Jade Plant Care

Crassula ovata

A popular, easy-care succulent; it needs plenty of sun and well-drained soil that dries out completely between waterings. Its biggest enemy is root rot caused by overwatering, and its most common pest is mealybugs.

Frost-tender (protect from frost) · 0 °C / 32 °F

Monthly care calendar

Timings are for a temperate Northern Hemisphere climate. In warmer areas tasks start earlier, in colder areas later; in the Southern Hemisphere shift them by six months.

January

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering continues.
Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

February

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering continues.
Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

March

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer or well-rotted organic fertilizer once when it wakes from dormancy.
Pruning: This is the best time to prune to make the plant fuller and give it a tree form.
Plant protection: Check for mealybugs.
General care: It is a suitable time for repotting. You can easily propagate the branches you cut by planting them in soil (propagation).
Pests & diseases: Mealybugs can infest new shoots.
Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

April

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
Pruning: You can continue pruning.
Plant protection: Be watchful for mealybugs and scale insects.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
Pests & diseases: If you see mealybugs, wipe them off with alcohol-soaked cotton.

May

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering. Pruning is not necessary; shape the plant by cutting unwanted or overgrown branches. Let the cut surface dry for a few days; this reduces the risk of rot.
Plant protection: Continue checking for mealybugs and scale insects.
General care: Suitable period for planting and transplanting. Drainage is critical for this plant. In heavy, water-retaining soil, plant on a mound or bed raised 20-30 cm; the root collar should remain above the surrounding soil level.
Pests & diseases: Yellowing and softening of the leaves is usually a sign of overwatering.

June

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Good time for planting and transplanting.
Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.

July

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Fertilizing: Continue fertilizing once a month.
Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Growth continues.
Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.

August

Watering: After the soil has dried out completely, water a little at a time every 15-20 days.
Fertilizing: At the start of the month, make the last fertilizer application.
Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Growth slows; prepare the plant for its dormant period.
Pests & diseases: Check the undersides of the leaves for whitefly clusters. A yellow sticky trap is the easiest way to monitor density.

September

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilizing: Stop fertilizing completely this month.
Pruning: Regularly remove spent flowers at the base; this encourages new flowering.
Plant protection: **CRITICAL CHECK:** If the plant is outdoors, inspect all of it carefully for mealybugs and scale insects before bringing it indoors for winter. Treat if necessary (e.g., with neem oil).
General care: When nights begin to drop below 10°C, bring the plant indoors.
Pests & diseases: This month's check is very important so as not to carry pests indoors.
Frost risk: None, but it is time to bring it indoors.

October

Watering: Once a month, water when the soil is completely dry.
General care: Place the plant in the brightest, sunniest spot available for the winter.
Frost risk: Frost sensitive; keep indoors.

November

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering begins. Make sure water does not collect in the root zone during winter rains; for this plant, drainage is more critical than watering.
Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

December

Watering: Stop watering. In winter, wet soil is the most common cause of root rot.
Plant protection: If symptoms spread and treatment is needed, consult a licensed plant-protection supplier or an agronomist. Plant protection products are regulated; follow local rules.
General care: Flowering continues. Evergreen leaves keep losing water in winter. Water thoroughly once before the soil freezes.
Pests & diseases: Make sure water does not collect in the root zone. Softening and darkening at the root collar are signs of root rot.
Frost risk: If frost is expected, cover with frost fabric; if in a pot, move to a sheltered place. Damaged below approximately 0 °C.

The care advice on this page is general and for information only; it is not professional advice. Plant age, soil and your garden’s microclimate can change the outcome. Plant protection products are mentioned only as general information; they are regulated, and the choice, dose and timing must be decided by a qualified professional under local rules. Consult a landscape architect or agronomist before applying.

Want reminders for every plant in your garden? Our garden-care app with monthly task lists and frost alerts is currently available in Turkish; the English version is on the way.

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