How to Pot an Indoor Jade Plant

Jade plants are popular indoor plants because of their resilience and succulent leaves. It’s important to choose the right pot and soil for your jade plant to keep it healthy and thriving. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pot an indoor jade plant:

Step 1: Choose the Right Pot

When choosing a pot for your jade plant, it’s important to consider the size and drainage. Jade plants like to have their roots slightly constricted, so choose a pot that’s only slightly larger than the root ball. Look for a pot with drainage holes to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged and root rot from occurring.

Step 2: Select the Right Soil

Jade plants prefer well-draining soil that’s not too rich in nutrients. Don’t use regular potting soil which often retains too much moisture. Instead, opt for a mixture of 50% coarse sand or perlite, and 50% cactus soil. You can also add a small amount of compost to the mix to provide extra nutrients to the plant.

Step 3: Repotting a Jade Plant

If your jade plant has outgrown its current pot or if you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time for repotting. Carefully remove the plant from the pot, gently loosen roots that are tightly packed or spiraled, and trim away any roots that are diseased or dead. Add fresh soil to the bottom of the new pot and place the jade plant on top. Fill the sides with fresh soil and gently press it down to secure the plant in place.

Step 4: Watering Your Jade Plant

Water your jade plant only when the soil has dried out completely. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water deeply until the water runs out of the drainage holes, and then empty the saucer underneath to prevent water from sitting in the pot.

Step 5: Light Requirements

Jade plants thrive in bright but indirect light. Place your jade plant near a window that receives plenty of light, but avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the plants’ leaves. Jade plants can also tolerate low to medium light, but they may not grow as well.

Step 6: Maintenance

Maintain your jade plant by fertilizing it once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer that’s diluted to half-strength. Prune your jade plant to remove any dead or damaged leaves, and to encourage bushier growth.

By following these simple steps, you can pot your indoor jade plant and keep it healthy and beautiful for years to come.