Understanding the watering needs of your indoor Crassula plant, commonly known as a Jade Plant, requires an appreciation of its inherent nature. As a succulent, it has evolved to thrive in arid environments with infrequent moisture. Its plump, fleshy leaves and stems are specialized water storage tissues, allowing it to endure prolonged periods of drought. Therefore, the core principle from the plant's perspective is not a schedule, but a cycle of thorough soaking followed by complete drought.
Your Crassula does not want constant, slight moisture. Its roots are susceptible to rot in perpetually damp soil. The ideal method is to completely saturate the soil until water flows freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball has access to moisture. Then, you must allow the pot to drain fully and let the soil dry out almost completely before even considering the next watering. The plant will happily use the water stored in its leaves during this dry period, which is its natural growth cycle.
Relying on a fixed calendar schedule is the most common mistake. The rate at which soil dries is influenced by temperature, humidity, pot size, soil composition, and light levels. Instead, you must physically check the soil's moisture. Insert your finger or a wooden skewer into the soil, at least halfway down the pot. If the soil is still cool or damp, or if soil particles stick to the skewer, do not water. Water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch at that depth. For larger pots, this dry period could be three to four weeks; for smaller pots, it might be closer to two.
Your Crassula's water needs change dramatically with the seasons, aligning with its growth cycles. During the spring and summer, which are its active growing seasons, the plant will use water more quickly. The "dry out" period will be shorter, and watering will be more frequent, though still only after the soil is dry. In the fall and winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy. Its growth slows significantly, and its water requirements plummet. During this time, you must extend the dry period considerably, potentially watering only once a month or even less, always guided by the soil's dryness.
The plant will communicate its state. Under-watering, though less common, will cause the leaves to become soft, thin, and wrinkled. They may lose their plump, firm texture. This is a clear sign the plant has used its internal water reserves and needs a drink. Over-watering is a far greater threat. The first sign is often leaf drop, where healthy-looking leaves fall off. Subsequently, leaves and stems will become soft, mushy, and translucent—a sign of rot. The base of the stem may also turn black. If you see signs of over-watering, you must stop watering immediately and assess the roots for rot.
