Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are popular succulents, known for their resilient nature. Proper watering is crucial for their health and growth. Unlike many houseplants, jade plants do not thrive on a fixed watering schedule. Their succulent nature allows them to store water in their thick leaves and stems, requiring a nuanced approach to hydration.
When to Water Your Jade Plant
Water your jade plant based on its soil dryness. The “finger test” is the most reliable method: insert your finger one to two inches deep into the potting mix. If the soil feels completely dry at this depth, it’s time to water. A moisture meter can also confirm dryness at the root level, especially for larger plants. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings prevents overwatering and promotes a healthy root system.
How to Water Your Jade Plant
When watering, use a “deep watering” technique. Water thoroughly until it drains from the pot’s drainage holes. This saturates the entire root ball and promotes robust root development. Adequate drainage holes are crucial to prevent water accumulation. After watering, discard any excess water from the saucer within 15 to 30 minutes, as leaving the pot in standing water can lead to waterlogged conditions and root rot.
Key Factors Affecting Watering Frequency
Season and Growth Cycle
During spring and summer, jade plants are actively growing and typically require more frequent watering. In fall and winter, the plant enters dormancy, and its water needs decrease, often requiring watering only about once a month.
Environmental Conditions
Higher light levels encourage active growth and increased water usage, requiring more frequent watering. Warmer temperatures accelerate water evaporation and increase the plant’s transpiration rate, leading to a need for more frequent hydration. Higher ambient humidity reduces water loss from the plant and soil, extending the time between waterings.
Pot Type and Size
Pot type and size impact how quickly soil dries. Porous terracotta pots allow moisture to evaporate more readily than glazed ceramic or plastic pots, leading to faster drying. Smaller pots also generally dry out faster than larger ones.
Soil Composition
Jade plants require a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, often containing perlite, sand, or gravel. This prevents water retention and ensures efficient drainage. Standard potting soils retain too much moisture, which is detrimental to these drought-adapted plants.
Common Watering Problems and Solutions
Incorrect watering causes most jade plant issues. Overwatering often results in soft, mushy, or translucent leaves that may yellow and drop. Severe cases show soft, mushy stems, indicating root rot, where roots become dark, soft, and emit an unpleasant odor. To address overwatering, stop watering and let the soil dry completely. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant, trim rotted roots, and repot into fresh, well-draining succulent mix; adjusting future watering to allow thorough drying between waterings is essential for recovery and prevention.
An underwatered jade plant displays dehydration signs like shriveled, wrinkled, or limp leaves. Leaves may also become crispy or show stunted growth. If these symptoms appear and the soil is bone dry, a thorough deep watering is the immediate solution. The leaves should begin to plump up and regain their firm texture within a few days. Regularly checking soil moisture and watering when needed, rather than on a fixed schedule, prevents future underwatering.