Jade plants are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardening, thanks to their resilience and easy care requirements. If you’re considering growing a jade plant outdoors, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure the best possible growth and development. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and tricks for taking care of jade plants outdoors, including ideal growing conditions and common issues to watch out for.
Jade Plant Basics
Jade plants, also known as Crassula ovata, are popular houseplants native to South Africa. They are known for their fleshy, oval-shaped leaves and their ability to grow into tall, woody shrubs. While jade plants are commonly grown indoors, they can also thrive outdoors with the proper care.
Botanical Background
Jade plants belong to the Crassulaceae family, which includes over 300 species of succulent plants. They are known for their adaptability, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. In the wild, jade plants can be found in rocky outcroppings and will grow as sprawling shrubs, but when cultivated as houseplants, they can be pruned and maintained as small, bonsai-like specimens or accent plants.
Growth Habit
When grown outdoors in the right conditions, jade plants can reach heights of 6 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters). However, many gardeners choose to maintain them as smaller hedges or borders, typically kept between 2 to 4 feet (.5 to 1 meter) tall (Gardening Know How) . They have a slow growth rate, which requires some patience, but once established, these hardy plants can be easily maintained.
One of the key factors to successfully growing jade plants outdoors is providing them with adequate sunlight. They need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day (Plants Craze). Additionally, since jade plants are succulents, they also require well-draining soil to prevent root rot, and a watering schedule that allows the soil to dry out between waterings.
Outdoor Requirements
When caring for a jade plant outdoors, there are several factors to consider, including the ideal location, temperature tolerance, and sunlight needs.
Ideal Location
Choosing the right location for your outdoor jade plant is crucial for its growth and health. Select a spot that allows for proper drainage to prevent root rot. Additionally, consider placing the jade plant in areas where it can receive adequate sunlight while being protected from harsh winds and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Temperature Tolerance
Jade plants can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they prefer a moderate climate. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F, but it is essential to keep an eye on them during the colder months. When temperatures begin to fall around 50°F (10°C), consider bringing the plant indoors to protect it from frost damage.
Sunlight Needs
Proper sunlight exposure is necessary for the growth and well-being of jade plants. They thrive in bright, indirect light; however, they can also adapt to partial shade. Ensuring adequate sunlight is essential for promoting healthy foliage, flowering, and overall plant development.
Soil and Watering
Soil Type
Jade plants thrive best in well-draining, sandy loam soil. It is crucial to ensure quick drainage, as jade plants can be susceptible to root and crown rot and fungal issues in wet, slow-draining, compacted, or clay soils1. These plants can grow in a range of sunlight conditions, from full sun to fairly dense shade.
Proper Watering Schedule
Although jade plants are succulents and can store water, they still require a consistent watering schedule. It is generally recommended to water outdoor jade plants every two weeks or so, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings2. Overwatering can lead to root rot, making it essential to monitor soil moisture and adjust the watering schedule accordingly3.
During the winter months, when jade plants enter dormancy, it is necessary to reduce watering frequency3. When watering, ensure the water drains out of the bottom of the pot and remove any excess sitting water to prevent root rot4. To check if the soil is appropriately moist, use your fingers to feel for moisture levels within the soil5.
Pest and Disease Control
Understanding pests and disease control is essential for maintaining a healthy jade plant outdoors. In this section, we will discuss common pests that might attack jade plants and prevention methods to keep them at bay.
Common Pests
Jade plants can attract several pests, including aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can damage the plant, causing discoloration, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soaps or Neem oil to effectively exterminate them. Hand removal is another option for smaller infestations. Keep a close eye on your jade plant to catch any signs of pest invasions early.
Disease Prevention
Preventing diseases is crucial for the overall health of your outdoor jade plant. An important step is to ensure proper soil drainage, as wet, slow-draining soil can lead to root rot, and other fungal problems. Plant your jade in sandy loam soil for best results.
Another method for disease prevention is to regularly inspect your jade plant for any signs of pests. Mealybugs, soft scale, and spider mites can invite diseases by making your jade plant more susceptible to infections. To manage these pests, clean infected plants with rubbing alcohol or create a solution using one part alcohol and three parts water mixed with dish soap without bleach.
Positioning your jade plant in a suitable location is essential to ward off diseases. Jade plants can grow in full sun to dense shade, but providing them with the right balance of sunlight can reduce the chances of diseases taking hold. Regularly care for your plant by pruning away dead or unhealthy parts and provide adequate water and nutrients, ensuring its overall health and vitality.
Pruning and Propagating
Pruning Technique
Jade plants require occasional pruning to maintain their overall health and appearance. The best time to prune a jade plant is during spring or early summer, as this is when the plant actively grows and can recover more quickly from the process[source]. To encourage branching in smaller plants, pinch back the stems and save healthy leaf sections for future propagation[source].
Propagation Steps
There are several methods to propagate a jade plant, but using stem cuttings is a particularly effective approach. Begin by selecting a healthy branch with a stem at least 3-4 inches long[source]. Use clean clippers or scissors to take your cutting, ensuring the cut is made at a slight angle
Next, remove some leaves from the stem to expose a portion of the stem’s surface area. This will increase the chance of successful propagation by allowing for better absorption of water and nutrients. Once the prepared stem is ready, give it some time to dry out and develop a callous over the cut surface. This minimizes the risk of infection and rot when inserted into the potting medium
Now, select a container and fill it with appropriate potting soil. Insert the cutting into the soil, ensuring it’s firmly held in place. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid over-watering as this may lead to root rot. Place the container in a spot with indirect sunlight and wait for the roots to develop. This process may take several weeks, but with patience and proper care, a new jade plant will emerge, ready to enhance your outdoor garden[source].
Seasonal Care
Caring for your jade plant outdoors requires different maintenance practices throughout the seasons. In this section, we’ll discuss winter protection and summer maintenance to help you maintain a healthy, thriving jade plant all year round.
Winter Protection
Jade plants prefer room temperatures between 65° to 75°F (18° to 24°C) and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures during nighttime and winter, down to 55°F (13°C) (The Old Farmer’s Almanac) . However, it is crucial to protect your jade plant from frost, as they are not frost-tolerant.
If you live in an area with temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C) during the winter, consider moving your jade plant indoors to prevent damage from the cold. When moving your jade plant indoors, place it in a well-lit area that receives ample sunlight, such as a south or west-facing window.
Summer Maintenance
During the summer, jade plants need to receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day in order to encourage healthy growth and vibrant leaf colors (gardenia.net) . Although they can tolerate some light shade, they should still have protection from the intense afternoon sun.
Placing your jade plant in a location with well-draining soil is essential, as this helps to prevent root rot and other issues caused by overwatering. Water your jade plant regularly but be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause leaves to become wrinkled and shriveled (gardeningknowhow.com) .->
Finally, during the summer months, you can feed your jade plant using a balanced fertilizer at half the strength recommended on the package. Fertilize every two weeks from spring to fall to encourage healthy growth, but avoid fertilizing during the winter when the plant is typically dormant (Country Living) .
Video Guide
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
