Variegated Jade Plant, also known as Crassula ovata ‘Variegata,’ is a popular succulent plant that is easy to care for and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. However, like all plants, it needs water to survive and thrive. Knowing when to water your variegated jade plant is crucial to keeping it healthy and preventing overwatering or underwatering. In this article, we will explore how to tell if your variegated jade plant needs watering and the best watering practices for this type of succulent.
There are several signs that your variegated jade plant needs watering. Here are some of the most common ones:
The easiest way to tell if your variegated jade plant needs watering is by checking the soil moisture level. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water your plant. If the soil feels moist, wait a few more days before checking again.
If you notice that the leaves of your variegated jade plant are starting to wrinkle or shrink, it’s a sign that your plant is dehydrated and needs water. This is because succulents store water in their leaves, and when they don’t get enough water, they start to shrivel up.
Another sign that your variegated jade plant needs watering is yellowing leaves. When a succulent doesn’t get enough water, it starts to use up its stored water reserves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
If your variegated jade plant looks droopy or limp, it’s a sign that it needs water. This is because the plant’s cells start to lose turgor pressure when they don’t have enough water, causing the leaves and stems to droop.
Now that you know how to tell if your variegated jade plant needs watering let’s look at the best watering practices for this type of succulent.
Variegated jade plants should be watered when the soil is completely dry. Depending on the climate and humidity levels in your area, this could be anywhere from once a week to once every two weeks. Avoid overwatering your variegated jade plant as this can lead to root rot and other problems.
When watering your variegated jade plant, pour water onto the soil around the base of the plant, making sure not to get any water on the leaves or stem. This will help prevent rot and fungal diseases.
Variegated jade plants prefer well-draining soil with good airflow. Use a succulent or cactus mix that contains perlite or sand to improve drainage and prevent water from sitting in the soil.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the root ball of your variegated jade plant. A pot that is too large will hold too much moisture, which can lead to overwatering and root rot.
Variegated jade plants need bright, indirect sunlight for at least six hours a day. They also prefer warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing your variegated jade plant to direct sunlight as this can scorch its leaves.
A: Tap water is usually fine for watering variegated jade plants, but it’s best to let the water sit out for a day or two to allow any chlorine to evaporate. You can also use filtered or distilled water.
A: Variegated jade plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize your plant once every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
A: If your variegated jade plant is overwatered, you should remove it from its pot and let the roots dry out for a few days. Then, repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and be more cautious with your watering practices in the future.
In conclusion, knowing how to tell if your variegated jade plant needs watering is essential for keeping it healthy and thriving. By following the best watering practices outlined in this article, you can ensure that your plant gets the right amount of water and stays happy for years to come.