Plant care guide

Jade Plant

Crassula ovata

A sturdy succulent that thrives on a sunny desk.

Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)Plant care guide

Care guide

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  • 1Bright direct light
  • 2Bright indirect light
  • 3Medium light
  • 4Low light
Jade Plant grows best in zones 1 and 2.

Watering requirements

Water every 2–3 weeks, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.

Sunlight requirements

Needs bright light, including some direct sun. Keep it near a bright window or in an open, sunny spot.

Humidity requirements

Dry air is fine. It copes well with air-conditioned rooms.

Pet-friendly plant?

Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.

Care level

Easy

Best setting

Indoor

Low Maintenance

About Jade Plant

Thick, woody stems and fleshy oval leaves make this an easy, long-lived succulent for a bright windowsill or sunny desk — infrequent watering is exactly what it wants.

A long-lived succulent with woody stems that loves a sunny desk.

Where it works best

  • Sunny desks & windowsills
  • Corporate gifting

How to care for Jade Plant

Sunlight

Needs plenty of bright light — a sunny window with several hours of direct morning sun is ideal. In low light it stretches and loses its compact shape.

Water

Water deeply, then let the soil dry out completely before watering again. In the monsoon and cooler months, cut back sharply; the leaves store water and rot quickly if kept wet.

Humidity & temperature

Prefers dry air and warm conditions, roughly 18–35°C. Avoid cold drafts and keep it out of humid, poorly ventilated corners.

Soil & feeding

Plant in a gritty succulent mix with excellent drainage. Feed lightly once or twice in the growing season.

Pruning

Pinch or trim leggy stems and remove dead leaves to keep the plant compact and tidy.

Propagation

Take a leaf or stem cutting, let it callus for a few days, then set it on dry succulent mix and water lightly once roots form. Offsets can be separated and potted.

Common problems

  • Symptom

    Translucent, mushy leaves

    Cause

    Overwatering — let it dry out and check the roots for rot.

  • Symptom

    Pale, stretched stems

    Cause

    Not enough light.

  • Symptom

    Shrivelled, wrinkled leaves

    Cause

    The plant is dry and needs a thorough watering.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the leaves dropping?

Most often from overwatering or sudden changes in position. Water less often, make sure the pot drains, and avoid moving the plant between very different light levels.

Does it need direct sun?

A few hours of gentle direct sun is good for it. Strong afternoon sun through glass can burn the leaves, so build up exposure gradually.

Is it safe for pets and children?

Keep Jade Plant out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.

Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.

Jade Plant

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Photo courtesy: Jade Plant by JJ Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.