoors, a north or east-facing window works best.
Watering: Follow the “soak and dry” method. Water deeply, then let the soil dry completely before watering again. Overwatering is the fastest way to kill a jade plant.
Fertiliser: Jade plants are slow feeders but benefit from regular nutrition. Use Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer. This low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula strengthens roots and supports compact, glossy growth without overstimulating weak, leggy stems.
Seasonal cycle: Stop fertilising in winter. Jade plants enter dormancy and will not take up nutrients until spring.

With the right balance of light, water, and nutrients, jade plants stay healthy and vibrant for decades.

4. Pruning, Shaping, and Troubleshooting Jade Plants

Jade plants can be trained into compact shrubs or bonsai-like trees with occasional pruning. Regular trimming also helps prevent legginess.

Pruning: Trim in spring or summer. Cut above a leaf node to encourage branching. Pruned cuttings can be propagated.
Shaping: Use pruning to control height and promote bushier growth. Stake young plants if stems are weak.
Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years if roots fill the pot. Choose a slightly larger container and refresh the soil.

Common problems:

Yellow leaves: Usually from overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Feed with Complete Grow’s 2-7-7 and improve drainage.
Red leaves: Normal in bright sun, but excessive redness may mean stress. Adjust light or check feeding routine.
Leaf drop: Overwatering, low light, or nutrient deficiency. Correct care and fertilise regularly to restore health.
No growth: Dormancy in winter is normal. In spring, ensure bright light, proper soil, and feeding for steady growth.

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5. FAQs About Growing Jade Plants

Q: How long do jade plants live? With good care, jade plants can live 50–70 years or more.
Q: Can jade plants grow indoors? Yes. They thrive indoors in bright light, as long as watering and fertilising are managed carefully.
Q: Do jade plants flower? Rare indoors, but outdoors in the right conditions they may bloom with small pink-white flowers in winter.
Q: What fertiliser is best for jade plants? Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) is ideal, as it avoids excess nitrogen and strengthens roots and leaves.
Q: How often should I fertilise jade plants? Once every 4–6 weeks in the growing season, with no feeding in winter.

Final Recommendation: Jade plants are hardy, but they thrive when given the right balance of light, water, and nutrition. For strong, compact growth and vibrant leaves, feed with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Fertiliser (2-7-7) throughout spring and summer.