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Do you want an amazing and easy-to-grow succulent? Dwarf jade plant care is easy.
Crosby’s Dwarf Jade Care Key Takeaways:
- Crosby’s Dwarf Jade care entails minimal maintenance making it a popular choice among houseplant enthusiasts.
- Key aspects include placing it in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Use well-draining soil, and water sparingly to avoid root rot.
- Fertilizing with a diluted succulent-specific fertilizer three times a year and occasional pruning to maintain shape are also recommended.
- Repotting is only necessary when the plant outgrows its current pot.
Crosby’s compact jade is a very popular houseplant that requires low levels of care and grows well indoors.
What Is Dwarf Jade – Crassula Ovata?
Jade (Crassula Ovata) needs little water and grows well in most homes. It is native to South Africa. We are going to be talking about growing Crosby’s compact jade.
The jade plant is an evergreen with thick branches. It has thick, shiny, smooth leaves that grow in opposing pairs along the branches. Leaves are a rich jade green, although some may appear to be more of a yellow-green. Some varieties may develop a red tinge on the edges of leaves when exposed to high levels of sunlight.
‘Crosby’s Compact’ (syn. ‘Crosby’s Dwarf’, ‘Crosby’s Red’, ‘Red Dwarf Jade Plant’) -The variety has smaller leaves that are usually red in color. The branches are also smaller than that of other varieties, giving the impression that it is miniature. Crassula ovata – Wikipedia
Dwarf Jade Plant Care In A Nutshell
Dwarf jade plants are a type of succulent that originates from Africa. They are a popular choice for indoor plants because they are easy to care for and require very little maintenance.
Dwarf jade plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil. It is important to water them regularly but be sure not to overdo it as this can lead to root rot.
When fertilizing, use a succulent-specific fertilizer and apply it every other month during the growing season.
These plants are relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few things you need to watch out for.
They are susceptible to common houseplant pests like mealybugs and scale, so be sure to check for these pests regularly.
The Dos and Don’ts of Dwarf Jade Plant Care
Dwarf jade plants are popular houseplants for good reason – they’re easy to care for and look great in any setting.
If you’re thinking of adding a dwarf jade plant to your home, or if you already have one, here’s what you need to know to keep it healthy and happy.
Lighting
If you want your dwarf jade plant to grow healthy and strong, it’s important to provide the right amount of light.
Jade plants need bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny window or a spot near a south or west-facing window is ideal.
If you can’t provide enough natural light, you can also supplement it with artificial light. A fluorescent or LED light can be used.
Make sure the light is placed close enough to the plant so that it receives direct light for at least six hours each day.
Jade Plant Soil
Although the jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a hearty plant that can tolerate neglect, it will thrive with proper care.
One important aspect of care is choosing the right soil. Jade plants need well-draining soil with a high percentage of organic matter.
A cactus mix or African violet potting mix are both good choices. You can also make your own potting mix by mixing equal parts of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss.
If you’re using a commercial potting mix, be sure to add extra perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage.
These plants are succulents that store water in their leaves so they should not be kept in soil that stays wet for long periods.
Once you’ve chosen the right soil, be sure to plant your jade plant in a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Watering Dwarf Jade Plants
Dwarf jade plants are drought-tolerant, so they don’t need a lot of water.
In fact, too much water can be harmful, leading to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering, and then water deeply.
If you’re not sure whether the plant needs water, stick your finger several inches into the soil to check for moisture.
Fertilizing Crosby’s Compact Jade
Just like any other plant, your jade plant will need some occasional fertilizer to stay healthy and happy.
Dwarf jade plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer, and in fact, too much fertilizer can be harmful.
Feed your plant about 3 times a year using a liquid plant fertilizer diluted to half strength. You can choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for succulents.
Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package carefully. Over-fertilizing can be just as harmful as not fertilizing at all.
Pruning
Dwarf jade plants can be pruned to keep them compact and prevent them from becoming leggy and maintain their shape and size.
Simply trim back the unwanted stems to the desired length. Always cut back to a node when pruning.
Pruning also encourages new growth, so it’s a good idea to do it every few months.
You can save these cuttings and root them to make new jade plants.
Repotting
Dwarf jade plants don’t need to be repotted often, only when they outgrow their current pot.
How often to repot will depend on the size of the pot and how fast your plant is growing. A general rule of thumb is to repot every 2-3 years.
If your dwarf jade plant is growing in a pot that is too small, you will need to repot it into a larger pot about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot.
Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
When repotting, gently remove the plant from the old pot and loosen the roots.
Add fresh soil to the new pot and place the plant in the center. Pack soil around the roots and water well.
Propagating Dwarf Jade Plants
Like all succulents, they are very easy to propagate. To start your own dwarf jade plant, simply take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy mother plant.
Remove some of the bottom leaves from the cutting so there are at least 2 bare nodes.
Once the cutting is ready, place it in a pot of well-draining cactus mix and water it in.
In no time at all, you’ll have a brand new dwarf jade plant of your own. When your plant starts showing new growth it has rooted.
Pests and Diseases
Dwarf jade plants are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to common indoor pests like mealybugs, scale, and diseases like root rot.
Crosby’s Dwarf Jade FAQs
Embarking on your journey with the Crosby’s Dwarf Jade or Crassula Ovata can be an intriguing endeavor.
These captivating succulents not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your indoor space but also invite a touch of nature into your daily routine.
With their easy care regimen, they are suitable for both seasoned gardeners and beginners.
The common queries that often arise revolve around their basic care, propagation methods, and potential challenges one might encounter.
Q. How often should I water my Crosby’s Dwarf Jade?
A. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings, then water deeply. The frequency may vary based on climate and pot size.
Q. What type of soil is suitable for Crosby’s Dwarf Jade?
A. A well-draining soil is crucial; cactus mix or a mixture of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss or coco coir is recommended.
Q. How do I propagate a Dwarf Jade Plant?
A. Propagate by taking a 4-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy plant, removing some bottom leaves to expose at least 2 bare nodes, and planting it in well-draining soil.
Q. What are common pests and diseases for Dwarf Jade Plants?
A. Mealybugs and scale are common pests, while root rot can occur if overwatered.
Regular inspection and keeping the soil well-drained can help prevent these issues.
Dwarf Jade Plant Care Final Thoughts
Dwarf jade plants are easy-to-care-for houseplants that make a great addition to any home.
If you follow the dwarf jade plant care tips given above and with minimal care, these plants can thrive indoors for years.
So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your collection, consider a dwarf jade plant.
