How Often Do You Need to Water Jade Plant?

Jade plant, also known as Crassula ovata or the money tree, is a succulent native to South Africa. It is a popular indoor plant known for its glossy green leaves and easy maintenance. Watering your jade plant is an essential aspect of its care, but how often should you do it?

Watering Frequency

As a succulent, jade plants store water in their leaves and stems. They have the ability to survive in arid conditions for extended periods by drawing on their internal stores. This means that you don't need to water your jade plant frequently. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by jade owners. Overwatering can cause your jade plant to rot and die.

Factors Affecting Watering Frequency

Several factors influence the frequency at which you should water your jade plant. These include:

Humidity: Humidity levels affect how quickly your soil dries out. Areas with high humidity levels do not require frequent watering.

Pot Size: A small pot will dry out more quickly than a larger pot because of the smaller amount of soil.

Type of Soil: The type of soil used also influences watering frequency. Soil that drains well will dry out faster than soil that retains water.

Indoor Temperature: Cooler indoor temperatures slow down the rate at which moisture evaporates from the soil. Therefore, plants in cooler rooms need less frequent watering.

How to Water Your Jade Plant

When watering your jade plant, it is important to ensure that the soil has completely dried out before watering. This is because jade plants are prone to root rot if they sit in damp soil for an extended period. To water your jade plant, follow these steps:

Prepare the soil: Ensure that the soil in the pot is loose and aerated. You can loosen the soil by gently digging it with a fork.

Water the soil: Slowly pour water directly onto the soil until it starts coming out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Drain excess water: Once water starts flowing from the drainage holes, wait for a few minutes to allow the excess water to drain out.

Wipe the pot: Wipe away any water that spilled on the pot to prevent it from staying too humid.

Depending on the environmental conditions, you may have to water your jade plant every two to six weeks. A general rule of thumb is to water your jade plant once every one to three weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every three to six weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).

Signs of Overwatering or Underwatering

It is essential to be aware of the signs of overwatering or underwatering to prevent any plant health issues. Symptoms of both conditions are as follows:

Overwatering: Soft, brown, and slimy roots, yellowing leaves, and a mushy stem

Underwatering: Dry and wilted leaves, brown and crispy edges, and slow growth.

In conclusion, you need to water your jade plant once the soil has completely dried out. Overwatering your jade plant is a common mistake, and it can cause your plant to rot and die. Keep in mind factors such as humidity, pot size, type of soil, and indoor temperature when deciding how often to water your jade plant. If properly cared for, your jade plant can thrive and live for many years to come.