Jade Plant Leaf Propagation the Expert Way

02.08.2024 - 17:58 / balconygardenweb.com / Ralph Astley

All you need is a full fallen leaf for a brand-new jade plant! The process is easy and especially great if you don’t want to buy but still want a beautiful Crassula ovata. So, here’s how to propagate it from individual leaves to birth a lush new jade plant for your collection!

Crassula ovata, commonly known as the jade plant or money tree, is a petite succulent from South Africa with tiny white and pink winter blooms. It grows actively in summer, making it the best time to propagate, as warmth helps the plant root faster.

In mild winter climes like USDA Zone 8, it can also be grown early to mid-fall. But as roots emerge, it’s best to move indoors before frost arrives. However, in frost-free regions, such as USDA 9-11, it can be propagated all year round from leaves but needs to be moved to cooler spaces during peak summers or when there’s much humidity.

If growing indoors, mimic its ideal warm conditions to coax it into sprouting roots. Patience is key in this procedure, as a new plant takes anywhere from a few weeks to months to grow. Typically, you’ll see signs of roots within 4 weeks, and then, in about 8 weeks, you’ll have a fresh plantlet coming up.

Pro Tip: Make sure the propagating place remains dry, and there are no downpours or high humidity.

Look for a healthy jade plant specimen. Simply twist a leaf right off its stem using your hand, or grab a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears and cut a leaf as close to the stem as possible. You need ample leaf tissue taken closest from the node to help it form roots.

Once you have collected the leaves, identify any damaged or broken leaves and remove them. Place the remaining all on a dry paper towel in a spot where they can receive warm, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight is a