JADE PLANT

DIG THIS

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is known to blush!

As it is exposed to bright sunlight, a jade plant can develop red or pink edges around its leaves. This subtle "sun blush" is a sign of healthy light exposure and gives the plant a naturally unique look.

Black outline of a thumbs-up gesture on a white background

Pretty Chill

Two black sun symbols on a white background

Indirect to Full Sunlight

Water When Dry

Not Pet Safe

INDIRECT TO FULL SUN

AVOID LOW LIGHT AREAS

Jade plants thrive in bright light and can handle direct morning sun.

The danger zones are heavily shaded areas where a jade plant will show signs of slowed growth.

Leggy stems are another indicator that your jade plant wants to be relocated to a brighter spot.

Cartoon sun character holding a flower and a potted plant with a cloud in the background.

FIND YOUR LIGHT

Take a moment to note which direction the windows face in your space. Then tap around the room below to see how the light hits throughout the day.

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NORTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ No direct sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for shade-tolerant plants ⊹

⚠︎ Can be too dim for most houseplants. If this is your only light source, consider using a grow light for your sun-loving plants!

SOUTH-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Highest amount of sunlight ⊹
⊹ Consistent light all day ⊹
⊹ Perfect for "full sun" plants ⊹

EAST FACING WINDOW

⊹ Soft morning sunlight ⊹
⊹ Avoids harsh afternoon rays ⊹
⊹ Perfect for low to indirect light plants ⊹

⚠︎ May not be bright enough for "full sun" plants

WEST-FACING WINDOW

⊹ Brightest in the afternoon ⊹
⊹ Warm, golden hour glow ⊹
⊹ Great for indirect-sun lovers ⊹

⚠︎ Can overheat sensitive plants

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OUR PICK

We recommend a south or east-facing window for a jade plant. South is the best pick for optimal light!

⚠︎ Avoid north-facing ⚠︎

KEEP SOIL DRY

Allow the soil to dry out completely between the waterings of your jade plant. Its thick leaves act as little water storages, so it can go longer without water.

Overwatering can lead to root rot. Since jade plants are succulent plants, they are more sensitive to waterlogged roots. Make sure its pot has good drainage.

LOW TO MODERATE HUMIDITY

Like most succulents, a jade plant is going to prefer conditions on the drier side. However, average indoor humidity levels are usually fine.

Cartoon water droplet character with a watering can and flowers on a white background

SOIL

Jade plant needs soil that drains fast and stays dry. The best store-bought option is a cactus and succulent mix since it is already formulated for plants like jade.

Avoid anything labeled "moisture control" or "moisture retention" as these tend to hold water longer. The opposite of what aloe needs!

Want to make your own?
Mix equal parts standard potting mix + any gritty ingredient. Perlite or coarse sand work great. Pumice is a good addition too, but not necessary.

PERLITE

Looks like tiny white popcorn bits mixed into the soil. Improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

Small white pot filled with soil and small white stones on a wooden surface
COARSE SAND

Looks like gritty and chunky beach sand. Like perlite, it improves drainage and prevents waterlogging.

PUMICE

Looks like very tiny, gray and white pebbles. Helps prevent compact soil and improves airflow for the roots.

Cartoon pot with face holding a trowel, surrounded by plants and flowers on a white background

COMMON ISSUES

BROWN SPOTS

Usually the first sign of overwatering or poor drainage. These are small blisters on the leaves that turn into brown, cork-like spots. Remember to keep the jade plant's soil on the drier side. Soil that has been overwatered can lead to root rot.

Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

MUSHY LEAVES

If you're noticing mushy leaves, brown spots may have appeared first. This is a more advanced sign of overwatering.

Remove affected leaves. Dry out soil completely (1-5 days). Adjust your watering schedule for this plant.

If problem persists and/or you suspect root rot: remove from pot, trim away dead mushy roots, and repot in fresh soil.

WRINKLED LEAVES

A sign of dehydration and being neglected a little too long.

Although a jade plant does not need much water, wrinkled leaves is its way of telling you it's thirsty. Give it a drink!

LEGGY

A definite sign of not enough sunlight.

If you notice a jade plant looking leggy and weak, or simply not growing at all, it's time to move it to a brighter spot.

LEAF DROP

Not always a reason to panic! Sometimes older, lower leaves will naturally die and fall off.

If the leaf drop seems abnormal, it could be caused by too little or too much water OR a sudden environment change.

PESTS

Sometimes issues can be the result of a pest infestation. Watch out for these creepy crawlers:
Mealybugs
Scale
Spider Mites

BROWN SPOTS

MUSHY LEAVES

WRINKLED LEAVES

LEGGY

LEAF DROP

PESTS