How Often Water Indoor Jade Plant

Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent that belongs to the family Crassulaceae. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique and can grow up to 10 feet tall in its natural habitat. However, as a houseplant, it usually grows up to 3 feet tall.

One of the most important things you need to know about the jade plant is how often you should water it. Overwatering or underwatering can cause the roots to rot or the leaves to dry out, respectively. In this article, we will discuss how often you need to water indoor jade plants and some tips to keep them healthy.

How to Water Indoor Jade Plants

The best way to water jade plants is to do it from below. Fill a tray with water and let the plant soak it up through the drainage holes. This will ensure that the entire root ball gets moist, which is important for the plant's growth. Wait until the soil has drained completely, then empty the tray.

If the pot is too heavy to move or there is no drainage hole, you can water the plant from above. Use a watering can with a long spout and water the soil gently, avoiding wetting the leaves. Wait until the soil has dried out before watering again.

Factors Affecting How Often to Water Indoor Jade Plants

The frequency of watering indoor jade plants depends on several factors. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Temperature and Humidity

Jade plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but may drop their leaves if the temperature is too low. Similarly, high humidity can cause the leaves to rot or develop fungal diseases, so it's best to keep the humidity between 30% and 50%.

2. Soil Type and Pot Size

The type of soil you use for jade plants affects how often you need to water them. Sandy soil dries out faster, so you may need to water more frequently. On the other hand, heavy soil retains moisture longer, so you need to water less often.

The size of the pot also affects the rate of water evaporation. Larger pots retain moisture longer, so you need to water less often.

3. Amount of Light and Air Circulation

Jade plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. If they get too much direct sunlight, the leaves may burn, and the plant may wilt. However, if they don't get enough light, the plant may grow tall and leggy. Air circulation is also important, as stagnant air can cause fungal diseases.

How Often to Water Indoor Jade Plants

Based on the factors above, the frequency of watering indoor jade plants may vary from once a week to once a month. Here are some guidelines:

1. Watering Frequency

In general, jade plants need to be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Stick your finger in the soil about an inch deep to check the moisture level. If the soil feels damp, wait a few more days before watering. If the soil feels completely dry, water the plant until the water runs out of the drainage holes.

In winter, when the plant is dormant, you may need to water less frequently. Similarly, if the plant is in a cooler room or gets less light, it may need less water.

2. Watering Amount

When watering indoor jade plants, make sure to water the soil thoroughly. As mentioned earlier, it's best to water from below, so the entire root ball gets moist. If you water from above, water the soil gently to avoid wetting the leaves. You don't want the soil to become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.

Conclusion

Jade plants are easy to care for, but they do require proper watering to stay healthy. Knowing how often to water indoor jade plants is important to prevent overwatering or underwatering, which can cause damage to the plant. Consider the factors mentioned above when deciding how often to water your jade plant, and always make sure the soil is dry before watering.