Jade Plant
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a classic, tough, easy-to-grow succulent that can live for a very long time — sometimes for decades — and grow into a little tree-like shrub. It loves warm, dry conditions and tolerates neglect.
Care basics
- Light: Prefers full to partial sun — at least four or more hours of direct sun a day, ideally a south-facing window. Too little light makes its leaves lose their crisp look and the plant get leggy.
- Water: Water only when the soil is completely dry. It's a succulent that stores water in its leaves, so it's far better to under-water than over-water. In winter, keep it on the dry side.
- Soil: Very well-drained — a cactus/succulent mix is ideal.
- Temperature: Likes warm, dry days (roughly 65–75°F) and cooler nights (about 50–55°F). Protect it from drafts.
- Fertilizer: Feed lightly a couple of times in spring and summer; don't over-fertilize, which can make it leggy.
The 3 most common problems
1. Leaf drop
Jade plants drop leaves when they're stressed — most often from overwatering or, on the flip side, from being allowed to become extremely dry. Watering problems are the main cause of leaf drop. Fix: Water only when the soil is fully dry, and avoid both extremes — soggy soil and bone-dry soil. See our leaf drop guide.
2. Leggy, stretched growth
Not enough sun makes a jade plant stretch toward the light and grow tall and sparse instead of compact. Over-fertilizing can make it worse. Fix: Move it to a brighter, sunnier window and ease off the fertilizer. See our leggy growth guide.
3. Mealybugs (and spider mites)
Mealybugs — small white cottony insects that hide at leaf junctions — are the most common pest on jade. Spider mites can also show up. Fix: Wipe mealybugs off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, repeating for a few weeks. Avoid harsh sprays that can damage succulent leaves. See our spider mites guide.
Pet safety note: Jade plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep it out of reach of pets. (Source: ASPCA.)
A few extra tips
Jade plants can live a very long time and are easy to propagate — simple stem or leaf cuttings root quickly and make great gifts. They're happy staying root-bound for years, so you only need to repot as new growth starts in spring, into a very well-drained mix, and allow the soil to dry out after repotting. Left alone with plenty of sun and not much water, a jade becomes a handsome, low-maintenance little tree.
Jade plant at a glance
- Light: full to partial sun — at least four or more hours of direct sun a day
- Water: water only when the soil is completely dry
- Soil: very well-drained, such as a cactus mix
- Watch for: leaf drop (watering extremes), leggy, stretched growth (low light or too much fertilizer), and mealybugs
Jades are tough and long-lived — with plenty of sun, well-drained soil, and a light watering hand, a jade can live for years and grow into a handsome little tree.