Jade Plants

The Jade Plants should be watered relatively infrequently, as the plants like to dry out some between watering. The easiest way to tell if a plant needs to be watered is by the weight of the container. If the container is very heavy and the foliage is upright, chances are good the plant doesn't need water, whereas a light container and limp foliage means the plant needs some water. Sometimes, water pours out of the container without being retained by the soil. Soaking the dry soil in a small dish or saucer can be a useful way to solve this problem. It is important not to water the foliage of these plants, or to over-water them as this will lead to leaf damage or plant death. If you're unsure, it is always better to let the plant go dry instead of drenching it with water. Moisture meters are another easy way to tell if plants need to be watered, and usually come with a guide to indicate what number or level of moisture different plants require.

Indoor houseplant fertilizers fall into two groups: water soluble (liquid quick release), and granular, slow release fertilizers. Jack's Classic Indoor plant food works well as a powder, quick release fertilizer that is mixed with water to quickly provide nutrients to a plant that has been in a container for an extended time. On the other hand Osmocote Indoor/Outdoor is an option as a granular, slow release fertilizer that can be applied while potting and planting. Any type of fertilizer offers nutrients that help plants with the transition to a new environment.

The best soil for Jade Plants is a well balanced mix of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite that dries some between watering but takes a long time to compact. Typically, any reputable potting mix will work well and includes those ingredients. Adding a granular, slow release fertilizer while planting is a good way to help the plant thrive in the transplanting transition however if the soil you've chosen already has fertilizer incorporated into it there will be no need to add additional fertilizer.