As a Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), I am a resilient and long-lived succulent, but my relationship with water is the most critical aspect of my care. My watering needs are not dictated by a simple calendar schedule but by a complex conversation between my internal biology and the external environment of a US home. To truly understand my thirst, you must learn to listen to my signals and observe the world around me.
My thick, fleshy leaves and stems are not just for show; they are my personal water reservoirs. I have evolved to store significant moisture to survive extended periods of drought in my native arid habitats. Overwatering is my greatest enemy. It suffocates my roots, preventing them from absorbing oxygen and leading to root rot—a often fatal condition. My primary request is always for a pot with excellent drainage and a "soak and dry" method. This means you should water me thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage hole, and then you must allow my soil to dry out almost completely before even considering another drink.
The US climate varies wildly from the humid Southeast to the arid Southwest, and my needs change accordingly. During my active growing season (spring and summer), I am using more energy and may need water more frequently, perhaps every 2-3 weeks. However, you must always check the soil first. In my dormant period (fall and winter), my water requirements drop dramatically. I may only need a sip every 4-6 weeks, or even longer, especially if I am kept in a cool room. Other factors drastically alter my thirst: high heat and intense sunlight will dry my soil faster, while a cool, cloudy spell means I will need far less. Humidity also plays a role; dry, indoor winter air from heating systems can cause the soil to dry faster than you might expect.
I will tell you when I need water. The most reliable method is the "touch test." Insert your finger or a wooden skewer two inches into the soil. If it comes out clean and dry, it is time to water. If soil particles stick to it, wait. You can also learn to read my leaves. A well-hydrated Jade plant has firm, plump leaves. When I am truly thirsty, my leaves will begin to soften and may develop a slightly wrinkled texture, particularly on the lower, older leaves. They will lose their rigid firmness and give slightly when gently squeezed. It is far safer for me to exhibit these mild signs of thirst than to be constantly sitting in damp soil.
Your location within the United States changes the rules. In the hot, dry climates of Arizona or Southern California, my soil will dry out very quickly outdoors, requiring more frequent checks. In the humid summers of Florida or the Pacific Northwest, the ambient moisture in the air means the soil will stay damp for longer, greatly increasing the risk of overwatering. Indoors, where most of us live in the US, you are creating a microclimate. A spot in a sunny south-facing window will have vastly different watering needs than my placement on a dim north-facing shelf. Your home's air conditioning in summer and heating in winter are the dominant forces in my environment, overriding the weather outside.
