A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2002 Jade plant questions

I have a beautiful Jade plant that was given to me by a friend. It is about 3 feet tall. I want to take REALLY good care of it, and need some tips!! How should I go about watering it? Do I need to add "plant food" to the water each time? Please help~

You should allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings...overwatering is the number one killer of jade plants! Fertilize 3 times in summer only, preferably with a 10-10-10 mixture. It's best to pot jade plants in clay pots for better air movement in the soil and to keep it bottom heavy (they often grow onesided and topple over). Prune it as necessary to keep it shaped nicely.

Does a jade like extremely hot weather with high humidity ( 90 + degrees)?

If a heat wave returns to NYC, will my jade need more water than expected?... like almost every day as that is how long it takes for the soil to dry out.

I wouldn't say they "like" extremely hot weather, but they can usually handle it. You can actually let your jade plant go without water until the leaves begin to dull, but this stresses the plant, so I would water at least once or twice a week in hot weather, and keep an eye on the leaves...if they start to look dull, water more often. Jade plants do best in bright light, but not direct sun, so if you have it outside, I would provide it with afternoon shade if possible.