How to Grow and Care for a Big Jade Plant

The jade plant, Crassula ovata, is a popular succulent recognized for its sturdy, tree-like appearance and glossy, ovate leaves. It is often associated with good fortune and has a reputation for longevity, with well-cared-for specimens capable of living for many decades. Over time, these plants can develop into impressive, large specimens that resemble miniature trees, making them a striking feature in any indoor garden.

Achieving a Large Size

To encourage a jade plant to grow large with a thick, supportive trunk, providing adequate light is a primary consideration. These plants thrive with at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. A position near a south-facing or west-facing window is suitable, as the light intensity supports strong, compact growth rather than weak, elongated stems. When a jade plant receives sufficient light, the edges of its leaves may develop a reddish tint, a good indicator that its light needs are being met.

Proper watering techniques develop a robust root system capable of supporting a large plant. The “soak and dry” method is recommended for jade plants. This involves thoroughly watering the soil until it drains from the pot’s drainage holes and then allowing the soil to dry out completely before the next watering. Because they store water in their leaves and stems, they are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains moist. Checking the top inch or two of soil for dryness determines when it’s time to water again.

The choice of soil directly impacts drainage and aeration. A well-draining potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents is ideal because it prevents water from accumulating around the roots. To improve drainage, standard potting soil can be amended with inorganic materials like perlite, pumice, or coarse sand. A common do-it-yourself mix consists of potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite, creating a loose, airy medium.

Fertilizing during the active growing season of spring and summer supplies nutrients for steady development. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 N-P-K ratio is appropriate. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength and applied every two to three months while the plant is actively growing. Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent the fertilizer from burning the roots. Over-fertilizing should be avoided, as it can lead to weak growth that may break.

Pruning for Structure and Health

Pruning is used to shape a jade plant and promote a strong, tree-like form. This encourages the development of a thick, woody trunk and stimulates branching for a fuller canopy. Removing weak, leggy, or damaged stems improves its health and appearance. Selectively trimming branches improves air circulation through the foliage, which keeps it healthy as it grows.

The best time to prune a jade plant is during its active growing season in the spring and early summer. Pruning during this period allows the plant to recover more quickly and push out new growth from the pruning cuts. Performing this task when the plant has ample energy stored will lead to a more vigorous response.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts. To encourage branching, a stem should be cut just above a node, which is the point on the stem where leaves emerge. Two new branches will sprout from the nodes just below the cut, leading to a denser plant structure. Do not remove more than 20 to 30 percent of the plant’s branches at one time to avoid causing excessive stress.

For shaping, selectively remove entire branches to create a more open, balanced structure. Cuts should be made flush with the main stem or at a branch collar. This type of structural pruning is useful for managing the weight distribution of a large plant and preventing branches from becoming too long and heavy. Pruned pieces can be propagated to create new plants.

Repotting a Mature Plant

A large jade plant needs repotting every few years for mature specimens. Signs that a plant needs a new container include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed or stunted growth, or the plant becoming unstable in its current pot. Repotting is best done in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, so it can establish itself easily.

Because mature jades can become top-heavy, a heavy and stable pot made of terracotta or ceramic can prevent tipping. The new pot should have adequate drainage holes and be only one to two inches larger in diameter than the previous one. A pot that is too large can cause the soil to stay wet for too long, which increases the risk of root rot.

Repotting a large jade can be difficult, so a helper is recommended. Carefully lay the plant on its side to ease it out of its current pot. Once removed, inspect the root ball, gently loosening the roots and trimming away any that are dead or rotting. Place a layer of fresh, well-draining soil mix in the bottom of the new pot before centering the plant inside.

After positioning the plant, fill in the surrounding space with new soil, ensuring the top of the root ball sits about an inch below the rim of the pot. You should wait a week or two before watering the newly repotted plant. This allows damaged roots to heal and reduces the risk of root rot in the fresh soil.

Common Problems with Big Jade Plants

As jade plants grow larger, they can become top-heavy and unstable. A tall plant with a dense canopy of heavy, water-filled leaves can easily tip over, especially if it is in a lightweight plastic pot. Using a heavy ceramic or terracotta pot provides a stable base to counterbalance the plant’s weight. Strategic pruning to reduce the weight and density of the upper foliage also helps maintain the plant’s balance.

The weight of long, thick branches on a large jade plant can cause them to snap. This is common for plants with leggy growth caused by insufficient light, as the stems are not strong enough to support the foliage. Regular structural pruning helps to develop a more compact and robust framework, reducing the length of individual branches and distributing the weight more evenly.

The dense foliage of a large, mature jade plant can make it more difficult to spot pest infestations early. Mealybugs are a common pest that appear as white, cottony masses, often hiding in the crevices where leaves join the stems. Regular and thorough inspection of the stems and the undersides of leaves is important. If an infestation is found, treat it by wiping the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.