Crassula ovata 'Jade'

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

General houseplant fertiliser

Feed this plant with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Feed occasionally

This plant doesn't need too many nutrients. Feed occasionally in the growing season. Don't feed in winter. Follow the feed manufacturer's directions for the amount of feed to use.

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Water in Spring-autumn only, when compost is dry

Water when the compost is dry, allowing the compost to dry between waterings. Keep the plant dry in winter so that it stops growing and has a "rest period".

Spring-Winter · Indoors

Soak completely when watering

Water until water comes out of the bottom of the pot. Leave for 30 minutes or so until the compost is fully moist, then pour away the excess water so the plant pot is not standing in water. (This avoids waterlogging which can cause "root rot".)

Summer · Planting

Remove offsets to create new plants

Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.

Offsets may be used to replace an aged parent plant, to extend or establish a colony, or can be given away or sold.

Indoor temperature · Planting

Any room, min 5C/41F

This plant will thrive in warm, average and cool rooms. The minimum advisable temperatures at night and in the colder months are 5C/41F.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, but not mid-summer sun

This plant likes a sunny spot and needs full light at all times, but not the mid-summer sun which is too intense and can scorch the plant.

Indoor plant · Planting

Dust plant

Plants need dusting every now and again to maintain their ability to absorb light and moisture. Wipe large leaves with a damp kitchen towel (don't use "wet wipes" that likely contain scents or other chemicals). Spray small leaves with water.