Jade plant care guideCrassula ovata
Long-lived succulent; symbolic. Ranked #20 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Jade plant when the soil has dried out completely. In summer that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Jade plant is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Jade plant problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing swollen leaves · Soft mushy stems · Root rot · Sudden leaf drop. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Wrinkled leaves · Shriveled lower leaves · Puckered soft leaves · Stunted growth. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Jade plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like String of hearts, Air plant, or Pink quill.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: String of hearts, Air plant, Pink quill. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Can live more than a century; in feng shui its rounded leaves represent jade coins — the origin of the name 'money plant'.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Jade plant based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Jade plant?
Water your Jade plant (Crassula ovata) when the soil has dried out completely. In summer, that's typically every 14 to 21 days; in winter, slow down to every 30 to 45 days, sometimes less. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Jade plant need?
Jade plant is bright / direct light: needs several hours of direct sun. Turn the pot every week so it grows evenly. The ideal lux range is 10,000 - 50,000 lux. In practical terms, place it directly in front of a south or southwest window, or 30 cm from an east window.
Is Jade plant safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides), which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Jade plant out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like String of hearts, Air plant, or Pink quill.
Why are my Jade plant's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Jade plant, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing swollen leaves, soft mushy stems, or root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are wrinkled leaves, shriveled lower leaves, or puckered soft leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.