La jade plant, with a scientific name "crassula ovatta" and also called the "money plant”, Is native to South Africa, suitable for indoors and outdoors, being very easy to maintain and care for.
They can reach up to one and a half meters tall, although its growth is quite slow and its way of expanding towards the sides unifying itself with its thick stem makes it often confused with a bonsai. The leaves are fleshy, round and green, the stem is reddish and produces purple flowers.
How to grow the Jade plant?
You may have noticed that the jade plant it is characterized by having quite thick leavesWell, what gives them that thickness is the Accumulated waterHence the name given to this and other types of plants that accumulate liquid in their tissues.
We can grow our own plant, starting from one stem of another that is healthy and in good condition, trying choose a thick one and paying special attention that the distance between the stem and the leaves is long enough, this will avoid that we have to cut leaves when planting it.
One thing to remember is that this stem or cutting it must be left to dry for a few days before being planted and once the stem is ready, it must be chosen a pot of the right size for the cutting, add soil prepared with the necessary nutrients and that has good drainage, the latter being vital since the jade plant requires little water and if the drainage is not good we run the risk of rotting the plant. The plant is said to possess the ability to take new roots on its own, however adding some is optional rooting hormone to the earth.
Steps to plant the Jade plant
A hole is made in the ground and we introduce the stem to a sufficient depth where it stands firm.
Sunlight is vital for plant growthThat is why we must guarantee a space where it receives light indirectly, preferably for as many hours as possible.
After the previous planting process has been carried out, the plant must be given time to take root, which is a very efficient process in jade, however it may take a few weeks. During this time We should not water it to prevent the stem from rotting, but how do you know if it already has roots?
It is a very good question and according to the experts an indication of this is that they are observed new shoots at the top of the stemAnother way to find out is by removing the stem from the pot to check if it has roots, but the latter is not highly recommended.
Jade plant care
Because it was a fleshy plant, its water requirements are low, so before watering it we must make sure the earth is dry inserting our finger into it at least two or three centimeters, if it is indeed dry it is time to water it.
It is recommended to use a flowerpot, which has drainage holes for better care of the plant and also pay attention not to wet the leaves. You have to try to get daylight, between five and six hours a day. If the leaves turn brown it is an indication that they are burning, as a result of receiving a lot of sunlight. This brings us to the next point, if we are going to change it, let's try not to do it abruptly, that is, from a very bright place to a very dark one, since we are going to affect it.
Must keep the plant clean, eliminating the leaves that are falling and if it is our wish to prune some, it is also valid, always paying special attention to do not over prune the main stem since this weakens it.