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Jade plants are easy to grow houseplants. They strive indoors and outdoors and are great for indoor planting and are also easy to plant. Jade plants are long-lived and have the appearance of a mini tree.
They make an amazing indoor decorative plant. These well adopt mostly well to warm and dry conditions, which are mostly found at homes.
However, jade plants do not thrive in cold conditions, so if you live in an area where it gets too cold, it will be better to plant them inside your house.
Planting Jade Plants
If you want to plant a jade plant from scratch, follow the step-by-step guide we have provided below:
- Firstly, make sure to use a big and strong pot to plant your jade plant. Since jade plants get bigger and heavy, a small pot will not be suitable for this.
- Good soil is essential when it comes to a jade plant. Ensure you have soil that drains water thoroughly since the moist soil will promote fungal and damage your plant.
- Once you have planted your jade plant, make sure you do not water it for at least one week. This will help your plant to recover from any damage.
If you have a stem cutting of a jade plant, we have also made a list of how to plant your jade plant with a stem cutting. Make sure to read below!
- The first thing to do is to get a stem cutting from a plant that is already established.
- The cutting should be at least 2 inches with 2 leaves in it. Leave this for some days in a warm area. This will produce a callous will appear to help recover it from any damage and promote rooting.
- Next, get some soil. Your soil should not be wet but a little moist.
- Now place the pot in a warm area but not directly in sunlight.
- Do not water your jade plant yet.
- After you pot the plant, wait for a week, then check the plant by tugging it gently to see if the root has placed itself.
- Once it is well-rooted, then water it gently without disturbing the roots.
- Please wait for the soil to dry before watering it and not put it directly in sunlight until your plant is well-established.
Why Should You Use Homemade Fertilizer for your Jade Plant?
Houseplants generally do not need much care but good soil. The same goes for jade plants. It is essential to give them the right soil they need for them to strive.
That’s why it is always better to use homemade fertilizer for your jade plants since it’s a cheap and effective way of giving your plant the care it needs.
All the products for homemade fertilizers are usually present in your own pantry, so there is no hassle of going to the store!
They will usually thrive with light fertilization and regular watering.
However, overwatering your jade might cause them to become soft and saggy. Fertilizing them once every two weeks is enough for your jade plant.
You may also like: why is my jade plant turning brown.
What Fertilizer Does Your Jade Need?
Nitrogen
When you see that your jade plant has drooping leaves, it can mean two things. Either your plant is not getting enough sunlight, or your plant lacks nitrogen.
Then you might need to use plant food with high nitrogen. Use the formula 10-20-10, and this will ensure the right amount of nitrogen for your plant.
Liquid Fertilizer
Applying liquid fertilizers to your jade plant is an easy and quick way. Make sure you choose a fertilizer suitable for succulents.
Water is the most essential when applying liquid fertilizers. Make sure to water your plant before and after applying the liquid fertilizer, and never apply the fertilizer when the soil is dry.
Soil
Proper soil mixture allows the jade plant to store the nutrient and minerals they need between fertilization. Such soil mixtures are specifically made for succulents.
You can also make your own mixture by mixing one-part coarse perlite with two parts sphagnum peat moss.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Fertilizer for your Jade Plant
Are you wondering how to make your own homemade fertilizer for your jade plant? Then do not worry! We have made a list of all the homemade fertilizers you can make for your jade plant!
Epsom Salt
You can water your plant with Epsom salt water once a month.
Here is what you will need:
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tablespoon Epsom salt
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 gallon of water
- 1/2 teaspoon ammonia
Mix all the ingredients in a bucket and use this water occasionally for your jade plant.
Coffee Granules
Jade plants thrive when you give them coffee water. If you have leftover brewed coffee, mix it with some water and pour it on your jade plant.
This will ensure the green appearance of the plant and thicken the stems.
Eggshells
Another method to fertilize your succulent is to use your leftover eggshells on it. Here is how to do it:
- Place the eggshells on a baking tray and bake them and place them in a jar with water.
- Keep adding more eggshells to it and let it sit for a month.
- Make sure you do not cover the jar too tightly.
- When you want to fertilize your plant, mix the eggshell water with 1 gallon of plain water.
- Use this water to water your plants.
Your jade plant will thank you for this nutrient-packed water!
Fish Tank Water
If you have a fish tank, then this will help your jade plant; when you change the tank water, use this water to water your plants.
Aquarium water has the added nutrients your plants need!
Green Tea
Green tea is excellent for houseplants. Simply dilute green tea in 2 gallons of plain water. You can also use this water every time you water your plants. Your plants will thank you!
Bonus Tip:
If you want to experiment a little with your jade plant, then you can use the recipe given below!
- 2 eggshells from 2 eggs
- 1 cup coffee grounds
- 1/8 tsp Epsom salt
- 1/16-ounce ammonia
- 1 cup of water
Stir all the things mentioned above and mix this mixture with a spoon. Sprinkle around the base of your plant.
Do not mix this mixture with the soil but just leave it over the soil. Only apply this mixture every month.
How Often Should you Fertilize your Jade Plant?
Jade plants do not require a lot of fertilization. Fertilizing them after two weeks during active growth is good enough; otherwise, jade plants only require fertilization every three to four months.
Jade plants are slow-growing plants and hence do not require a lot of fertilization.
Their active growth is usually during summers, and during winters, you do need to fertilize them only if the plant is not receiving an adequate amount of sunlight.
To make sure it is getting enough sunlight, we have an article on the light requirements for a jade plant.
Harmful Fertilizers for Jade Plant
- Jade plants are sensitive to the salt in tap water. So, make sure to use distilled water when you water your plants.
- Try not to splash the water on the leaves when watering them, as this exposes them to a humid environment.
- Fertilize your jade plant sparingly. Use a fertilizer made especially for cacti or houseplants.
Basic Care for Jade Plant
Sunlight
To help your jade thrive, make sure it gets at least four hours of sunlight every day. They benefit from sunlight, but make sure not to overexpose them.
Watering
Water requirement for jade plant varies throughout the year. They need the most water during the summer and spring months.
Just keep the soil damp and do not over moist the soil. During winters, it is essential to let the soil dry before you water the plant.
Dusting
Just like you dust your furniture, dusting your jade plant is also essential. Make sure to use a damp cloth to wipe the leaves of your plant gently, and it will be as good as new!
Propagating
Propagate your jade plant often by cutting a three-inch leaf or a branch. Leave the branch in a warm place to let it heal before you use it. The leaves can also be used right away!
Pruning
This is also an essential part of your jade plants care. However, thorough pruning should be done when new growth has begun.
However, you can do some light pruning to enhance the growth of your jade plant.
Final Thoughts: How to Make your Own Homemade Fertilizer for your Jade Plant
Whether you are a professional gardener or just a beginner in the gardening field, the jade plant should be your go-to plant when it comes to plants!
It is easy to plant and looks amazing in your house as a decorator, especially during festive times since it resembles a tree.
It is also called a ‘money plant,’ and some people see this plant as a sign of money and prosperity. Since it has a long life, it also makes an amazing present if you want to gift it to someone!
With little and proper care, your jade plant can strive, and your jade plant might even turn into a jade tree!
Before you go, here are some more related articles I encourage you to read below to help solve more of your gardening issues:
How To Fix a Leggy Jade Plant & Future Leggy Prevention Tips
