How to care for Jade plant

In many Asian cultures Jade plants are well-known to bring good luck, prosperity to their owner. This plant is very suitable for your house and office, as it doesn't need excessive care or attentiveness. Jade plants look a lot like a dwarf version of a tree, with their wooden twisted stems and oval-shaped stout leaves. Therefore, this plant has the appearance of being aesthetically beautiful. 

The botanical name of the Jade plant is Crassula ovata or Crassula agentia, and is native to South Africa. This succulent plant belongs to the Crassulaceae family. A mature jade plant can bloom upto 3 to 6 ft. tall and 2 to 3 ft wide. Even though the jade plant is a slow grower, it typically grows 2 inches per year. The lifespan of this plant is similar to that of a bonsai, If cared attentively, it can live upto generation of generations.

5 Tips to take care of Jade plants:

• Potting: Choose a wide and deep pot with a drainage hole. Use well-drained potting-mix for your succulent plant and consider using neutral or subtle acidic pH levels of the soil. 
• Watering: The principal thing in taking care of a jade plant is to water your plant properly. As the jade plant is a succulent tree, it stored water in the leaf, that is why over water can cause root rot. Consider watering your plant every 7 to 14 days, or when the plant's soil feels dry to touch. However, this plant requires more water in the summer and in the spring. 
• Sunlight: Jade plants do need sunlight to grow properly. In case of Jade plants direct sunlight does not affect the leaves, they need at least 4 hours of sunlight each day. If they do not get the required amount of sunlight then your plant may become leggy and stunted.
• Propagation: You can double the love or propagate a jade plant by just cutting off the leaves.
• Fertilizer: Feed your plant using a diluted mix of a liquid fertilizer, which are ideally made for cacti and succulents.

Jade plant’s problems: 

• Crumpled leaves indicate your plants need more water.
• Squishy leaves are a sign that your plant is getting too much water.
• Stunted plants are a sign of not getting enough sunlight.
• Black spots on the leaves are signs of fungal diseases.
• Leaf drop indicates either water issues or insufficient sunlight.

Those are all the things you need to know in taking care of jade plants. Growing a jade plant is very easy and simple especially if you are a beginner in gardening. You can place it anywhere you love, but jade plants have a strong friendship with sunlight, because of that they need to sunbathe at least four to six hours each day. However, jade plants can be toxic for dogs and cats, so if you're a pet owner keep your plants out of the reach of your pet.