Yes, you can root jade plant stem cuttings in water, but it's often recommended to start them in soil for stronger roots, as water can increase the risk of rot and makes the transition to soil harder; however, water rooting works by letting a callused cutting sit in water, changing it weekly, and moving to soil once roots are 1-2 inches long.
A: It is better to propagate Jade in soil than in water. The soil contains nutrients that help cuttings grow faster and develop strong roots. Stem cuttings generally root just fine in water, too. However, once the seedling is transplanted into soil, it often fails to grow strong.
Jade plants EASILY root in an decent, well draining potting mix. Either a cutting, or even a single leaf, will readily grow roots in this manner. For a stem, just poke a hole big enough for it to fit in, and pack the soil around it. For a single leaf, just stick the stem end in the soil.
A flowering jade plant stands for growth and prosperity
Additionally, the southeast is the best direction to keep this plant. However, make sure that you keep it in the southeast corner of your living room; this plant is not beneficial when kept in the bedroom or bathroom.
Jade plant is one of the easiest succulents to propagate in water for its quick response. Typically, Jade plant stems and leaves are equally used, but water propagation goes well with stems.
Water the jade plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering is very dangerous to the plant, so be sure to pour off any excess pooling. Use fertilizer sparingly on jade plants, and only when there are signs of growth.
In fact, you can propagate jade plants from their stems, from leaves, or in water.
The size of the pot should be only slightly larger than the diameter of the plant. So if your new plant were about 4” in diameter, a 5” pot would be suitable for about a year or two.
Pairing your propagations with faster rooting plants such as spider plants, pothos, swedish ivy, tradescantia, or if you can find a willow branch, add that to the water vessel too! It can really help speed up root development! More rooting hormones in the water = faster root growth.
In general, too much or too little water can cause issues with your jade plant. If your propagation doesn't take root, it might be due to the initial cut not healing before moving to the next step. Don't forget to ensure your plantlet doesn't get too much humidity, which can cause rotting.
Adequate drainage is vital, as too much moisture can cause wet feet and rot out your entire plant. Avoid using traditional all-purpose potting soils when planting jade.
A jade plant's leaves will reveal if it's being overwatered. “At first, there may be a bit of wilt since the leaves are losing more moisture than the plant can take up,” says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms. Then, the leaves may start to become yellow or drop.
Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up.
I literally just mash the leaves into the soil and they start growing about half the time. This is just cuttings of an old sad jade and fallen leaves 😂. Worth noting that it's not a fast process and this Jade cluster was started back in mid summer.
Essential Care Tips for Your Indoor Jade Plant
Place it near a south or west-facing window for optimal growth. While it can tolerate some direct morning sun, protect it from harsh afternoon rays that might scorch its leaves. Watering Needs: As with most succulents, the Jade Plant prefers to dry out between waterings.
Fill the container ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which provides excellent drainage and a little bit of food to help your jade plant get growing. Place the plant in the pot so that the top of the root ball is about an inch below the rim of the container, to leave room for watering.
One major jade plant benefit is the plant's longevity. With proper care, jade plants can live between 50 and 70 years—sometimes even longer. Because of this, they're often passed down generationally.
Jade plants like porous, well-draining soil. Adding coffee grounds can block the pores and inhibit proper drainage. Egg shells can take too long to break down naturally. Raw egg shells also have a sticky membrane that can invite rot-causing pathogens into your potting soil.
Not only can you cut off the top of a jade plant, but it's actually encouraged. Cutting the top off of a jade plant will actually make it grow back bushier.
Place the cutting in a clean glass. Poor enough room temperature water to cover the nodes of the cutting. Change out the water every 3-5 days with fresh room temperature water. Wait and watch as your roots grow!
Using a clean, sharp knife or scissors, remove a stem from the plant. Let the cutting sit out for a few days to allow the cut end to form a callus. Once it has formed a callus, fill a container with water. Put the cutting directly into the water, but make sure the leaves stay above the water line.
1️⃣ Take some healthy jade cuttings. 2️⃣ Place them in a planter filled with either river sand or cocopeat. 3️⃣ Set them aside in a shaded area for 20 days. 🌿 After 20 days, you'll see the magic!