Jade plants are among the easiest houseplants to propagate. A basic potting mix, low light levels and misting are all that’s required to grow a new jade plant in your own home.
Before taking stem cuttings, use clean clippers that you can sterilize by dipping in rubbing alcohol to ensure proper sanitation.
Stem Cutting
Jade plant (Crassula ovata) cuttings provide an easy way to expand this popular succulent. A perfect way to bring color and life to any existing garden, they also make great gifts or sharing plants among friends and family members. Stem cuttings tend to produce roots faster, though leaf cuttings also work. Both methods take several weeks for cuttings of jade plants to start producing roots from within their stem cuttings.
To take stem cuttings from a jade plant, select a healthy branch with multiple nodes (bumps on the stem that eventually become leaves). Use sterilized scissors or a clean knife to make a straight and clean cut between three to four inches away from one of these nodes; older or wilted branches may contain disease and be less likely to root successfully.
After cutting, allow it to rest on a piece of newspaper or another dry surface for several days to one week in order to allow its bottom stem callouses over before you attempt to root it into the soil too soon, thereby protecting it from disease or rot that might otherwise arise from being placed too soon into its permanent home. This also serves to protect it against disease transmission that might happen if placed too quickly into its new environment.
Once the bottom of your stem has calloused over, it’s time to plant your jade plant cutting in the ground. Use a small pot with pre-moistened soil in which to place the branch; be sure to pack tightly enough around the branch without compressing too tightly as this will prevent water absorption by its roots.
Water the soil lightly but not excessively. Once its roots begin to establish themselves, jade plants won’t require as much moisture; a misting bottle provides the ideal tool to manage how much is applied at once to the plant.
Once roots have established themselves, it is crucial that a jade plant receives indirect light. Direct lighting may burn its fragile leaves and lead to their premature shrivelling; using plant lighting or shade is one effective solution, or placing its pot near windows or grow lights can also provide sufficient illumination.
Leaf Cutting
Many gardeners prefer stem cuttings when propagating succulents and semi-succulents; however, jade plant leaves can also be used effectively as propagation tools – this method being especially advantageous in propagating succulents and semi-succulents, and being easy enough for even novice gardeners to manage successfully.
Start by selecting a healthy leaf that’s free of rips or blemishes and using a sharp knife to separate it from its parent plant. As with stem cuttings, using clean tools is key in order to avoid transmitting bacteria that could potentially lead to disease in new plant starts.
Next, leaf cutting must be allowed to dry for some time in a place out of direct sunlight for at least 1-3 days to help heal knife cuts and prevent disease entry into wound site. Doing this helps the leaf cut heal more quickly as well.
Once the leaf cutting has dried out, it’s ready for planting. Fill a container loosely with rooting soil mixture (general potting soil is too heavy and may cause the cuttings to rot), insert the cutting into it without pushing down, and allow its roots to find their own way into the soil gradually over time.
As with stem cutting, wait. Rooting can take anywhere from several days to several weeks – be patient! For an added measure, consider using rooting hormone to speed up this process and ensure the highest chances of success for your jade plant.
Once the leaves have been planted, it’s essential to monitor them carefully for signs of rot or mildew, while watering sparingly to help avoid excess build-up. Although this method can be more challenging than cutting stems directly, with patience and care you will soon have a new jade plant!
Water Method
Jade plants are popular houseplants because they adapt easily to various conditions and propagation is simple. There are a few methods of propagation available, including stem or leaf cuttings; stem cuttings generally produce better results and result in fuller-grown plants, while propagating from leaves may take less time overall.
To successfully start a Jade plant from leaf cuttings, it is important to find healthy green leaves that are free from pest damage and plump enough that cutting the stem away won’t damage it further. Once ready to root, your potting mix should include half vermiculite and half soil; once in place you should place the leaf into a small pot covered by this mixture before placing in a warm environment for roots to form.
As soon as your leaves begin to take root, it will be important to move them gradually into a brighter location so as to prevent the leaves from burning. For optimal results, place them in an environment without direct sunlight for at least the initial few days.
After several more days, you must begin watering the plant again using filtered rather than tap water, in order to minimize chlorine content that could potentially rot its leaves. Furthermore, use diluted liquid fertilizers occasionally when feeding your plant.
Propagating Jade plants from leaves takes around two months for them to fully develop into new Jade plants, though the process can take even longer if you choose the riskier leaf-cloning route. It can be challenging determining when one leaf has fully taken root compared to using the stem method; nonetheless, this is still a fantastic way to expand your collection with more houseplants! And you only need one leaf per plant as seed for propagation! So why wait any longer; get started today on cloning your jade plant?
Repotting
No matter your gardening experience or ability, propagating jade plants is straightforward and simple. No special tools or expensive grow areas are needed – all that’s required to get going is a sharp knife and clean hands to take stem or leaf cuttings.
As soon as your jade plant begins actively growing, spring or summer is an excellent time to take cuttings. Take small cuttings from either its stem or leaves and allow it to dry for several days before sticking it into some soil – either regular potting soil or something like Miracle-Gro’s Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Soil are suitable options to ensure its success and help your new plant flourish!
Both stem and leaf cuttings can be used to propagate new jade plants, although stem cuttings tend to root faster. To take a stem cutting, take an approximate 3-4 inch-long piece from your jade plant’s stem and attach at least one leaf directly below its end; place this piece under a plastic or glass starter dome to maintain humidity levels during growth.
As for leaf cutting, simply break off one jade plant leaf with a sharp knife in an undisturbed environment and ensure its surface is clean and free from debris. A curved leaf may actually help it form a stronger base. When cutting leaves from jade plants it’s wise to wear gloves as their sap may irritate skin. Once cut edges have dried for several days they should be placed into containers with succulent/cacti mix in order to begin rooting processes.
Once a plant begins to establish roots, you can gently pry it from its soil-less growing medium with a chopstick and transplant it to another pot with specially designed jade plant soil. Take care not to damage its roots when taking this step and ensure there is sufficient light at its new planting site for it to flourish and flourish.
