Jade plant care
Crassula ovata — also called Money plant, Friendship tree. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Full sun to bright direct. Tolerates bright. Wants several hours of direct sun. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 14 days in summer, every 30 in winter. Let the soil dry out completely first. |
| Soil | Fast-draining succulent mix — 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand |
| Humidity | At least 20%, happiest near 40% |
| Temperature | 60–85°F. Cold damage below 40°F; heat stress in sun above 105°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~90 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 4 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Toxic to cats and dogs — vomiting, lethargy. |
What people get wrong about jade plant
Shriveled, wrinkled leaves = underwatered. Soft, translucent, yellow leaves that fall at a touch = overwatered.
Red-edged leaves in strong sun are healthy stress coloration, not damage.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, scale. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterJade plant FAQ
How often should I water a jade plant?
Roughly every 14 days in the growing season and every 30 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Soak thoroughly, then let it dry completely. In winter, nearly stop.
Is jade plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Toxic to cats and dogs — vomiting, lethargy. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a jade plant need?
Full sun to bright direct is ideal, and it will cope with bright. Wants several hours of direct sun.
Why does my jade plant have brown tips?
Jade plant is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for jade plant?
Fast-draining succulent mix: 4 parts potting mix, 4 parts pumice, 2 parts sand. Succulents and dracaenas rot in moisture-retentive mixes. Grit is the whole point.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.