Jade plants can be propagated easily using either stem or leaf cuttings. To begin propagation, select a healthy branch between three and four inches long that has multiple nodes – this should ensure disease-free propagation.
Succulents and cacti are most suited to rooting in soil over water environments; as wet environments may make them susceptible to rot, soil propagation is usually best.
Stem Cutting
One of the easiest methods of rooting jade plants involves planting stem cuttings directly into soil. This technique works well both indoors and outdoors and works for many varieties of jade. When selecting a stem cutting to plant directly into soil, choose one with at least two nodes (bumps where leaves and roots will form) as well as several healthy leaves; use clean, sterile tools to trim it accordingly.
Curing is the term used for drying out the plant’s cut point after it has been cut; it helps avoid rot and signals the plant that it should be put back into soil for rooting. You may use rooting hormones available as gel, powder, or liquid products from garden stores and home supply retailers as an extra boost in starting this process.
When using rooting hormone, apply it directly to the open wound at the bottom of your plant’s cutting. Gently suction out any air from inside until all moisture has been extracted – this should take between one to two weeks, at which point your plant should be ready to be planted in soil.
Fill a pot or tray with loose, light-textured soil; jade plants do not tend to be finicky about what type of potting mix is best. A standard blend will do fine; just be sure that it stays damp without becoming soggy. Water the soil until it feels damp but not soggy – then allow it to air-dry for several days before watering again until moist but not soaked through.
Place the jade plant’s cutting in soil, making sure to cover it just below its roots surface. Place this warm, humid location out of direct sunlight; approximately one month after this step has been taken, new roots should have formed and supported themselves on their own. After this point, move to cooler brighter area with less light, fertilize using weak cactus/succulent fertilizer and move on from there! Once established, jade plants require minimal upkeep – making for an effortless houseplant!
Leaf Cutting
Jade plants are popular houseplants due to their low water needs and ease of care. While these slow growing houseplants may tolerate neglect for long stretches of time, some extra attention may help your jade plant flourish more. One way to give it extra love is propagation via stem or leaf cuttings – which only takes a few steps and gives a fuller and robust plant. Plus, giving one away can make for great gifts from friends and family!
Sterile scissors or knives should be used to harvest at least 3-4-inch sections from the jade plant, selecting one with at least two nodes (bumps on the stem where leaves and roots grow from), healthy leaves and at least two nodes that may provide growth from. Before taking this cut at an angle of 45 degrees in order to maximize water absorption. Submersed ends in water propagation processes may become submerged over time leading to risk of rot due to increased surface area absorption and less risk for submersion end rot.
After your cutting has dried, place it into a rooting mixture similar to what was used when taking stem cuttings above, such as standard potting soil mixed with vermiculite or perlite. Press down until a callus forms on its bottom side – this may take several hours depending on its weight.
Once the leaf is placed into its rooting medium, water it until it becomes moist but not soggy and place it in a warm and sunny spot to promote new growth. Continue watering regularly until new roots sprout – usually when new leaf growth appears!
Like stem cuttings, this method will produce a full and lush new plant that can be placed anywhere within your home. However, it takes slightly longer than using stem cuttings but remains effective and easy to do.
Water Propagation
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are extremely popular houseplants due to their minimal upkeep requirements and resilience. Rooting stem or leaf cuttings is easy, and with proper conditions multiple new plants could sprout within just months!
As with both methods, when it comes to watering your plants it’s important to make sure your potting mix remains moist without becoming soggy. A misting bottle can help ensure soil and cuttings remain hydrated throughout their journey through your growing system. Be careful not to overwater as doing so could damage them further.
Once a week or so, it is advisable to check your cuttings to see if any have rooted. You can do this by gently tugging at the stem until resistance is felt or by taking apart and observing its base. Once some roots have grown in, transplant it.
Plant your stem or leaf cutting in a regular pot filled with standard potting soil mixed with perlite, and add rooting hormone for increased chances of success if planting stem cuttings.
As with stem cuttings, leaf cuttings must wait at least several days after being cut to allow their wounds to close before placing in dirt. This helps ensure the plant doesn’t rot during rooting process.
If you want to propagate several Jade plants quickly and successfully using leaf propagation methods, investing in a shallow tray that can hold multiple cuttings may be the way to go. This will give more room for them to develop while increasing your chances of success using the leaf propagation technique.
Although rooting Jade plants from leaves is possible using similar steps as stem cuttings, this method takes more time. Most people prefer rooting their Jades from stems; nonetheless it remains an excellent way to quickly add to one’s plant collection without undertaking large-scale projects. Jades are among the easiest succulents to propagate – making them an excellent option for beginner gardeners!
Air Propagation
Water-based methods may seem intimidating at first, but this technique makes life much simpler and quicker if done right. Simply place your stem cutting in an opaque container filled with clear water in indirect sunlight for about 2-4 weeks until its roots reach about two inches long, then change out the water once or twice a week while monitoring their root development to repot your jade plant when ready.
This method works best with jade plants with smaller leaves, like Hummel’s Sunset or ET’s Fingers. By cutting off only part of a leaf that looks healthy with no signs of damage or pest infestation, multiple new plants can be made out of one healthy specimen. Once found, use sterilized scissors or knife to cut off only its top third; leaving only nodes to grow roots and leave behind easier than full stem cuttings.
Add rooting hormone to the soil for faster and more successful results, or opt for a light mix such as peat moss or coconut coir to hold moisture without becoming soggy around delicate roots. Place the leaf or stem cuttings into their container with plastic wrap, or cover tightly fitting clear lid to help trap humidity for faster and stronger root growth, as well as protect it from insects or rot.
Your jade plant requires regular but moderated watering until roots begin to appear, taking care not to overwater and burn any new growth. Once its roots have fully developed, water less frequently as usual and treat like any houseplant; fertilize every six months using weak cactus/succulent fertilizer and repot as required.
