The best soil for jade plants provides the perfect balance of drainage and nutrients to keep this hardy succulent thriving. Since jade plants are prone to root rot, choosing the right soil is one of the most important parts of their care.
But what type of soil works best – and how can you mix your own for even better results?
Let’s take a look at the ideal soil options to keep your jade plant happy and healthy.
Table of Contents
Easy Jade Plant Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one? Grab your very own Jade Plant here!
💧 Water: Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Jade plants are succulents and prefer infrequent watering - overwatering can lead to root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix - I personally use this succulent mix - to help prevent excess moisture.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal, but Jade Plants can also handle some direct sunlight. Too little light can cause leggy growth.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep your Jade Plant in a room between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They tolerate warmer conditions but should be kept away from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro fertilizer) once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is dormant.
Best Soil for Jade Plants
Jade plants thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. The ideal mix is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Good aeration and nutrient content are also crucial for healthy jade plant growth.
Commercial Potting Mixes
You’ll find several pre-made potting mixes suitable for jade plants at garden centers. Look for cactus or succulent-specific blends, as these provide the right balance of drainage and moisture retention.
In fact, that’s exactly what the potting mix that I always recommend for Jade Plants is like!
Miracle-Gro Succulent Potting Mix
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The best soil for Jade Plants, specially formulated to provide the perfect balance of drainage and nutrients. This mix, made with sphagnum peat moss and plant food, helps support strong roots and healthy, thriving growth
If you can’t get that one for some reason, I’d also suggest looking for Hoffman Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix for Jade Plants. Both that and the Miracle-Gro one above are excellent for Jade Plants, not to mention being convenient and ready to use straight out of the bag (literally).
If you need to go for another commercial mix for some reason, check the ingredients list. Avoid mixes with too much organic matter, as they can retain excess moisture.
If the mix seems too heavy, you can add extra perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
Custom Soil Blends
While the right pre-made potting mix will meet all your Jade Plant’s care requirements, you also have the option of creating your own soil mix. This may be better for you if you’re looking for more control over the ingredients, given that it allows you to tailor the blend to your jade plant’s specific needs.
A basic recipe includes equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice. For a more precise mix, try:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part coarse sand
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part small gravel or chicken grit
This blend provides excellent drainage while still retaining enough moisture for your jade plant. You can adjust the ratios based on your local climate and watering habits.
Adding a small amount of compost or worm castings (about 10% of the total mix) can boost nutrient content. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much organic matter can lead to soil compaction and poor drainage over time.
Repotting Your Jade Plant
Repotting your jade plant is essential for its health and growth. This process provides fresh nutrients and more space for the roots to expand.
Fortunately, it’s a straightforward task that can be done with minimal tools and effort.
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When to Repot
You’ll know it’s time to repot your jade plant when you see roots growing through the drainage holes. This usually occurs every 2-3 years for young plants and every 4-5 years for mature ones.
Spring is the best season for repotting, as the plant is entering its active growth phase. Look for signs that your jade plant has outgrown its current pot. These include:
- Soil drying out quickly after watering
- Stunted growth
- Yellowing leaves
- Top-heavy plant that easily tips over
Don’t wait too long to repot, as cramped roots can stunt your plant’s growth and health.
Steps for Repotting
To repot your jade plant, start by gathering your supplies. You’ll need:
- A new pot (1-2 inches larger in diameter)
- Well-draining potting mix
- Small trowel or spoon
- Scissors or pruning shears
Begin by gently removing the plant from its current pot. Loosen the soil around the edges and tip the pot sideways, supporting the plant’s base. Shake off excess soil and trim any damaged roots.
Place a layer of fresh potting mix in the new pot. Position your jade plant and fill in around the roots with more soil.
Don’t plant too deeply – keep the stem at the same level as before.
After repotting, wait a week before watering to allow any root damage to heal. Place your newly potted jade in a spot with bright, indirect light (and that allows your jade plant to take your decor to the next level, obviously) and resume normal care.
Maintaining Soil Health Over Time
Keeping your jade plant’s soil healthy is crucial for long-term growth. Regular care and attention to the soil will ensure your plant thrives.
Fertilizing Schedule
Feed your jade plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) – like my favorite one for jade plants below!
Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food
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The best fertilizer for Jade Plants, specially formulated for succulents to provide instant nutrients. Supports strong roots and healthy, vibrant growth, keeping your Jade Plant thriving
Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid overfertilizing. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage your plant.
Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Resume in spring when you notice new growth.
This schedule mimics the plant’s natural growth cycle and helps maintain soil health.
Watering Practices
Water your jade plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. During winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down.
Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom. When you water, do it thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root system gets moisture.
Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Jade plants are succulents and can store water in their leaves, so they’re more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering.
Common Soil-Related Issues in Jade Plants
Soil problems can significantly impact the health of jade plants. Poor soil conditions often lead to stunted growth, discolored leaves, and root issues.
Identifying and addressing these problems promptly is crucial for maintaining a thriving jade plant.
Signs of Poor Soil Conditions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. If your jade plant’s leaves are soft and mushy, it’s likely sitting in waterlogged soil.
Brown, crispy leaves suggest underwatering or soil that dries out too quickly. Root rot is a serious issue – you’ll notice a foul odor coming from the soil and the plant may become unstable in its pot.
Slow growth or a lack of new leaves can point to nutrient deficiencies in the soil. If you see white crust forming on the soil surface, it’s a sign of salt buildup from over-fertilization or hard water.
Keep an eye out for pest infestations too – they’re more common in poor soil conditions.
How to Get Rid of Pests on Your Houseplants
If you notice pests on your indoor plants, follow these steps to tackle the problem before it gets worse:
- Start with manual removal – For minor infestations, wipe leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or rinse the plant under lukewarm water to remove pests by hand.
- Use neem oil or insecticidal soap – If pests persist, treat your plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap (those are my preferred ones!), both of which target common houseplant pests without harming your plant.
- Apply a houseplant-safe pesticide – For severe cases that don’t respond to other treatments, use a broad-spectrum pesticide designed for indoor plants to eliminate stubborn pests – I use this pesticide for tough infestations.
By acting quickly and using the right treatments, you can keep your houseplants pest-free and thriving!
Troubleshooting Tips
To fix drainage issues, repot your jade plant in a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add perlite or coarse sand to improve aeration.
If you suspect root rot, gently remove the plant from its pot and trim away any black, mushy roots before repotting in fresh, dry soil.
For nutrient problems, feed your jade plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-3 months during the growing season.
Flush the soil thoroughly every few months to prevent salt buildup. If pests are present, treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Always ensure your pot has drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Adjust your watering schedule based on the plant’s needs – let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.