The jade plant, or Crassula ovata, is a highly popular and durable houseplant prized for its thick, fleshy leaves and tree-like growth habit. While it thrives indoors, moving your potted jade outside for the summer growing season can significantly boost its vigor and overall health. The increased light and air circulation outdoors mimic its native South African environment, promoting denser growth and sometimes even a desirable reddish tint to the leaf edges. Successful summering, however, requires careful attention to temperature and a slow introduction to the harsher outdoor conditions.
The Right Time and Temperature
The decision to move your jade plant outside is entirely dependent on consistent local temperatures. Jade plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. The most important factor is the nighttime low, as Crassula ovata is not frost-tolerant and cannot withstand freezing conditions. Wait until the overnight temperatures are reliably above 50°F before relocating the plant outdoors.
Moving the plant out too early risks cold shock and leaf drop. A sudden drop below 50°F can damage the plant’s cell structure. Waiting until temperatures are consistently in the mid-50s or higher ensures the plant can transition safely and begin active summer growth.
Preventing Sunburn and Shock
Indoor light, even in a bright south-facing window, is drastically weaker than direct sunlight outdoors, making the jade plant highly susceptible to sun damage. The process of gradually introducing your plant to the outdoor environment is called “hardening off,” and it is the most important step for preventing irreversible leaf burn.
The hardening-off process should take place over seven to fourteen days. Start by placing the jade plant in a deeply shaded, protected location, such as under a dense tree canopy or on a north-facing patio. After two or three days, move the plant to a spot that receives only morning sun, which is less intense, or dappled shade throughout the day.
Increase the duration of direct sun exposure by one or two hours every few days. Signs of sun shock include the leaves turning pale white, yellowing, or developing brown, crispy patches. If you see these symptoms, immediately move the plant back to a shadier spot and slow the acclimation process. A well-acclimated jade can eventually handle full sun, but morning sun with afternoon shade is often the safest placement, especially in extremely hot climates.
Outdoor Care Requirements
Once your jade plant is successfully acclimated, its care requirements will change significantly due to the increased heat, light, and air movement. The plant will need to be watered much more frequently than it did indoors, possibly as often as once a week, depending on the weather. The general rule of allowing the soil to dry out completely between deep waterings still applies, but this drying period will be shorter outdoors.
It is crucial to ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy soil after heavy rain or watering. Jade plants are highly susceptible to root rot if they remain waterlogged. The summer growing season is the ideal time to provide nutrients; a balanced liquid fertilizer formulated for succulents can be applied every two months or as often as monthly. This feeding supports the vigorous new growth prompted by the higher light levels.
Preparing for the Return Indoors
The end of the outdoor season is just as important as the beginning, primarily to protect the plant from cold and prevent indoor pest infestations. Bring the jade plant back inside before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. Waiting too long risks cold damage and stresses the plant, making it more vulnerable to disease.
Before moving the plant back inside, a thorough inspection for outdoor pests is mandatory. Common hitchhikers include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites, which can quickly spread to your other houseplants. Carefully inspect the undersides of the leaves, the crevices where leaves meet the stem, and the soil surface. Treat any visible pests, often with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or an application of insecticidal soap or neem oil, before the plant is placed near any other indoor greenery.