The jade plant is a resilient succulent houseplant prized for its thick, coin-shaped leaves and tree-like growth habit. Originating from arid regions, this plant stores water in its fleshy leaves and stems, allowing it to withstand long dry periods. Its watering needs change significantly during the active summer growth phase compared to the winter dormancy period. Understanding this seasonal shift is the most important factor for maintaining a healthy, long-lived plant.
The “Soak and Dry” Method for Jade Plants
All succulents thrive best using the “soak and dry” method, which mimics rainfall in their native habitat. This technique encourages strong, deep root growth while preventing root rot. Overwatering, defined as watering too frequently, is the leading cause of death for these plants.
To properly soak the plant, water slowly and deeply until water freely drains from the pot’s bottom holes. This ensures the entire root system receives sufficient moisture.
Excess water collected in the drainage saucer must be discarded, as leaving the roots in standing water quickly leads to fungal growth and root rot. Shallow, frequent watering is detrimental because it only moistens the topsoil, causing roots to stay close to the surface.
Determining Standard Summer Watering Frequency
The key to determining the correct summer watering frequency is accurately assessing the soil moisture, not following a strict calendar schedule. During the summer growing season, the jade plant requires more water than in the cooler, dormant months. A general range for an indoor jade plant in summer is every 7 to 14 days, but this is highly variable.
The only reliable indicator that it is time to rewater is confirming the soil has dried out completely. This is best checked using the “finger test,” where you insert your index finger one to two inches deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry at that depth, the plant is ready for a thorough watering.
For deeper pots, a wooden skewer or moisture meter can check for complete dryness in the lower root zone. Allowing the soil to dry fully ensures roots have time to breathe and prevents root rot.
Environmental Variables That Modify the Schedule
The 7-to-14-day summer range is merely a starting point, as several environmental factors significantly accelerate or slow the soil’s drying time.
High-intensity light exposure, particularly direct sun for several hours, causes the plant to use water more quickly and increases evaporation from the soil surface. Plants positioned in bright spots, such as a south-facing window, often need watering closer to the seven-day mark. Higher temperatures and good air circulation also contribute to faster moisture loss.
Conversely, plants kept in shadier spots or high-humidity environments retain moisture much longer, pushing the watering interval closer to two weeks or more. The material of the pot is another major factor; porous terracotta pots wick moisture away faster than non-porous plastic or glazed ceramic containers. Larger pots retain moisture longer than smaller ones, and a dense, organic soil mixture will dry slower than a gritty, well-draining succulent mix.
Recognizing and Correcting Watering Issues
The jade plant provides distinct visual cues when it is experiencing stress from improper watering, allowing for timely correction. Signs of underwatering appear as shriveled, thin, or wrinkled leaves because the plant is drawing stored water from its tissues. If the soil is bone dry and the leaves are rubbery or deflated, a deep soak should cause the leaves to plump back up within a few days.
Conversely, overwatering causes leaves to become soft, mushy, or translucent, sometimes accompanied by yellowing. This occurs when the cells become waterlogged and rupture, a condition that can quickly progress to the stem turning black or mushy, which indicates severe root rot. If overwatering is suspected, immediately stop watering and remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Any dark, soft, or foul-smelling roots must be carefully trimmed away before repotting the jade plant into fresh, dry, well-draining soil to give it a chance to recover.