Generally, a 4-inch or 6-inch pot with drainage holes works just fine for average-size jade plants. If you can, opt for a vessel made from unglazed clay, which will permit excess moisture to evaporate through its walls and ensure that your plant doesn't become waterlogged.
A jade plant will typically need repotting every two to three years for smaller plants and every four to five years for larger ones. If you notice your jade plant appears to be outgrowing its container—e.g., if roots are popping up out of the soil—follow these steps to report it properly:
- Make sure the soil is dry before repotting.
- Gently run a butter knife or other flat tool around the inner edge of the pot to loosen the soil and remove any roots that are stuck to the walls of the pot.
- Remove the jade plant from the pot.
- Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotten or dead roots in the process. Treat any visible cuts with a fungicide.
- Place the plant in its new pot, and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot.
- Leave the plant dry for a week or so, and then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Common Pests
Like many other houseplants and succulents, jade plants must contend with a variety of pests. The most common pest is the mealybug, which can leave white patches on the plant, specifically where the leaves attach to the steams. Because jade plants (and succulents in general) are particularly sensitive to insecticides and oils, you should treat mealybugs by wiping them off with a cotton ball or tissue soaked with rubbing alcohol. Other pest issues can include an infestation of spider mites or scale, both of which can be treated the same way.
Common Problems With Jade Plants
While jade plants are fairly easy to care for and not terribly temperamental, you might find yourself running into a few issues that leave you wondering why your plant isn't thriving the way it should.
Shriveled Leaves
Because jade plants store water in their leaves, wrinkly or shriveled leaves are a good indication that your plant isn't getting enough water. They might be accompanied by drooping or a general "wilt" of the whole plant. But they should perk up quickly once watered.
Loss of Leaves
If your jade plant is losing leaves at a frequent rate, it might be a sign that it's not getting enough light. Move the plant somewhere where it gets bright, indirect light for at least six hours a day, and observe whether the problem improves. If most of the leaves falling are old leaves, or the dropping is accompanied by leggy growth, your plant might be too warm and need to be located somewhere with a slightly cooler (but not cold) temperature.
All-Over Yellowing
One or two yellow leaves on your jade plant isn't the end of the world. But if you notice your plant is yellowing all over, that is a sign of a more serious issue. Generally, an all-over yellowing of a jade plant is indicative of overwatering. Check for other telltale signs (such as rotting roots), and cut back on the frequency with which you water.
- Are jade plants easy to care for?
Generally, jade plant care is easy and straightforward. However, some plant owners have a hard time figuring out the right watering schedule at first.
- What plants are similar to jade plants?
If you like the look of a jade plant, you can try your hand at growing other types of succulents, such as string of buttons and hen and chick succulents.
- How long do jade plants live?
One major jade plant benefit is the plant's longevity. With proper care, jade plants can live between 50 and 70 years—sometimes even longer. Because of this, they're often passed down generationally.
