The jade tree or plant, also called Crassula ovata , is a succulent plant that is well known everywhere and is very easy to get, either by buying it or by taking a cutting and planting it because it grows easily. Actually, like most succulents, it is quite easy to take care of, although it is true that you have to know some basic care so that it develops well and does not get sick.
If you are going to have a jade tree at home, we recommend that you continue reading this practical guide on jade plant care , in which we also tell you the best way to cut this plant and also its meaning and properties.
- Jade plant care: a simple guide
- How to make jade tree cuttings and how to plant them
- Meaning of the jade plant
Index
Jade plant care: a simple guide
If you are going to acquire or already have a Crassula ovata , jade tree or jade plant , it is convenient that you take into account the simple attention that it requires so that it is always in good condition, whether you plant it on the ground or if you place it in a flower pot. Keep in mind that if you have a bonsai jade tree, its care will vary from what we explain here as it is a miniature tree, in which case you will have to follow care guidelines more similar to those of bonsai.
These are the basic care of the jade plant :
Substratum
Any substrate that is somewhat porous works for these types of plants, but in the case of the jade plant, it is best to mix the substrate if possible because it is a large succulent plant and needs some space and, therefore, it is better to have a variety of land.
In this case, it is best to mix garden soil, pearls and coarse sand in equal parts and then add a little gravel.
Pots
If instead of placing it on the ground of the garden or field, then you will have to choose a pot for the jade plant. It is best to use a clay pot, also called clay, as these types of pots are ideal for succulent plants as they are the ones that best drain excess water from irrigation.
Irrigation
You have to be very careful with watering the jade plant, as overwatering or overwatering is the main problem that leads to the death of this plant.
The key on how to water the jade plant correctly is to only water it when the substrate or soil is completely dry, not only the surface but more of it. To do this, you need to sink a finger into the ground, at least up to half a finger. Thus, if it is still wet, do not water and if it is already dry you can water, but keep in mind that it is also important to pour with the right amount of water, it is healthier for the plant that you water it a little more often with a little amount than not with a lot of water at one time to be longer without watering it.
Also remember to let as much water as possible drain into the dish underneath the pot, if it has one, and to empty it when it’s finished draining. If you leave it full, it will be a perfect place for mosquitoes and other insects to nest.
illumination
The Crassula ovata needs a lot of light to grow healthy and form well. Therefore, it is best to have it outdoors, but if you are going to have the jade plant indoors, then we recommend that you place it as close as possible to a window through which enough sunlight enters several hours of the day. In addition, by providing this natural light in quantity, you will also be able to give it a more decorative touch because its leaves will change a little, becoming more striking. Thus, each of the small leaves of the jade plant will have a red border, followed by a light yellow tone and a green central part.
In any case, it is also not suitable to be in direct strong sun for a long time, so during the strongest hours of sun, place it in a semi-shady area.
Compost for the jade plant
When you think about fertilizing the jade plant or tree, think that you have to water before fertilizing because if we do it the other way around, the water will carry the compost. We recommend using organic fertilizers and manures, as well as earthworm or worm humus, and also those that you can prepare at home. In this other article we give details on How to make homemade organic compost for plants .
We advise fertilizing and fertilizing during spring and summer and avoiding doing so during autumn and winter, as it is better to fertilize the plants when they are most active and avoid it when they enter inactive phases due to colder weather.
Plagues and diseases
Jade plants can suffer from a variety of diseases and pests, but mainly they can suffer from the most common in succulent plants such as spider mites, mealybugs, snails and fungi, such as rot. In any case, these vary depending on whether the plant is located indoors or outdoors and according to the care we offer it. It is best to prevent them from appearing, but if they do we recommend opting for ecological options. Here we explain how to combat pests in organic farming .
Pruning the jade plant
It is recommended to prune the jade tree on a regular basis so that it grows compactly and looks like a bushy plant, but if you do not give great importance to the shape itself, it is not necessary to prune as often. In this case, just pruning when you see diseased or dry parts, especially after blooms, will be enough. Remember to use sharp, disinfected pruning shears and cut some distance from the main trunk or a good distance from the affected part if it is sick.
If you are cutting healthy chunks because you are only sanitizing the plant for shape, you can use these chunks as cuttings to propagate the jade plant.
How to make jade tree cuttings and how to plant them
The Crassula ovata is a succulent plant easy to reproduce. You can make jade plant cuttings easily and you can choose one of two options:
- Cut one end of a branch with several leaves.
- Cut only one sheet.
When you have made the cut in the large plant, you can leave it in the air and wait for it to heal well on its own or you can put a little cinnamon powder, which protects the plant against infections and pests, which will help the small one injury heals sooner.
Then you will have to follow a few simple steps to plant a jade plant cutting :
- Have the branch or leaf cutting ready .
- Allow the cut lesion to dry a bit before placing it in the dirt or substrate. The best thing is that you leave it on the air for at least one day.
- When the cutting mark is already somewhat dry or is almost completely dry, then you can plant the jade tree cutting in the substrate, either soil or pot, although to start growing it is advisable to use a pot and later transplant it.
- Leave the soil a little moist and somewhat tight, with the cutting placed as central and straight as possible.
Meaning of the jade plant
Now that we have told you everything in this guide to “the jade plant: care”, we will also explain the meaning of the jade plant , as it is something that many people wonder as it is a plant found in homes around the world.
All plants can have a meaning and offer certain properties to the environment depending on how they are and their location, something that explains the oriental philosophy of Feng Shui.
According to Feng Shui , among the properties of the jade plant and its meaning stands out that it brings abundance to the home or business in which it is located. For this reason, it is also called in some parts of the world as the money plant, being known in other places by this common name another species of plant that is not directly related to Crassula ovata . It is also known in this Asian culture as the tree of abundance or the money tree . Thus, it is able to attract abundance, wealth and prosperity to the home, as long as it is placed in the corner of an important room or main room and near a window.
Apart from this, it is also considered a symbol of friendship , so it is used to offer gifts to friends, especially when you wish them prosperity and abundance in their life in general.
If you want to read more articles similar to Jade plant: care , we recommend that you enter our category of Plant cultivation and care .
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