Dwarf Jade (Crassula Ovata) Care Sheet
DWARF JADE
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Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your Dwarf Jade Tree |
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The Dwarf Jade is an evergreen tree that produces beautiful star-shaped white blossoms in the fall. The Dwarf Jade is a succulent plant, so it’s able to store water for a long time. This makes the plant popular among bonsai beginners, as these trees are easy to care for. |
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PLACEMENT
The Dwarf Jade should be kept mostly indoors. They can be taken outdoors in full sun and high temperatures, but not in outside temperatures below 40°F. They require substantial light and prefer full sun, if possible. If your Jade is receiving enough sunlight, the leaves will develop red tips. Jades do best in zones 9 to 11. *If you want your tree to flower, it is recommended to expose your Jade to full daylight outside beginning in autumn. The lack of natural daylight in the winter will cause the tree to blossom. TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY The Dwarf Jade is an indoor tree that needs full sun and high temperatures. Keep things humid and mist frequently. They can tolerate 50°-61°F in winter and will be fine in temperatures between 61°-70°F. Freezing temperatures will destroy your tree. Optimal temperature is between 70°-75°F. WATERING Dwarf Jades can hold large amounts of water in their leaves, so water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings. In the winter, only water every two to three weeks. Less is more! SOIL/FERTILIZER The Dwarf Jade responds well to fertilizing. Fertilize once a month during the spring through fall. Organic liquid or chemical fertilizer diluted to ½ strength is recommended. Stop fertilizing in the winter. We recommend using a well-draining, coarse soil. Our Cactus & Succulent mix is perfect for your Dwarf Jade. Another alternative is our Tropical Bonsai Soil Mix. REPOTTING Every other year in spring, use a well-draining soil mixture to repot your Jade. Don’t water for roughly a week after repotting. This allows any cut or damaged roots to dry and callous. If you want to keep your Jade dwarf-sized, plant in a smaller pot. PROPAGATION It is best to propagate with cuttings. Take 2.5”-6” cuttings and let them dry out for two weeks. Plant them in a dry peat moss and sand mix. Do not water. After new root fibers develop, water sparingly. PRUNING Prune regularly to force the Dwarf Jade to grow branches. Prune in the early spring to summer. Near the end of summer, cut back one or two pairs of leaves after a few sets have developed. Do not water before pruning, as the leaves, stems, and trunk will be full of moisture. Wounds heal quickly, usually within one to two weeks. Avoid cut paste as it can cause rotting. WIRING Because the bark is very soft and the branches break easily, be cautious when wiring. Monitor your wiring closely because it will cut into the bark quickly. It is recommended to use the thinnest wire available. Jades respond quickly to wiring, often within three weeks. Mid or late summer is the best time to wire your Jade. You can encourage the plant di rection by manipulating the location of light – your Dwarf Jade will reach out towards the light. PESTS/DISEASES Aphids, spider mites, scale, and root aphids can infect your Jade. Mealy bugs and root rot often affect indoor Jades, while outdoor Jades are prone to aphids. Spray with a non-toxic insect spray every month or two to keep them away. |
PRODUCTS |
Cactus & Succulent Soil Mix Tropical Bonsai Soil Mix KIKU™ Aluminum Training Wire Fertilizer Pellets |
