Jade Plant Propagation Guide: Learn the Methods for Duplicating Your Succulent Houseplant
Propagating Jade Plants: A Step-by-Step Guide
Jade plants are easy to propagate, and there are several methods to choose from. In this article, we'll focus on propagating jade plants using stem cuttings in soil.
- Choose the right stem: Cut a healthy stem from the mother plant using a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors. Make sure the cutting has at least one node (the growing point where branches can sprout).
- Remove lower leaves: Remove most of the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving one to three leaves at the top. This helps reduce moisture loss but maintains some photosynthesis.
- Let it callous: Let the cutting dry for a few days to allow the cut end to callous over. This reduces the risk of rot and is a common practice in succulent propagation.
- Plant the cutting: Plant the stem cutting in well-draining soil, taking care not to cover the stem too deeply.
- Light and water: Place the newly potted cutting in indirect sunlight and keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.
- Wait for new growth: New root growth should develop within a few weeks, at which point the plant will start to grow new foliage if conditions are good.
An optional step is to place the cutting initially in water to encourage root growth before planting in soil, but it is also possible to plant directly in soil after callousing.
For those who prefer the water method, roots will appear in no time. Just remember to change the water every week. When roots of the cutting are 3 to 4 inches long, it's time to move it to soil.
Jade plants can propagate easily by rooting a stem cutting or a leaf. There are four ways to propagate a jade plant: rooting a stem cutting in water or soil, or rooting a leaf in water or soil.
It's important to note that immediately plopping a jade plant cutting into water could cause it to rot. So, always let it callous first.
This guide summarizes expert advice on propagating jade plants by stem cuttings in soil, based on detailed guidance from Simplify Gardening. And remember, water your jade plant one week before removing stems or leaves for propagation to ensure the best results.
[1] Simplify Gardening. (n.d.). How to Propagate a Jade Plant. [online] Available at: https://www.simplifygardening.com/how-to-propagate-a-jade-plant/ [Accessed 20 April 2023].
Home-and-garden enthusiasts might find it interesting to learn that jade plants can be propagated in both soil and water, offering variety in their gardening lifestyle. While the article focused on propagating jade plants using stem cuttings in soil, an optional method for those who prefer is to root the cutting in water first before transferring it to soil.
