plant propagation Archives

Jade Plant Care Tips

The Jade plant is a very beautiful and unique plant. It is available in different colors like green, white and variegated colors. This plant is native to South Africa and found in all parts of the world. The Jade plant is also known as the lucky plant and is considered a symbol of good luck

In this post, we are going to discuss all the actualities of the JADE PLANT.

What is a Jade plant?
How can we take care of the jade plant?
How can we propagate jade plants?
How can we plant cuttings of the jade plant?

All the queries regarding the jade plant would be sorted out in this article.

About Jade Plant

1. The jade plant remains green throughout the year.

2. The jade plant is very tender, it grows low above and spreads more, and the color of its leaves is a mixture of green and yellow.

3. You can grow them in a hanging basket, as a bonsai tree, or in any size of pot.

Important note:

Jade plant is an outdoor plant and not an indoor plant.

Whereas people in the nurseries sell the Jade plant as an indoor plant.

4. This plant needs regular sunlight of 4-5 hours daily.

If you keep this plant inside your home, it will survive for some time because it is a succulent plant and succulents do not die easily.
After sometimes its growth would be stopped, so you need to keep this plant in sunlight only.

5. If you want to keep it inside then keep it near the window where sunlight is good.

6. In the month of May- June, when sunlight is extreme at that time you can keep them in shade.

Watering tips to Jade plant

watering a jade plant — **watering a Jade plant**

1. Jade plants are succulents, which means they require less water.

2. If you touch the soil and it feels moist, then the plant doesn’t need water.

3. On the other hand, if you notice its leaves withering, it’s an indication that your plant isn’t receiving enough water. In such cases, water the plant when the topsoil is completely dry.

Tips

Insert your finger deep into the soil up to the first knuckle.
If it feels dry at that depth, then it’s time to water the plant.
If the soil still feels moist, there’s no need to water at that moment.

Note:

In winter seasons, Jade plants need less water than normal, so you should always test the soil before watering.

Symptoms of healthy Jade plant

The leaves of healthy jade plants are very thick and fleshy.
If the leaves are turning yellow, becoming thin, and starting falling down, it means there is under watering.
If the leaves are healthy and thick but still falling down, then there is a problem of overwatering.
If you see black spots on the leaves then there is some problem with the roots.
There might be a problem of fungus or any infection, you need to change the soil at that time.

Perfect soil for Jade plant

The soil of the jade plant should be well-drained, it should absorb the much it needs and should be able to drain out excess water through the hole.
The perfect soil mixture for this plant consists of garden soil, compost and sand in the ratio of 1:½:½ respectively.

How to care for Jade plant from Pest attack

The Jade plant is generally hardy and not prone to pests; however, mealybugs can occasionally be an issue.
To prevent mealybug infestations, you can spray neem oil on the plant once a week.
It’s also advisable to keep the Jade plant at a distance from hibiscus plants since both can be susceptible to the same type of pest attacks.

Fertilizer for Jade plant

The Jade plant is naturally hardy and doesn’t require frequent fertilization. However, you can provide cow dung fertilizer two or three times a year if you wish.

Propagation of Jade plant

If you have a large Jade plant, you can propagate more Jade plants by taking cuttings from the mature plant. Follow these steps:

1. Select a healthy cutting from the parent plant, preferably with a thick stem and healthy leaves.

2. Use a sharp tool like a blade, knife, or scissors to make a clean cut.

3. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, as this section will be buried in the soil.

Now, you can choose one of the two methods for planting the cutting:

1. In Coco peat

Mix the coco peat with a small amount of fertilizer, ensuring the coco peat has a slight moisture content.
If the coco peat is dry, add some water to make it moist.
Fill the pot with this mixture and gently plant your cutting, ensuring it is placed slightly deep in the pot.
Since the coco peat is already moist, refrain from watering immediately. Instead, place the pot in direct sunlight, and you should start seeing new leaves in a few days.

2. In Soil

For this, do not prepare a new soil mixture for it, take the soil of any pot which already has a plant.
Place the cutting in the moisturized soil taken from another plant.
Here also, you do not need to give water as the soil is wet.

In both cases, give water when the outer layer of coco peat and soil is dry, otherwise, stems will get damaged due to overwatering.

Also, read: How to make Jade Plant Bushy

Roots will get developed in the next 45 days and after that, you can shift your cuttings to bigger size pots. At the time of shifting you need to make a fresh soil mixture as mentioned above, you cannot use the soil of old plants here.

It was all about the JADE plant.

Enjoy planting your luck!!!!!

Follow our Social media channel:

1. Voice of Plant – YouTube Channel

2. Voice of Plant Facebook Page

3. Instagram Voice of Plant Channel

Happy gardening!

Growing plants from cuttings is a simple and affordable way to propagate your favorite plants. Plants can be grown from the seeds or from the cuttings as well. Monsoon and spring seasons are considered the best season for plant propagation.

In this article, we will cover all the important points such as:

What is plant propagation from cutting?
Benefits of planting from cuttings,
Best time for planting from cuttings,
How and where to take cutting from the plant?

What is plant propagation from cutting?

Plant propagation from cuttings involves taking a portion of a plant, such as a stem, root, or leaf, and placing it in a suitable environment to encourage it to grow into a new plant.

This method allows for the rapid and efficient production of new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant and can be used to propagate a wide variety of plant species.

Benefits of planting from cutting

1. Cost-Effective

Growing plants from cuttings is an economical way to enrich your garden with vibrant flowers, herbs, and various plants.

This method allows you to expand your garden without incurring significant expenses. You can easily prepare cuttings at home without any additional cost.

