When Should I Repot a Jade Plant?

When to Repot

• Jade plants grow perfectly well in small pots and only need to be repotted when the roots take up most of the space inside a container. If all the water runs out of your pot's drainage hole as soon as it is applied, then there is not enough soil left to retain water. If you have a small jade plant growing in a large container, repot it into a smaller one, as excess soil can cause water-logging and root rot.

Unstable Plants

• Jade plants can develop a large crown and become top heavy and prone to toppling over. Repot your jade plant into a slightly larger pot or a heavy clay or terracotta container. Alternatively, place the current pot into a larger clay pot. Make sure that the outer container has a drainage hole to prevent water from pooling inside it and causing root rot.

Root Rot

• Jade plants that have been left in water-logged soil are prone to root and stem rot. If you detect soft areas on the main stem or branches of your jade plant, check its soil. If the soil is wet through, remove the whole plant from its pot and scrape away the soil. Leave the plant with bare roots in a shady spot for at least a week to dry out. Cut off any soft branches and roots with a sterile knife before repotting in barely moist potting soil.

Choosing a Pot

• Repot your jade plant in a pot one size up from its current container. Choose heavy clay pots for jade plants, as they are more stable and porous, allowing wet soil to dry out quickly. Use a soil-based compost mixed with 33 percent sand or grit for added drainage. Avoid loose, peat based compost, as it can allow mealy bugs to infest the roots.

Alternatives to Repotting

• If your jade plant is already growing in a large pot or you have no room for a larger container, you can trim a jade plant's roots and return it to the current pot. Carefully upturn the plant and remove the pot. Cut the main roots back by a third with garden clippers or sharp scissors. Replace the soil with fresh potting mix and replace the plant in its original container.