The Best Method For Propagating A Jade Plant

Succulents are enjoyed by many because they're fairly fuss-free plants that are great for beginning gardeners. One that seems to be classic and timeless, perhaps because of its slow but steady low-maintenance growth, is the jade plant (Crassula ovata). This plant can even live several decades, and as they grow and age, they resemble miniature trees. 

Though native to South Africa, jade does well in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 as an outdoor plant. It doesn't handle the snowy, chilly winter weather that's common in northern regions of the United States, so it makes a nice potted plant that can be brought indoors as cold weather approaches. Here are more succulent care tips for when cold weather approaches. 

Jade plants are fun to propagate because one plant is a gift that keeps on giving; just snip a stem cutting, wait a few days, then plant it. Ta da! The plant can also be propagated in water until roots grow, which gives you more time to decide where you want to plant it.  

Before cutting, make sure the pruning shears are sanitized with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Allow the tool to dry before using it. Then, look for a healthy stem on the jade plant that has four or more plump leaves near the top, but much lower as those would get in the way when planting them. Snip about 4 inches down from the top and below any leaf nodes, keeping the upper leaves on the stem. 

Set the cutting in an shady area that won't be disturbed for several days. The stem is ready to plant when it has a callous on the cut end. Either put it in water until it develops roots or place it directly in a plant pot full of a cactus and succulent mix, burying the calloused end at least an inch deep. Water the soil lightly when it needs it, but not enough to make the roots too wet, as jade needs well-drained soil. Keep the pot in an area that receives indirect sunlight, such as a shaded area of your porch in the summer. 

In a few weeks, your jade cutting will have strong enough roots to transplant. Or you can even just leave it in its current pot. Jade can also be propagated with a leaf instead of a full stem; let it callous over as with the stem, then set it on the cactus potting soil rather than burying it. It'll develop roots over time, as the stem does.  If you're in the mood for more succulents, burro's tail is another low-maintenance plant that'll look great in your succulent garden.