JUST BROUGHT IT HOME?
A good start, in three steps.
- Choose a bright window and increase sun exposure gradually.
- Check deep in the pot before watering.
- Use a stable pot with a drainage hole.
Light & placement
Jade needs strong light for compact growth. Introduce direct sunshine slowly to avoid burning leaves grown under shade in a shop.
Water & drainage
Let the potting mix dry thoroughly between deep waterings. Drain excess water. Thick leaves store reserves; frequent small sips can keep roots too wet.
Growing well
Use a free-draining mix and feed sparingly during growth. Prune lightly to balance a top-heavy plant. Water less often during cooler, slower-growing periods.
When something looks wrong
Long gaps between leaves suggest a need for more light. Soft, translucent leaves with wet soil point toward excess moisture. Slightly wrinkled leaves in fully dry soil can indicate thirst.
A little further
Stem or leaf cuttings should dry at the cut surface before being set into suitable mix. Keep new cuttings only lightly watered.
Three things to avoid.
- Treating it like a thirsty leafy tropical.
- Growing it in a dark corner.
- Using a big pot of moisture-heavy compost.
Rooted in good information
NC State Extension · Crassula ovata ↗Reviewed October 3, 2026. Guidance is for container growing. Light, climate, pot size, and season change what your plant needs. Outdoor winter survival varies by location and cultivar.
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