How to care for a Jade Plant
Crassula ovata
A jade plant grows into a small succulent tree over years, building thick woody stems and glossy oval leaves on a diet of bright direct sun and infrequent deep watering. Let the soil dry right out between drinks; the leaves act as a reservoir, so the fastest way to kill a jade is overwatering. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Care at a glance
- Light
- At least a few hours of direct sunA south or west window indoors. Strong light keeps it compact with red-tinged leaf edges; too little and the stems grow weak and droopy.
- Water
- Deeply, then let it dry out fullyAbout every 2–3 weeks in summer and only once every 4–6 weeks in winter. Drench the soil, then leave it alone until bone dry.
- Soil
- Gritty mix in a heavy potCactus compost with added grit or pumice. A top-heavy jade needs a weighty terracotta pot so it doesn't topple.
- Humidity
- Dry indoor air suits it well
- Temperature
- 10–24 °C (50–75 °F)Protect from frost; a cool, dry winter rest around 10 °C encourages flowering in older plants.
- Difficulty
- EasyFamously long-lived and tolerant of neglect, provided you keep it dry and bright.
- Pets
- Toxic to petsToxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA; ingestion can cause vomiting, depression, and incoordination (ataxia).
Where it comes from
Propagation
Jade is famously easy from both stem and leaf cuttings. For a stem cutting, snip a piece a few centimetres long, strip the lowest leaves, and let the cut end callus for several days — this dry healing step is the secret to avoiding rot. Then press it into gritty mix and water only lightly until roots take.
A single plump leaf will also root: lay it on dry mix and a baby plant emerges at the base. Because jade is slow, cuttings take a season or two to look substantial, but the success rate is very high — fallen leaves often root themselves on the soil surface.
Common problems
Likely cause: Overwatering — the classic jade killer, drowning the roots in soil that stays wet.
Fix: Stop watering, let the soil dry completely, and water far less often. Check the pot drains and isn't sitting in a saucer.
- Leggy, stretched stems with sparse leaves
Likely cause: Too little light, so the plant reaches and weakens.
Fix: Move it to the sunniest window. Prune leggy growth back to a node to encourage a bushier, sturdier shape.
- Wrinkled, shrivelled leaves
Likely cause: Underwatering — unusual for jade, but it has gone too long bone dry.
Fix: Give it a thorough soak and resume a regular but infrequent watering rhythm; the leaves should plump back up.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my jade plant dropping its leaves?
The most common reason is overwatering, which makes the leaves go soft and fall. Sudden cold, a draught, or a big move can also trigger leaf drop. Let the soil dry out fully and water far less often. See our guide on why a jade plant drops leaves.
How do I get my jade plant to flower?
Mature jades flower after a cool, dry, bright winter rest. Cut back water from autumn, keep it around 10 °C in good light, and clusters of small star-shaped white-pink flowers may appear in late winter.
Why are my jade plant's leaves turning red at the edges?
Red or bronze leaf margins are usually a healthy sign of strong light, not stress. Many growers encourage it deliberately. If the whole leaf reddens and shrivels, though, check it isn't sunburnt or badly under-watered.
How big does a jade plant get indoors?
Slowly but substantially — an old indoor jade can reach a metre or more and take on a thick, tree-like trunk over many years. Prune it to keep the size and shape you want; it tolerates pruning well.
Sources
- RHS — Crassula ovata (jade plant) — Royal Horticultural Society, checked 2026-06-13
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants — Jade Plant — ASPCA, checked 2026-06-13