Most indoor plants usually go into the dormant phase in the winter season. So what about the jade plant?
This plant’s oval-shaped green leaves look pretty attractive when kept in any corner of your house. They live for many years and don’t require much maintenance. So most people try to keep them in their house. The tree grows up to three feet or more when kept indoors.
However, you have to take minimal care of the jade plant so that it will grow properly. For instance, the leaves can turn yellow or develop brown spots if you don’t water these plants.
So how often to water the jade plant in winter? You can water the jade plant once every two to three weeks. But first, you need to check the soil conditions, and if it’s dry, you must water the plant. Remember overwatering is also not good for the plant.
How Often To Water Jade Plant In Winter?
During the winter, the jade plant grows very slowly or sometimes does not grow. The soil even takes much time to dry in the winter season. So you need to water the plant once every two to three weeks.
A fully grown or matured jade plant will require only time watering in a month during the winter season.
However, you must first check the soil conditions by inserting a pencil 2-3 inches deep. If the pencil comes dry, your soil is dry, and you need to water them. Additionally, if the pencil becomes sticky, then the soil is moist.
But remember, if the soil is moist, don’t water the plant, as it can damage the foliage, invite pests, or in the worst cases, the root can rot.
What Are The Popular Signs That Shows Jade Plant Need Water?
Jade plants don’t require much care, but they will show few signs that can tell you that it needs water. We are listing some of them below.
1. Brown Tips on Leaves
Jade plants are succulent, which means they don’t need much water for growth. But underwatering can be a problem for the plant. When the jade plant is thirsty, you will see brown tips on the leaves.
2. Dry Soil
The soil looks dry when the jade plant is underwater. Simultaneously the plant will not get proper nutrients because of a lack of water.
So try to water the plant by checking the soil conditions. If it looks dry, then instantly water the plant. If you planted a jade plant newly, then purchase a moisture meter and check the soil moisture conditions with it.
3. Soil Pulling
When the soil pulls away from the top, it indicates that the plant requires water. There are various reasons for soil pulling like if the plant is exposed to high temperatures for longer hours, you will notice such things.
Additionally, underwatering can be a significant reason for soil pulling.
4. Droopy Leaves
Jade plants are succulent and usually store water in the leaves and stems. But you need to provide them with water from time to time. The leaves start to droop when the jade plant doesn’t get sufficient water.
So whenever you see dropped leaves in the plant, then water instantly to give life to the leaves.
What Are Factors Which You Should Consider While Watering Jade Plant?
1. Light
Sunlight plays a vital role in plant growth. Jade plants require 6-7 hours of indirect sunlight to grow properly. But remember, harsh sunlight can badly damage the plant.
Again if you keep the plant in sunlight for maximum hours, it requires much water for growth. Similarly, if you expose the plant to less sunlight time, it will not need much water.
2. Pot Type
The type of pot in which you are growing the jade plant also plays an important in watering the plant. For instance, if you are growing a jade plant in a porous pot, you have to water it frequently. Again, the air can flow properly in the soil, which will help the plant’s proper growth.
But if you grow jade plants in a plastic pot, the soil will mostly remain in moist conditions, and you don’t need to water the plant often.
3. Temperature
The temperature suitable for growing jade plants is between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Suppose you maintain a temperature above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In that case, you have to give more water to the plant, whereas if you maintain a temperature lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you have to give less water to the plant.
Remember, the leaves of the plant are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. So always try to keep the jade plant away from heating appliances in the winter because direct heat is not good for the plant’s growth.
Additionally, if you keep the jade plant near the window, keep it at a distance of one foot away from it because extreme cold air can badly impact the plant.
Always try to keep the plant indoors in the chill winter months and, if possible, maintain a stable temperature inside the house.
4. Humidity
Jade plants can survive in low humidity. The ideal humidity for growing jade plants is between 30 to 50 percent.
During cold months, chilled air enters your house and can get heated, which reduces the humidity. If the humidity is reduced below 30 percent, the leaves will start to droop, and the plant may even wilt.
It’s best to keep the jade plant in the bathroom during winter because of the high humidity compared to other rooms in your house.
Keeping a humidifier or dehumidifier is also a solution to maintaining correct humidity levels in your home and is good for growing jade plants.
However, humidity is not essential in giving the jade plant water. But we recommend maintaining at least 30 percent humidity in a room where you grow a jade plant.
5. Type Of Soil
Jade plants grow well in sandy and well-drained soil. If you grow the plant in such soil, then it will not require much watering.
But if you grow in soil that is not only heavy but also has poor drainage, then the soil will remain mist for longer, and you don’t need to give much water to the plant.
Now, if we talk about aerated soil, it will dry very quickly, and if you water the plant more frequently.
6. Season
Jade plants are active in the summer season and need water more frequently, i.e., at least once every week. But the plants are dormant in winter and don’t require much water.
What Should I Avoid While Growing Jade Plant In Winter Season?
1. Avoid Giving Fertilizers
As discussed above, jade plants are active in the summer season. So, you can apply fertilizer in this season.
But the growth slows down in chill months. If you apply fertilizer at that time, the planet cannot utilize them. It will build more amount of salt in the soil, which can damage the roots badly.
2. Don’t propagate The Plant
Propagating the jade plant is quite simple. But avoid propagating the jade plant in winter months as it can stress the plant. Your plant can even wilt because of propagation.
You can propagate in the summer season for good results.
Wrap Up
Jade plants grow well in the summer season. But if you are growing in the winter season, then it does not require much water. Additionally, don’t apply fertilizers or propagate them this season, as it can stress the plant.
Quality also plays a vital role in growing the plant. If the water has too much iron, it can adversely affect plant growth.
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