Jade Plant Care

Jade Plants are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity. These easy-care succulents can live for decades and make perfect beginner plants. ## Basic Care **Light:** Bright, direct light is best. South-facing windows are ideal. **Water:** The golden rule: when in doubt, don't water. Let soil dry completely between waterings. **Growth:** Slow but steady. Can eventually become tree-like with thick, woody stems. **Longevity:** With proper care, jade plants can live for 50+ years. ## Why Jade Plants Are Lucky In feng shui and many cultures, jade plants symbolize: - **Prosperity**: Often called "money trees" - **Friendship**: Traditionally given as gifts - **Good fortune**: Especially when they flower - **Longevity**: Can outlive their owners ## Achieving Flowers Mature jade plants can produce small, star-shaped white or pink flowers: - Need cool winter rest (10-13°C) - Require bright light year-round - Must be pot-bound - Usually takes 5+ years to mature ## Propagation Success Jade plants are incredibly easy to propagate: **Leaf method:** 1. Gently twist off healthy leaf 2. Let dry for 2-3 days 3. Place on succulent soil 4. Mist lightly when roots appear **Stem method:** 1. Cut 3-4 inch stem 2. Let dry for 2-3 days 3. Plant in well-draining soil 4. Water sparingly until established ## Popular Varieties - **Classic Jade**: Green oval leaves - **Hummel's Sunset**: Yellow-red leaf edges - **Tricolor**: Green, white, and pink variegation - **Gollum**: Tube-shaped leaves (hobbit jade) - **Dwarf Jade**: Smaller variety, perfect for bonsai ## Bonsai Potential Jade plants make excellent bonsai subjects: - Naturally develop thick, woody trunks - Respond well to pruning - Small leaves in proportion to trunk - Very forgiving of bonsai techniques - Can be shaped over many years ## Warning Signs **Overwatering symptoms**: - Soft, mushy leaves - Yellowing leaves - Dropping leaves - Musty smell from soil Remember: It's always better to underwater than overwater jade plants!