Want more of your jade plant’s lush, green beauty? You’re in luck! Propagating jade plants is simple and can be done with stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or even water propagation.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to propagate, what materials you need, and step-by-step instructions for each method. You’ll also get tips on caring for your new plants as they grow.
Ready to grow your jade plant collection? Let’s dive into propagation and fill your home with these easy-care succulents!
- Related article: Top Tips for Growing Jade Plant
7 Key Takeaways for Jade Plant Propagation
- Jade plants can be propagated using stem cuttings or leaf cuttings, with stem cuttings producing faster growth.
- Ideal propagation time for jade plants is during spring and summer when they actively grow.
- Allow stem cuttings to callous over for 2-3 days before planting to prevent rotting.
- Rooting hormone can enhance root development for both stem and leaf cuttings.
- Jade plant cuttings grow best in a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
- Jade plant cuttings typically root within 2 to 4 weeks and are ready for repotting in 4 to 6 weeks.
- Transplant cuttings into slightly larger pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Essential Tools and Materials for Jade Plant Propagation
Jade plants are also commonly known as Lucky plants or Money plants. They are easy to propagate from either stem cuttings or leaf cuttings. It is important to work with a healthy leaf of a Jade plant when propagating.
Before beginning the propagation method, prepare the following tools and materials:
- Leaves of stem cuttings from a healthy Jade plant
- Potting soil mix for succulents and cacti
- Rooting hormone
- Clean plant containers
- Sterile gardening shears or clippers
Pro Tip: It is possible to blend your own growing medium using potting soil, perlite soil mixture, and some coarse sand mixture.
- Learn more about Jade Plant Soil
When to Propagate a Jade Plant
The ideal time to propagate a jade plant is in the warm months of spring and summer. The Crassula Ovata or Jade plant loves warmth and humidity. During these seasons, my jade plants grow actively, which helps the cuttings to root faster.
Although it should be fine propagate at any time of the year, spring and summer offer the best conditions for new roots and shoots to develop.
How to Propagate the Jade Plant from Stem Cuttings
Using stem cuttings for Jade plant propagation is probably the easiest method available. Stem cuttings can be any size, from small to quite large.
This means that any branch that breaks from a healthy plant can be used as well as clippings from pruning your jade plant. Here’s how to propagate the Jade Plant from stem cuttings properly:
1. Take a Stem Cut for Propagation
- Select a healthy branch on a Jade plant for stem cutting.
- Cut a 3-to-4-inch length of the stem using sterile gardening shears or clean scissors.
- Remove any bottom sets of leaves from the stem cutting. Jade plant cuttings will form roots from leaf joints. If you have several leaf joints, there is a better chance of roots forming.
2. Prepare the Jade Plant Stem Cutting for Propagation
- Leave your stem cutting in a warm dry location for 2 to 3 days. This will allow the point of cutting to callous over.
- Should you select a large branch, leave it to callous over for as long as necessary.
Tip: Callousing over a jade plant cutting point is especially important if propagating in winter.
3. Complete Propagation
- Once the cut end of the stem has calloused over, dip this end in the rooting hormone.
- Fill a container with succulent potting mixture.
- Form a hole in the soil for the stem cutting with your finger. Then place the cutting into the hole.
- After, pack soil lightly around the base of the stem cutting. Place in a warm location with bright indirect light. Do not expose it to direct light.
- Do not water your stem cutting until new roots have developed. If you live in an arid climate, you can mist your plant cutting daily very lightly. Do not exaggerate when misting as high humidity is not necessary.
- When the Jade plant cuttings show new growth on top, you’ll know that roots have formed.
How to Propagate a Jade Plant from Leaf Cuttings
Propagating a Jade plant from leaf cuttings is slower than using stem cuttings, which grow faster and get bigger plants right away. Leaf propagation starts off smaller and less developed compared to the quicker, fuller growth you get from stem cuttings.
1. Take a Leaf Cutting
- Cut a single leaf off the healthy mature plant. using clean scissors. The cut must be directly below the leaf node.
- Make sure to get a jade leaf with its entire stem attached.
- Broken leaves without stems will not form roots.
2. Prepare the Jade plant Leaf for Propagation
- It is not necessary to dry leaves out or callous over as with a stem cutting, but you can if you wish.
- Do not allow them to dry or callous for too long as they may shrivel up.
3. Complete Leaf Cutting Propagation
- Dust or coat the end of your leaf cutting in rooting hormone.
- Prepare the pot with succulent soil mix. Then, lay the entire leaf on top of the soil mixture.
- Cover with a light dusting of soil. After that, place the entire leaf-cutting in a bright warm spot, not in direct light from the sun.
- Do not water until roots have formed. You can mist lightly daily if the air is arid. Water once roots have formed and new growth is apparent.
How to Propagate a Jade Plant in Water
Propagating a Jade plant from leaf cuttings is slower than using stem cuttings, which grow faster and get bigger plants right away. Leaf propagation starts off smaller and less developed compared to the quicker, fuller growth you get from stem cuttings.
1. Take a Leaf Cutting
- Cut a single leaf off the healthy mature plant. using clean scissors. The cut must be directly below the leaf node.
- Make sure to get a jade leaf with its entire stem attached.
- Broken leaves without stems will not form roots.
2. Prepare the Jade plant Leaf for Propagation
- It is not necessary to dry leaves out or callous over as with a stem cutting, but you can if you wish.
- Do not allow them to dry or callous for too long as they may shrivel up.