2. Accessibility

Cuttings can be obtained inexpensively or even for free.

You can ask friends or relatives for cuttings, and often, a variety of plant cuttings are readily available in your local surroundings. This accessibility makes cuttings a budget-friendly option for expanding your garden.

3. Immediate availability

During trips, individuals often encounter various plants.

Instead of relying on seeds or searching for new plants, it is advisable to take cuttings of the plants they admire.
By using cuttings from existing plants, one can conveniently grow the same type of plant without delay.

Best time for planting from cuttings

The optimal time to cultivate cuttings aligns with the specific growing period of each plant. Generally, spring and rainy seasons are considered the most favorable for gardening activities.

Among these, the rainy season is particularly advantageous due to the heightened humidity in the environment. This increased humidity helps lock moisture in the air, acting as a catalyst for the growth of cuttings.

During the spring season, it is recommended to cover the plant with plastic to retain moisture, facilitating an environment conducive to successful cutting growth.

Selection of cutting

The choice of cuttings plays a crucial role in the success of plant propagation, as the saying goes, “as you sow, so shall you reap.”

“It is essential to select a healthy plant when taking a cutting.”

Ensure that the chosen plant is free from contamination, including diseases, bacteria, or fungus. Opting for a plant without such issues increases the likelihood of successful propagation.
Avoid selecting weak or unstable plants for cuttings, as they are less likely to thrive.
By choosing robust and stable plants, you enhance the chances of successful growth and development of the cuttings.

How to take cuttings from the flourishing plant?

When harvesting cuttings from a thriving plant, follow these guidelines for successful propagation:

1. Selecting Cuttings:

Always choose cuttings with 2-3 nodes (joints), and make the cut just above the node. Cuttings can be categorized into two types:

(i) Soft Stem Cuttings: For plants with soft stems (e.g., Jade plant or Pothos), select healthy cuttings with 2-3 nodes.

(ii) Hard Stem Cuttings: For plants with hard stems, choose a stem approximately the thickness of a Natraj pencil.

2. Considerations:

- For thicker stems, be aware that they may take longer to develop roots, potentially extending the plant’s growing period.
- Avoid taking cuttings from stems that are too thin, as they may be prone to decay.

By following these guidelines, you can increase the likelihood of successful root development and overall propagation success.

Perfect Soil Mixture

To ensure optimal growth from cuttings, a well-balanced soil mixture is essential. The perfect soil mixture comprises:

1. Pure River Sand:

River sand

Obtain sand from a construction site to provide a stable and well-draining base for the plants.

2. Vermicompost:

compost

Use vermicompost, rich in nutrients, in equal quantities to the river sand. This organic material enhances soil fertility.

3. Perlite:

perlite

Add perlite, an organic compound that also retains water, in an amount half of the sand. Perlite is readily available at most nurseries.

Instructions:

Thoroughly mix equal parts vermicompost and river sand, along with half the amount of perlite.
Ensure proper blending of all three components.
In case this soil mixture is unavailable, an interim solution is to place the cutting in water temporarily (ensuring it doesn’t dry out) and later transfer it to the recommended soil mixture.

By following these steps, you provide an ideal environment for the successful growth of plants from cuttings.

How to raise the Cuttings?

1. Leaf Removal:

Start by removing all leaves from the cuttings. This encourages the stem to channel its energy into developing new roots. Use a pruner for efficient leaf removal.

2. Cutting Placement:

Keep both the upper and lower sides of the stems intact while placing them in the soil mixture. Plant the cuttings with the cut side in the soil, ensuring proper alignment.

3. Container Selection:

Avoid using plastic bags or weak containers for growing cuttings.

Opt for high-quality pots made of ceramic, clay, or plastic to provide stability and support during the growth period. This is crucial, considering the 1-2 month duration for cuttings to develop.

4. Pot Preparation:

Fill the selected pot with the prepared soil mixture and add water to allow the mixture to settle.

5. Rooting Hormone Application:

rooting hormone

Apply rooting hormone to the part of the cutting that will be inserted into the soil. Rooting hormone facilitates faster root development and is readily available in the market.

6. Planting Depth:

cutting depth

Plant the cutting approximately 3 inches deep into the soil, ensuring that 3-4 inches remain above the soil.

Ensure that at least 2-3 nodes are buried in the soil for proper root development.

By following these steps, you provide the optimal conditions for the successful propagation of cuttings.

How to take care of cutting after sowing?

1. Sunlight Exposure:

Cuttings should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as this can lead to stem dehydration. Place them in an area with sufficient bright light.

2. Protection from Rainwater:

Avoid direct exposure to rainwater, as the force of rain can damage the delicate stems. Provide a sheltered location for the cuttings.

3. Soil Moisture:

Check the soil every 3-4 days by touching it with your hand. Water sparingly if the soil is dry, ensuring water does not drain from the bottom hole. Maintain moisture without excess.

4. Root Growth Monitoring:

The time required for root growth varies for each cutting. Monitor your cuttings patiently; some may develop roots in 15-20 days, while others may take up to 2 months.

5. Avoid Disturbance:

Refrain from disturbing the cuttings frequently. Exercise patience and observe the progress; the results will be rewarding.

6. Multiple Cuttings:

It’s advisable to grow 3-4 cuttings of one plant to ensure successful propagation. This increases the likelihood of obtaining at least 2 propagated cuttings.

By following these guidelines, you can nurture your cuttings effectively and witness successful results without incurring significant expenses.

Happy Gardening!

Voice of Plant

If you are a true plant lover, you are at the right place.

Tag Archives: plant propagation

How to Grow and Care Jade Plant