Jade Plant Care: The Succulent That Lives Forever

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are the houseplant equivalent of that one reliable friend who never flakes.

They live for decades. They tolerate neglect. They can survive a month without water and bounce back. And if you are patient, they will eventually bloom tiny white flowers.

My parents had a jade plant that lived in the same pot for 15 years. It looked like a bonsai tree by the end. No special care. Just consistency and benign neglect.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, direct light is ideal
  • Water: When soil is completely dry (every 2 to 4 weeks)
  • Soil: Cactus mix or regular soil with extra perlite
  • Biggest mistake: Overwatering

Light

Jade plants love sun. Give them as much bright light as you can.

Best light:

  • South-facing window with direct sun
  • 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily
  • East or west windows work too

Signs of too little light:

  • Leggy growth (long gaps between leaves)
  • Leaves are smaller and paler
  • Plant leans hard toward the window

Can they handle low light? They will survive, but they will not thrive. Growth will be slow and weak.

Watering

This is where most people mess up. Jade plants are succulents. They store water in their thick leaves and stems. They do not need frequent watering.

How to water:

  1. Let the soil dry out completely
  2. Check by sticking your finger 2 inches down
  3. When totally dry, water deeply until it drains
  4. Wait until it is dry again before watering

How often?

  • Spring and summer: Every 2 to 3 weeks
  • Fall and winter: Every 3 to 4 weeks (sometimes longer)

Signs of overwatering:

  • Leaves turning yellow and dropping
  • Soft, mushy leaves
  • Black spots on leaves
  • Stems going soft at the base (root rot)

Signs of underwatering:

  • Leaves wrinkling or shriveling
  • Leaves feel thin and papery
  • Lower leaves dropping (but still firm)

Pro tip: Jade plants can handle drought better than wet soil. When in doubt, wait another week.

Soil and Pot

Drainage is everything.

Best soil:

  • Cactus and succulent mix
  • Or regular potting soil mixed 1:1 with perlite

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Terracotta pots are great (they wick away moisture)

Jade plants like to be slightly root-bound. Do not rush to repot.

Temperature and Humidity

Jade plants are tough.

  • Temperature: 65 to 75 F is ideal, but they handle 55 to 80 F
  • Humidity: Normal dry indoor air is fine

Keep them away from cold drafts and heating vents.

Fertilizer

Jade plants are slow growers and do not need much food.

  • Fertilize once a month in spring and summer with diluted liquid fertilizer
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

If you forget to fertilize for a year, the plant will not care.

Pruning and Shaping

Jade plants can be pruned to look like miniature trees.

How to prune:

  • Cut just above a leaf node
  • The plant will branch out below the cut
  • Prune in spring or early summer

You can shape your jade plant into a bonsai-style tree over time.

Propagation

Jade plants are ridiculously easy to propagate.

Leaf propagation:

  1. Gently twist off a healthy leaf
  2. Let it dry for 1 to 2 days
  3. Place on top of dry cactus mix
  4. Mist lightly every few days
  5. Roots and a baby plant will grow in 2 to 4 weeks

Stem cutting propagation:

  1. Cut a 3 to 4 inch stem
  2. Let it dry for 2 to 3 days (this is important)
  3. Plant in dry cactus mix
  4. Wait a week, then water lightly
  5. Roots develop in 2 to 3 weeks

Common Problems

Yellow, dropping leaves

Usually overwatering. Let the soil dry out completely and water less often.

Wrinkled leaves

Underwatering. Give it a good drink.

Leggy growth

Not enough light. Move it closer to a window.

Black spots

Fungal infection from too much moisture. Cut affected leaves, reduce watering, improve airflow.

Will It Bloom?

Jade plants can produce small white or pink flowers, but it takes patience.

How to encourage blooming:

  • Mature plant (at least 3 to 5 years old)
  • Bright light year-round
  • Cool temperatures in fall and winter (around 50 to 55 F at night)
  • Reduce watering in winter

Even then, blooming is not guaranteed. But when it happens, it is special.

What To Do Next

  • If you love jade plants, look for other Crassula species (there are hundreds)
  • If you want another unkillable succulent, try Haworthia or Echeveria
  • If your jade plant is getting tall and leggy, prune it back and propagate the cuttings
beginnersucculentlow-maintenancebright-light