The Ruby Jade plant, Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’, is a popular succulent cherished for its vibrant, distinctive coloration. Its jade-green leaves are adorned with striking yellow and red edges, which intensify under proper light conditions. This cultivar is a favored choice among plant enthusiasts and beginners alike due to its striking appearance and straightforward care requirements.
Understanding Your Ruby Jade
The Ruby Jade plant is recognized by its thick, fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that store water. These leaves display a base of jade green, transitioning to golden yellow tips and developing rich red margins. The intensity of this coloration is directly influenced by the amount of light the plant receives, becoming more pronounced with brighter exposure. As it matures, the Ruby Jade can develop a stout, woody trunk and sturdy limbs, giving it a miniature tree-like or bushy shrub appearance. While it grows slowly, gaining about two inches in height annually, it can eventually reach heights of 1 to 3 feet and a width of 1 to 2 feet, making it a substantial and long-lived addition.
Essential Care for Ruby Jade
Light
Ample light is important for the Ruby Jade to develop its characteristic vibrant hues and maintain healthy growth. The plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight for at least four to six hours daily. Indoors, a south-facing or west-facing window is an ideal spot. Outdoors, partial shade during intense midday sun can protect leaves from scorching, especially in hotter climates. Insufficient light can lead to leggy or sparse growth, where the plant stretches and spaces between leaves become wider.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for Ruby Jade, as overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing the soil to become completely saturated, then let it dry out entirely before the next watering. This “soak and dry” method mimics the plant’s natural arid environment. During active growing seasons in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, perhaps once a week. In fall and winter, reduce watering significantly, possibly to once a month or less, as the plant uses less water.
Soil
Ruby Jade requires a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging and root issues. A succulent or cactus-specific potting mix is recommended due to its grittier composition, ensuring rapid drainage. You can also create a mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite, pumice, or sand in a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio to enhance drainage. Planting in a pot with drainage holes is essential for excess water to escape. Terracotta or clay pots are beneficial as their porous nature helps absorb soil moisture, further aiding drainage.
Temperature
Ruby Jade plants prefer warm temperatures for optimal growth and color. They thrive best in average household temperatures, ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). While they can tolerate cooler temperatures at night or in winter, down to about 50°F (10°C), they are sensitive to frost. If temperatures are expected to drop below 50°F, bring outdoor plants inside to protect them from cold damage and leaf drop. Consistent temperatures, away from drafts or extreme heat sources, help maintain the plant’s health.
Fertilizing
Ruby Jade plants are not heavy feeders, so they do not require frequent fertilization. Applying a balanced, diluted succulent or cactus fertilizer during their active growing season in spring and summer is sufficient. Many growers opt for a liquid solution diluted to half or one-quarter strength, applied every few weeks or once a month. Fertilizing once a year at the start of the growing season with a highly diluted solution is also adequate. During the plant’s dormant period in fall and winter, avoid fertilization entirely, as the plant is not actively growing and will not absorb nutrients effectively.
Propagating Ruby Jade
Propagating Ruby Jade plants is straightforward, commonly achieved through stem or leaf cuttings. The best time for propagation is during warmer months, as cuttings root more quickly.
Stem Cutting
To propagate from a stem cutting, select a healthy shoot about 3 to 4 inches long and remove the lower leaves. Allow the cut end to “callus over” for several days to a week in a warm, bright place; this drying period helps prevent rot. Once callused, plant the cut end directly into a pot filled with well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix. Water thoroughly, then resume the “soak and dry” watering method, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings. Roots typically develop within a few weeks.
Leaf Cutting
Leaf cuttings also offer a viable propagation method. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the main plant, ensuring the entire base remains intact. Allow the leaf to callus for several days until dry. Place the callused leaf on top of or slightly pressed into well-draining soil. Mist the soil lightly every few days, or water sparingly when completely dry. New growth and roots will emerge from the leaf’s base.
Common Issues and Solutions
Ruby Jade plants are generally resilient, but can encounter common problems related to improper care. Mushy or yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering. If leaves become soft, swollen, or black, the plant may be sitting in too much moisture, potentially leading to root rot. Reduce watering frequency and ensure the soil dries completely between waterings.
Shriveled or wrinkled leaves signal underwatering. A lack of moisture causes leaves to appear deflated or puckered. A thorough watering should rehydrate the plant, causing leaves to plump up within a day or two.
A lack of vibrant red coloration or pale, stretched-out growth (etiolation) indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location, such as a south or west-facing window, or provide supplemental grow lights to restore color and compact growth.
Pests like mealybugs are a common concern. These small, white, cotton-like insects feed on plant sap. Inspect regularly and treat infestations with horticultural sprays or by wiping them off with rubbing alcohol. Bacterial soft rot, characterized by mushy stems and a foul odor, can also occur due to excessive moisture. Remove affected parts promptly to prevent spread.