About Jade Trees

Description

• The jade plant grows a thick main stem which has a gnarled appearance. The leaves appear in an opposite arrangement, reach about 1 to 2 inches long and have a pointed tip which tapers to a narrow bottom. They can have an egg-shape or an elliptical form and may have a reddish tinge on their borders. The plant produces pink star-shaped flowers in rounded clusters. The capsule-shaped fruit bears numerous small seeds.

Indoors

• When grown as houseplants, jades prefer a sunny location near a window facing south. They thrive when exposed to daytime temperatures of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees, according to the Clemson University Extension. During the growing season, the plant's soil needs consistent watering to keep it moist. Avoid getting the foliage wet when adding water. Jade has a susceptibility to root rot, so well-drained potting soil is essential.

Blooming

• Jade trees grown as indoor ornamentals have difficulty producing blooms unless certain conditions exist. High humidity decreases the chance of blossoms appearing. They also need a certain amount of hours each day without exposure to light to induce flowering. Placing the plant in a room where the lights stay on all night can prevent you from seeing the pink flowers. To give your plant the best chance to bear blossoms, place it in a room that receives strong natural light during the day, but ensure that any electric lights remain off at night.

Repot

• Jade trees may need repotting if they start to outgrow their old containers. Repotting it when the season's new growth begins helps ensure a favorable outcome. Place some potting soil at the bottom of the new container before adding the jade tree to get the best results. The potting soil needs a thorough watering immediately after the plant is transferred to the new pot. Repotted trees do not require fertilizer for the first four months after being transplanted.