Greetings from the Crassula ovata, commonly known as the Jade Plant. We are resilient, long-lived succulents, and with the right care, we can thrive for decades inside your US home. To help you understand my needs, I will explain them from my perspective.
As a native of sunny South Africa, I am a sun-worshipper. My ideal spot indoors is a south-facing window somewhere in your home, whether you're in sunny Arizona or cloudy Washington. Here, I will receive the bright, direct light I crave for at least four to six hours a day. This strong light is what keeps my stems stout and prevents me from becoming "leggy" as I stretch desperately for more sun. It also encourages the beautiful red tinge to develop on the edges of my plump, jade-green leaves. An east or west-facing window is my second choice, offering bright but indirect light. If you place me too far from a light source, my growth will slow, and my leaves may lose their vibrant color. A little sunburn is possible if I'm moved too abruptly from a dark corner into intense, direct summer sun, so please acclimate me gradually.
My thick, fleshy leaves are my water reservoirs. I am built to withstand drought, but I am terribly susceptible to root rot if my roots sit in wet soil for too long. The most common mistake my caregivers in the US make is loving me a little too much with water. The perfect way to water me is the "soak and dry" method. Please wait until the top inch or two of my soil is completely dry to the touch. Then, take me to a sink and water me thoroughly until water runs freely out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. This ensures my entire root system gets a drink. Then, let all the excess water drain away completely before returning me to my saucer. In the summer, I may need this every 2-3 weeks, but in the winter, when my growth slows, I might only need water once a month or less.
My roots need a home that breathes. A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard cactus and succulent mix from your local garden center is perfect. You can also make your own by mixing standard potting soil with perlite or coarse sand at a 1:1 ratio. Equally important is my pot; it must have a drainage hole. Terracotta pots are excellent for me because they are porous and allow excess moisture to evaporate from the soil, further reducing the risk of root rot.
I am quite comfortable with the typical indoor temperatures found in most US homes, which are usually between 65°F and 75°F. I appreciate a period of cooler rest in the winter, with temperatures dipping to around 50°F, as this helps encourage blooming in mature plants. However, I am not frost-hardy at all. Please keep me away from drafty windows in the winter and from the direct blast of heating or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature extremes can cause me stress and leaf drop. I do not need high humidity and am perfectly content with the dry air common in heated homes during winter.
I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growing season in the spring and summer, you can support my growth by feeding me a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, once every month or two. Please do not fertilize me at all during the fall and winter, as I am mostly dormant and the nutrients can build up and harm my roots.
