Learn the basics of When and How to Water a Jade Plant so it lives for years without becoming a prey of pests and diseases.
This low-maintenance succulent can tolerate occasional droughts but it also needs a timely hydration. In this post, you will learn When and How to Water a Jade Plant so it stays healthy and lush for years.
Watering a Jade Plant
Avoid watering jade plants too frequently, as it results in root rot; instead of watering them on schedule, water the plant when the top soil becomes dry to the touch. If you notice the jade plant has leaf spots or losing leaves, it’s a sign of underwatering.
When to Water Jade Plants
Jade plants are drought-tolerant and require the soil to dry out between watering spells. Water the jade plant once every 10-14 days in a clay pot with a bountiful soak to meet the plant’s moisture requirements without resulting in root rot. The jade plant in a plastic container requires watering every 2-3 weeks. Always check the soil with a finger before watering; if it feels dry, water the plant.
The jade plant has diverse watering needs at different times of the year when they go into dormancy during summer in response to high temperatures as a plan to deal with drought.
This succulent adapts well to hot and dry climates with occasional rainfall. Jade plant store moisture in their thick leaves and stems, controlling water loss (transpiration) from the foliage by opening stomata at night instead of on a sunny day. The jade plants are adapted to drought and favor dry conditions; hence are quite vulnerable to issues related to overwatering. To successfully grow jade plants in the home or garden, it is essential to imitate the watering conditions of their native habitat.
Keep in mind that jade plants need soil around roots to dry out between watering spells. The soil does not dry due to the given factors;
- The size of the planter (small containers dry out fast).
- Temperature and humidity of your climate.
- The ability of the soil to conserve moisture.
To determine how frequently to water the jade plant, according to climate, check the soil at the bottom of the planter through drainage holes; if it feels moist, avoid watering and vice versa.
How to Water a Jade Plant
While watering, water thoroughly and allow the extra water to seep out from the drainage holes. You can try a double pot and place a ‘grow pot’ inside a decorative container. When watering, take out the grow pot from the decorative planter. Put the pot in a plastic saucer, and add distilled water to the saucer. Let the potting mix soak in the water; once it is done wicking the water, allow the excess to drain and place the grow pot back in a decorative container.
If bottom watering is not possible, carefully water the plant at the soil line away from the stem. Make sure water does not splash on the foliage as it cause rot. Drain excess water, as all succulents, including jade plants, dislike sitting in water