Jade plants (Carassula ovata) look fantastic, are extremely popular, and are generally easy to care for. Often sold when small but capable of growing into large trees, this raises a common question. How fast do jade plants grow and how long does it take to grow a tall, impressive plant?
How fast do jade plants grow? The growth rate of a jade plant is about 5-20cm per year, but this rate can be influenced by many factors. By optimizing the care conditions, a jade plant will grow faster.
In this article, we will give you more details on all the things that affect the growth rate of a jade plant and show you how to grow this plant faster.
Contents
Do jade plants grow slowly?
The first question many jade plant owners have is whether the jade plant is slow growing. The answer is yes, but it also depends on the growing conditions of the jade plant.
Compared to many other plants, the jade plant grows quite slowly and can take several years to look like a small tree. As mentioned, the jade plant normally grows at a rate of about 5-20cm per year.
Next, we will evaluate the factors that explain this variation in the growth rate. With this knowledge, you can grow your jade at a rate that suits you.
How can I grow my jade plant faster?
Many people prefer the jade plant because it is low maintenance and maintains a consistent appearance, but some people want to speed up this process. As a jade plant matures, it begins to resemble a small tree, a look highly coveted by some gardeners.
Many things can speed up the growth rate of your jade plant:
light
One of the most important factors in a plant’s growth rate is, of course, the light it receives. With a jade plant, the more light the better. The plant grows outdoors in full sun. For indoor plants, place them near a window (preferably on the south) where they can receive the brightest light.
If you don’t have a room in your house where your plant can get enough light, you can always use a grow slightly. These luminaires are perfect for compensating for a lack of natural light.
Seasons
One important thing to understand about the growth cycle of a jade plant is that it does not grow as fast in winter. This is normal for the plant and is known as winter dormancy. Your jade will begin to grow again after these months.
Water
One of the most important things when watering a jade plant is that you need a pot with good drainage. Water must be able to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot to allow the soil to dry out properly.
Overwatering is the most common problem people face when growing jade plants. See my article on Symptoms and Solutions for Overwatered Jade Plants for more details.
The general idea is to water the jade plant as soon as the soil is almost completely dry, but not before. You should check that the soil is completely dry before watering. You can do this by using a skewer to test the soil for dryness or by feeling the soil through the bottom drainage holes.
Once the soil has dried, water the jade well. Give it a good sip by soaking the soil until the water flows freely from the lower drainage holes. Give the plant plenty of time to drain before putting it back in its normal place.
Watering frequency depends on many factors, including plant and pot size, ambient temperature, airflow, humidity, time of year, and many other factors. Don’t water on a schedule, just keep checking the soil every few days.
For more information on how to prevent your houseplants from being overwatered, Read this article which explains the methods I use to water properly.
fertilizer
Another thing that affects the growth rate of jade plants is fertilizer. With a jade plant, you only need to fertilize during the growing season. It goes from early spring through summer and early fall. Since it will not grow in winter, there is no need to apply fertilizer and it can be harmful.
Fertilize the jade plant once every 1-2 months during the growing season. I use a water soluble balanced houseplant fertilizer applied at half the recommended strength. There are many options for fertilizing houseplants that work well. Read my article explaining everything you need to know about fertilizing houseplants for more information.
Temperature
Temperature is another important factor to consider when it comes to the growth rate of a jade plant. Jade plants grow fastest in a temperate environment around 18-30°C.
If you have indoor plants, try to keep the temperature within this range at all times. Try moving an outdoor plant indoors during the winter months if your climate isn’t suitable.
Also try to avoid drafty rooms which constantly introduce unwanted cold to the jade plant.
replant
If you want to grow a plant faster, you will inevitably need to upgrade to a larger pot size. This gives your plant the space it needs to continue growing. With a jade plant, there are a few things to keep in mind when repotting it correctly.
Generally, you will need to repot a jade plant once every two to three years. do not go away a plenty of time with your new potty. Choose one that is about one size larger than the current pot.
Wait about four months after transplanting to refertilize the jade plant, as the salts in the fertilizer can damage the delicate roots immediately after transplanting.
Read this article for a step-by-step guide to repotting your houseplants.
These are the best tips for giving your jade plant a faster growth rate, but keep in mind that this is still a relatively slow growing plant. Don’t expect jade to skyrocket overnight. It will take a few more years to get jade that looks like a small tree. So be patient with these succulents.
How long do jade plants live?
Although they don’t grow very fast, they can certainly live for 70 to 100 years, giving them plenty of time to grow into an impressive specimen.
Of course, this longevity varies depending on the type of care the jade plant receives. Of course, you will live longer if you receive the best plant care tailored to your specific needs. But since it is a relatively low-maintenance plant, you can expect your jade to last for many years.
Because it lives so long, you can also expect slow and steady growth. Don’t expect your jade to grow overnight. Instead, focus on the long game. It is not uncommon for jade plants to be passed down from generation to generation.
How long does it take to grow a jade plant?
Although not a fast-growing plant, if you focus on good care, you can reasonably expect your jade plant to grow several feet tall within a decade. Many people choose to prune their jade plant to maintain a compact habit, which often looks more attractive than tall, skinny jade.
The other option, of course, is to start with a larger plant. You can expect to pay more for a bigger plant, but if you want to get bigger jade faster, this can be a good option.
How much does a jade plant grow in a year?
A jade plant typically grows between 5 and 20cm per year, but there are some important caveats. The growth rate of the jade plant is greatly influenced by growing conditions.
This growth rate is not fast. In fact, you can barely notice it. But if you want a low-maintenance succulent, jade may be just what you’re looking for.
Conclusion on Jade Plant Growth Rates
As you have seen in this article, these plants have a slow and steady growth approach. The best way to speed up growth is with optimal care, including light, an efficient watering schedule, and the right fertilizer.
The key to all of this is simply having the right expectations. Don’t buy a jade plant if you expect a plant that will grow very quickly. That said, if you’re looking for an easy, low-maintenance succulent that you can have for years to come, the jade plant might be for you!
Check out my other articles on jade plants for more information.
- Complete Guide to Growing a Jade Plant
- How to fix a leggy jade plant?
- Why is my jade plant hanging down?
- Why is my jade plant turning red?
- Why does my jade plant have white spots?
- Symptoms and Solutions for Too Much Water in the Jade Plant
- Why is my jade plant losing its leaves?