3. Complete Leaf Cutting Propagation
- Dust or coat the end of your leaf cutting in rooting hormone.
- Prepare the pot with succulent soil mix. Then, lay the entire leaf on top of the soil mixture.
- Cover with a light dusting of soil. After that, place the entire leaf-cutting in a bright warm spot, not in direct light from the sun.
- Do not water until roots have formed. You can mist lightly daily if the air is arid. Water once roots have formed and new growth is apparent.
How to Propagate a Jade Plant in Water
The water method is favored by many, as it is very easy and provides quicker results. You can also do the water method from your leaf cuttings. Here’s hot to do it:
- Snip off a stem of 4 to 6 inches from a healthy, mature Jade plant.
- Remove any bottom sets of leaves.
- Allow the cutting to dry out in a warm, clean location until the cut end callouses over.
- When the cut end has formed a callous, place it in a 4-inch jar or glass filled with clean filtered, fresh water, or collected rainwater.
- If necessary, use toothpicks to keep your cutting in place. Leaves must not get wet.
- Position the cutting in a spot with bright indirect sunlight.
- Change the water in the jar every three to five days. Clean the jar to avoid bacteria or fungi buildup.
- When several roots develop from the cutting base, transplant it to a pot with succulent potting soil mixture, or to a larger vase with water.
Jade plant propagation in water tips:
- Always use water that is not chlorinated.
- Keep your plant away from drafts.
Check out this cool video on how to propagate the Jade Plant in water using coco peat:
How Long Does a Jade Plant Stem or Leaf Cutting Need to Form Roots?
This will depend on the environmental conditions it is being propagated in.
Dry locations with little or no humidity will require longer. In environments with average humidity, it generally requires 2 – 3 weeks for roots to form.
How Long Does a Jade Plant Stem or Leaf Cutting Need to Form Roots?
Getting jade plant cuttings to grow roots takes about 2 to 4 weeks in good soil that drains well. You’ll find that stem cuttings usually start growing roots faster than leaf cuttings. It’s a good idea to let the jade cuttings sit for 3 to 7 days before putting them in the soil.
This waiting time helps stop them from rotting. After you plant them, keeping the soil a bit moist and the temperature warm helps the roots grow. If everything goes well, you can move them to a new pot in 4 to 6 weeks.
Guide to Transplanting and Repotting Jade Plant Rooted Cuttings
Leaving your new baby plants in their original pots until they outgrow them is the way to go. This helps them build strong roots without the trouble of moving too soon. When you’re ready to transplant or repot rooted jade plant cuttings, keep these steps in mind:
Timing
You’ll notice new leaves or see them getting taller. This means they’re healthy and usually happens 4 to 6 weeks after they’ve started rooting.
Sometimes, plants get too big for their pots. You’ll know it’s time to give them a bigger home when you see roots coming out of the drainage holes or if the plant looks cramped. Transplanting them helps them keep growing strong and healthy.
Choosing the Right Pot
When choosing a new pot for your plant, go for one that’s just a bit bigger than the old one. A size increase of 1-2 inches in diameter is usually perfect.
Also, check that the new pot has good drainage holes. These are important because they stop water from sitting at the bottom of the pot. Too much water can cause root rot, which is bad for your plant’s health.
Soil Requirements
For jade plant propagation, it’s important to use well-draining soil. You can either buy a cactus soil or succulent potting mix or make your own. If you’re mixing it yourself, combine regular potting soil with sand or perlite. This mix improves drainage, which is essential for jade plants.
Transplanting Steps
Transplanting a plant cutting into a new pot can seem tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward if you follow these steps. Let’s make sure your plant gets the best start in its new home with well-draining potting soil.
- Start by adding a layer of well-draining potting soil to the bottom of your new pot.
- Carefully take your rooted cutting out of its old pot. Be gentle to avoid hurting the roots.
- Place the cutting right in the center of the new pot. Then, fill around it with more well-draining potting mix. Make sure the roots are well-covered but don’t bury the stem too deep.
- After planting, give the cutting a light drink. This helps the soil settle around the roots. But remember, we’re not drowning the plant here, so avoid overwatering.
Following these steps will help your plant cutting thrive in its new pot.
How to Propagate a Jade Plant Final Thoughts
Jade plants are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. They’re perfect for beginners who want to add a bit of greenery to their home without having to spend hours tending to each individual plant.
Once you have a thriving jade plant, you can use its leaves to create beautiful arrangements. Just be careful not to let the foliage dry out too quickly because it can cause the plant to turn brown and die.
How to Propagate a Jade Plant FAQs
1. Can You Root Jade Plant Cuttings in Water?
Yes, you can root jade plant cuttings in water, but it’s not as effective as rooting in soil. Place the cutting in a jar of water, and once roots form, transfer it to good soil for better growth.
2. Can You Cut a Branch off a Jade Plant and Replant It?
Yes, you can cut a branch off a jade plant and replant it. Allow the cut branch to dry for a few days to prevent rot, then plant it in well-draining soil and water lightly until it establishes roots.
3. How Do You Regrow a Jade Plant From a Cutting?
To regrow a jade plant from a cutting, snip a healthy stem with leaves, let it dry for a few days to form a callus, then plant it in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until new growth appears.
4. Can You Propagate a Jade Plant From a Leaf?
You can grow new jade plants from existing ones using leaf or shoot cuttings. I’ve found that shoot cuttings are not just simpler but also give you quicker results. If you’re looking to expand your jade plant collection, this method is the way to go.
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