The jade plant, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, is one of the most beloved succulents by gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts. Its easy maintenance, exotic beauty and longevity make it an ideal choice for both Beginners as if to experienced lovers of botany. If you want to explore more about its care, you can consult Essential tips for the jade tree.
In addition to its resistance, this plant holds a special symbolism in cultures such as the Chinese, where it represents riqueza, prosperity y good luckFor this reason, it's also popularly called the "money plant" or the "jade tree." But beyond its aesthetics and significance, properly caring for this succulent can guarantee years—even decades—of greenery in your home.
Jade Plant Characteristics: What Makes It So Special?
Crassula ovata is a succulent native to South Africa and MozambiqueIts leaves are slightly oval, fleshy, a bright green that can acquire reddish tones at the tips when it receives enough sun. Its stems become woody over the years, acquiring a miniature bonsai appearance that is very visually appealing. To learn more about its characteristics, visit Characteristics and care of the jade plant.
One of its main virtues is its longevity: can live more than 50 years if well cared for, and even reach heights of up to meter and a halfIts growth is slow, adding only a few centimeters per year, making it ideal for indoors.
This type of plants stores water in its leaves and stems, which allows it to resist prolonged periods without irrigation, making it perfect for people who are absent-minded or have little time.
Ideal light and location for the jade plant
Light is one of the most important factors for the healthy development of this plantAlthough it tolerates low light, it best receives bright, indirect natural light. A spot near a south-, east-, or west-facing window is usually perfect. If you'd like to learn more about suitable locations, visit where to place your plants to get the most out of them.
If the plant receives direct sunlight for too long, especially in summer, its leaves can burn. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid the hours of greatest sunlight intensity, unless the plant is already accustomed to it. Conversely, if it doesn't receive enough light, its leaves turn pale and its growth may slow. losing compactness.
If you keep the plant outdoors, do so in areas sheltered from the cold and wind.During the colder months, it is advisable to bring the plant indoors, especially if temperatures drop below 10°C.
How often should you water your jade tree?
Watering is another key point with Crassula ovata. It is a succulent that prefers dryness Excessive moisture. A common mistake is overwatering or watering too frequently, which can rot the roots. For more information on watering, see the cultivation and care of the jade plant.
Ideally, let the substrate dry completely between waterings. To check, insert a finger or a wooden stick into the soil; if it comes out clean, it's a good time to water.
- In summer or hot seasons, you can water every 10-15 days.
- In winter, it is enough to do it once a month.
Make sure that water does not remain stagnant in the pot saucer., since this excess causes diseases and fungal proliferation. It is also important not to wet the leaves, as this can cause spots y deterioration.
Recommended substrate type and pot
The jade plant needs a substrate with very good drainage to avoid excess moisture. Ideal mixes include cactus or succulent soil, combined with perlite, coarse sand, and gravel. For more information on substrates, you can visit succulent plants and their substrates.
A balanced proportion of:
- 1 part garden soil
- 1 part coarse sand
- 1 part perlite
The ideal pot is made of clay or earthenware, as it allows for better root transpiration and facilitates water evaporation. It is also recommended that it has weight checked, since over time, as the aerial part grows, the plant can become unstable.
Fertilization and when to do it
During the growing season (spring and summer) you can fertilize your jade plant once a month with liquid fertilizer for succulents or cacti. In autumn and winter, fertilization should be suspended, as the plant enters a dormant phase. If you're interested in more details about fertilization, see the benefits of the jade plant.
If your plant is young, it's a good idea to use fertilizers with less nitrogen to prevent excessively rapid and weak growth. Adult plants can use balanced fertilizers such as 20-20-20, but always diluted to one-quarter of their original strength.
How and when to prune the jade plant?
Pruning helps this plant grow in a compact and aesthetic way.. Although not strictly necessary, it improves its overall health and appearance. To know when to prune your plant, you can consult When should you prune your jade tree?.
The best time to prune is in spring or summer. Use sharp, disinfected shears and remove dry leaves, damaged branches or excess growth. Pruning remains can be used for propagate new plants.
Reproduction of the jade plant
Propagating this plant is very simpleYou can do it by leaves or by stems:
- Leaf cuttings: Remove a healthy leaf, let it dry for two or three days to heal, and place it on moist, well-drained soil.
- Stem cuttings: Cut a piece of stem with two or three nodes, let it heal, and plant it just like the leaf.
Roots will begin to appear in a few weeks. Summer is the best time to do this because of the growing conditions. light y moistureYou can also place the leaves in water, making sure not to submerge them completely.
Diseases, pests and how to prevent them
Although the jade plant is hardy, it can be affected by:
- Mealybugs: Small insects covered in a white cottony coating. They can be eliminated with soapy water or homemade mixes with onion and cayenne.
- Snails: Attracted to green leaves. They can be repelled with commercial solutions or natural traps.
- Root rot: caused by excessive watering.
An environment with good ventilation, controlled irrigation and periodic inspection will prevent most problems. In addition, it is advisable that you learn more about the easy care plants, which will help you if you want to start with other options.
Meaning and Symbolism: The Power of Feng Shui
Jade is not only decorative, it is also It has strong symbolism in Asian cultureAccording to Feng Shui, it is a plant that provides positive energy, wealth, and emotional balance. To better understand the symbolism of plants, you can visit money plants and their secrets.
Where to put it?
- In the southeast corner of the home: associated with wealth.
- At the entrance: to welcome prosperity.
- In work or study areas: to encourage creativity and success.
Furthermore, giving a jade plant is considered a gesture of affection and good wishes, ideal for hosts, newlyweds, or someone beginning a new life cycle.
With proper care, the jade plant becomes a long-lasting companion that not only beautifies the space, but also provides tranquility, symbolism and positive energyIts hardy nature and adaptability make this succulent a plant gem that deserves a special place in our homes.
