How to Propagate a Jade Plant

The forgiving nature of the jade plant (Crassula ovata) makes it one of the most popular succulents out there. Also, did you know you can propagate a jade plant easily at your home? Furthermore, to expand your collection or to sell your plant, you can multiply your jade plant on your own by propagating them by yourself! 

Don’t worry it’s not rocket science, the methods for propagating are very easy and quick for any beginner like you to learn. In this article, we will guide you through all the steps that you need to know for propagating a jade plant.

So, do you want to know how easy it is to propagate? Let’s begin with the stem cutting method given below!

How to Propagate Jade Plant from Stem Cutting

Propagating jade plants by stem cutting is the easiest and most successful method. Especially if you are using larger and healthier stem cuttings.

To get started, follow these steps:

• Select a healthy stem using a sterilized knife or scissors, and make a clean cut along the stem. Choose a section with at least two nodes (bumpy areas on the stem where roots can grow). Also, don’t forget to include some healthy leaves as well. Generally, larger stem cuttings prove more successful, but any size will work.
• Remove the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, leaving only a few healthy leaves at the top. If you want even more jade plants, keep your plucked leaves. 
• Place the stem cutting (and any plucked leaves) in a warm, dry place for about three days. The purpose to do this is to allow the cut edge to heal and calluses, making it less susceptible to rot.

The stem cutting process is now complete, so what are the next steps? There are two options you can choose from, which we will discuss below.

Propagating By The Soil Method

It is possible to root jade plant stem cuttings directly in the soil. However, this method works best with succulents since they are very resilient. Also, there is only one downside to this method, which is that it is very difficult to monitor your cutting until new leaf growth appears.

• Choose a pot or tray with drainage holes. A standard nursery pot will do just fine.
• Add well-draining, loose soil to the pot. Plants like jade aren’t fussy, so you can use standard potting soil mixed with a little perlite to increase drainage.
• Spritz the soil with water to moisten it. Keep in mind that the surface should feel moist but not drenched.
• BONUS STEP: To stimulate root growth, you can put the cuttings in rooting hormone powder.
• Put your finger or a stick into the soil and make a hole. You only need to make it deep enough so that the stem cutting can stand.
• After a few days, move the stem cutting into bright, indirect sunlight, and water it.

Propagating By The Water Method

If you are a beginner, you may find this method the quickest and easiest method. Perhaps even more importantly, you can watch the roots grow in life!

The water method simply involves cutting your jade’s stem and putting it into a glass or vase of water once it is healed. After that, move the whole thing into bright, indirect sunlight. After that, you only need to replace the water once or twice a week. 

After your new little jade plant grows roots about two inches, you can repot it! 

Tip: Stem cuttings with no roots, may start drooping. This is normal, but if you notice it is about to fall over, you can prop it up with a stick. As soon as propagating starts, it will start growing upright again.

How to Propagate a Jade Plant from Leaves

If you have propagated succulents before, you might know that a single leaf is all you need in many cases. Whether freshly plucked or fallen, you can use leaves to create new jade plants!

Always select healthy green leaves from the stems of a jade plant. Make sure the whole leaf is removed. It can help to give it a gentle twist.

If you are following the stem cutting method, you have to allow your leaves to heal for a few days before propagating.

It is again your choice whether to propagate them in water or soil once you have them in your hands.

Interesting facts: The leaves of most plants cannot be propagated. This is mostly limited to succulents and semi-succulents.

Propagating By The Soil Method

The soil method is the simplest and quickest way to propagate jade plant leaves. You simply have to lay the leaves in such a way that they touch the ground. It’s that simple!

Using leaves for propagation increases your chances of success because you can put a lot of them into the same pot. At first, the size of the plants will be extremely tiny but can be separated into individual planters as they grow later.

Once all your leaves are in the soil, move them to bright indirect sunlight. Also, spray water every few days to keep the soil moist. After your succulents have sprouted roots and babies, you can gradually begin watering them regularly.

Propagating By The Water Method

For leaf cuttings, you can use the water method. But you have to keep the leaves upright, which is more challenging. To get the best results, put the leaf in a small shot glass by suspending it with mesh or toothpicks.

Conclusion

The most rewarding part of growing jade plants is propagating them. Also, if you know the conditions required for the cuttings, your jade plants will propagate very easily and healthily. Knowing the conditions is the key to propagation. 

Moreover, you can easily take cuttings with household items. Moreover, you can propagate jade from leaves as well as from soil or water too. However, the stem propagation method is more commonly used compared to the leaf. But if you want a simple method, go for the leaf propagation method which is mostly used.

The same jade plant can grow many young plants. That is why parent jade, younger jades, and cuttings are very important to take care of. 

Note: Keep these things in mind: 

• To encourage cuttings to root, you must give them time and attention. 
• Succulent jade dislikes constant moisture, which will eventually rot its young roots. Remember this when you plant the cutting.

If you like this article, please feel free to share your own experience or ask any additional questions about propagating a jade plant in the comment section down below.

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