|
|
|
|
|
|
Jade Plants (Crassula argentea) originated in south Africa, and have been cultivated as a house plant in Europe and America for over a hundred years.
Growing Jade Plants
Crassula argentea
|
|
Generally, Jade plants are very easy and productive plants to grow, provided that their needs are understood and met. Jades and all other members of the Crassula family are succulent plants, in that they have the ability to store water in their leaves, stems and roots.
Jade plants should be grown in very bright sunlight with low humidity.
Jades will sunburn if they are suddenly moved from subdues lighting to full sun, so if your plant is accustomed to dimmer light, be sure to move it into the sun in stages.
Jade plants prefer a moderate environment with temperatures between 55°F at night and 75°-80°F during the day. They will, however, tolerate temperatures down to 40°F. They should be repotted every two to three years, using a quality commercial potting soil mixed 50/50 with coarse builders sand, with a scoop of bone meal added. Their optimum soil ph is 6.5.
Crassula argentea has an active and a dormant growing cycle. Watering and feeding should be determined by this growing cycle.
During the spring and summer months keep the soil slightly moist. Water
liberally (a good soaking) once a week, then allow the potting mix to dry out
completely before watering again. Immediately remove any excess water from pot saucer.
Feed with a 10-20-10 or 5-10-5 ratio soluble plant fertilizer every two weeks.
(African
violet food works very well for most succulents.)
Keep your Jade dry during the winter months while it is in dormancy.
Do not fertilize from November through the end of March!
|
|
Typically, all healthy, mature Jades will bloom (usually around Christmas in the northern hemisphere).
Their blooming is triggered by the natural shortening of the daylight hours.
If your plant is in a room which usually has lights turned on at night, it will
more than likely fail to bloom for you. Find a suitable area that seldom has
the lights on at night but receives good, natural light during the day.
Sometime in September or early October, move your Jade plants, your Christmas
Cactus and last years Poinsettia into
their 'natural light' environment. Check on them now and then to be sure they
aren't stressed from lack of, or from excess water.
Your plants will know what to do from that point on....
Jade Plant in Bloom
Crassula argentea
|
|
|
