Caring for Your Succulents & Jades
Succulents and Jade Plants are adored for their striking, geometric forms and incredible variety. Known for their thick, fleshy leaves and stems that store water, they are a charming and resilient addition to any plant collection. While many succulents and jades are known for being easy to care for, understanding their specific needs is key to a thriving plant. These plants encompass countless varieties, each distinguished by unique shapes, colors, and textures. Despite their diverse appearances, all succulents share common care requirements for optimal growth. At Over Grown, we have a gorgeous selection of succulents and our team would love to help you find the perfect one for your space!
Succulent & Jade Lighting
Originating from arid climates, succulents love the sun. The more light you can give them, the better.
- Ideal light conditions: Provide bright, direct sunlight for several hours a day. South-facing windows are often perfect for succulents.
- Avoid: Low light can cause your succulent to stretch out and become "leggy" as it searches for sun.
- Signs of improper light: Insufficient light may result in leggy growth and pale leaves. Too much direct sun, especially after being in a low-light environment, can cause sunburn, which appears as brown or black spots.
Succulent & Jade Watering
Watering is a critical aspect of succulent care. They require thorough watering, but only when the soil is completely dry.
- How often to water: Water deeply until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Then, do not water again until the soil has completely dried out. The frequency varies based on environmental factors and pot size, but it's often every 2-4 weeks.
- Overwatering is the biggest risk: Overwatering can cause root rot, which is often fatal for succulents and jades. It's better to underwater than to overwater. A tip is to feel the leaves to determine if it needs a drink. If they feel plumb and not very pliable, it most likely does not need watered. Wait for the leaves to get a little bit squishy before watering.
- Pots and drainage: Always use a pot with proper drainage to allow excess water to escape.
Succulent & Jade Humidity
These are desert plants and are from dry environments and do not require high humidity to thrive. Normal household humidity is great for these plants!
Succulent & Jade Soil and Fertilization
- Potting medium: A well-draining mix is essential. This prevents the roots from sitting in soggy soil. A standard indoor potting mix with added perlite or sand is suitable, but we use and recommend Rosy Soil's Succulent & Cacti mix, which can be found in-stores. Check out our blog 'All About Rosy' to learn more about Rosy Soil.
- Fertilizing: Succulents and Jades do not require much fertilizer. During the growing season (spring and summer), you can apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer around every 4 weeks. You should reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter. For a simple way to feed your plant, check out our liquid fertilizer drops. They're available in-store and are perfect for consistent, healthy growth.
Leggy Growth
- Causes: This is a clear sign of insufficient light. The succulent is stretching its stem to get closer to a light source.
- Solutions: Move your succulent to a brighter location. You can trim the plant to encourage new, compact growth.
Soft or Mushy Leaves
- Causes: This is a classic sign of overwatering. The plant is holding too much water, and the leaves are beginning to rot.
- Solutions: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. If the rot is extensive, you may need to repot the plant in fresh, dry soil and check for healthy roots.
Succulent & Jade Pests and Treatment
- Common pests: Monitor for mealybugs (white, cottony bugs), aphids, and scale.
- Treatment: For infestations, isolate the plant immediately. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove visible pests. We recommend our organic pest treatment that you can find in-store to keep infestations at bay and prevent future outbreaks.
To learn more about houseplant pests, visit our blog, Identifying and Treating Houseplant Pests. Still struggling to figure out what's wrong with your plant? Sometimes a little expert guidance makes all the difference. Stop by Over Grown for a plant consultation, and we'll help get your plant back on track!
Key recommendations for new Succulent & Jade owners
- Lighting: Bright, direct light. The more, the better!
- Watering: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Give your leaves a squeeze before watering! Also recommended to use a pot with drainage.
- Patience: Succulents are slow and steady plants. Their growth is often subtle, but consistent.
As always, our in-store employees are always available to provide personalized guidance and assistance with your plant care questions.
We hope this guide helps your succulents thrive! If you're looking for more expert advice, exclusive content, and a community of fellow plant lovers, be sure to sign up for the Over Grown newsletter below.