Hi all. I desperately want to save this jade plant - what is the best way of doing it? Do I have to take each branch and then put it in water to get new roots or can anyone tell me if I can cut above the (smelly) brown roots on the main trunk and then put in water ? I’d love to keep it whole if possible Any advice is grateful received 💕
I’d use a succulent mix with some bonsai mix and coarse sand. For many plants, allowing cuttings to "heal" before planting them in soil can be beneficial. Healing allows the cut end of the cutting to form a protective callus, which can reduce the risk of rot and disease when the cutting is placed in a growing medium. However, for some succulents, including crassula ovata (jade plant), this step is not always necessary. Crassula ovata is known for its ability to root easily from cuttings, even without a healing period. In fact, some gardeners find success by allowing the cut end of the jade plant cutting to callus over for a day or two before planting it in soil, while others plant the cuttings directly into the soil without a healing period. If you choose to allow the cut end of the jade plant cutting to callus before planting, you can simply place the cut end in a dry, shaded location for a day or two until a callus forms. Once the callus has formed, you can then plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water it lightly. Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly into the soil without a callusing period. Whether you choose to allow the cutting to heal or plant it directly, it's important to provide the cutting with the right growing conditions to encourage successful rooting. This typically includes using a well-draining soil mix, providing bright, indirect light, and maintaining a slightly humid environment to support the rooting process. Ultimately, both methods can be successful, so you may choose the approach that best suits your preferences and growing conditions. With proper care, the cutting should root and eventually develop into a new plant. Do not choose a pot much bigger than the root ball
4 Likes Thank you. As the plant is quite heavy, what is the best way to ensure it stays upright once it’s in the soil, without damaging it?
0 Likes If your crassula ovata (jade plant) is quite heavy and you're concerned about its stability in the pot, there are a few strategies you can use to prevent it from tipping over without causing harm to the plant. Here are some tips to help ensure the plant's stability: 1. Select a sturdy pot: Choose a heavy, stable pot with a wide base. A terracotta pot with a broader base can provide more stability, especially if the plant is top-heavy. Ensure that the pot is large enough to accommodate the plant's root system and provide ample space for stability. 2. Add weight to the bottom of the pot: If the plant is still top-heavy even in a stable pot, you can add weight to the bottom of the pot to lower its center of gravity. Place a layer of small rocks, pebbles, or heavy stones in the bottom of the pot before adding the soil and planting the crassula ovata. This can help anchor the pot and prevent tipping. 3. Use a well-draining soil mix: A well-draining soil mix can help prevent waterlogging, which can make the pot heavier and potentially affect the plant's stability. The soil mix you've prepared, which includes aggregates such as pumice, calcinated clay, lava, and coarse sand, should provide good drainage and help maintain a reasonable weight for the pot. 4. Secure the plant with stakes: If the crassula ovata is particularly large or top-heavy, you can use plant stakes to provide additional support. Gently insert stakes into the soil near the base of the plant and use soft ties or twine to secure the stems to the stakes. Be careful not to tie the plant too tightly, as this can restrict growth. 5. Position the pot strategically: Ensure that the pot is placed on a flat, stable surface to reduce the risk of tipping. If the plant is located in a spot with foot traffic or where it might be bumped, consider moving it to a safer location. By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure that your crassula ovata remains stable in its pot without causing harm to the plant. (I personally use terracotta pots for my 4 crassula ovata) - they seem to be heavy enough to keep my biggest plants upright)
1 Like Thank you 🙏🏼 v useful!
1 LikeSpeaking from experience, I followed similar advice already shared on this thread and my jade plant came back in full force. Practically bulletproof!!
1 Like Thank you, this gives me hope ❤️
1 Like