Repotting a jade plant involves carefully removing it from its old container, inspecting and trimming the roots, placing it in a new pot with fresh soil, and watering it thoroughly.
Repotting is an important part of caring for your jade plant (Crassula ovata), allowing it to access fresh nutrients and providing space for growth. It's typically done every few years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Steps for Repotting Your Jade Plant
Here are the steps to successfully repot your jade plant, ensuring a smooth transition to its new home:
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Remove the plant from the pot.
Gently tilt the pot on its side. You may need to tap the pot or carefully slide the plant out. Be cautious to avoid damaging the stems or leaves. If the plant is stuck, you might need to carefully run a knife around the inside edge of the pot. -
If necessary, remove any roots that are dead or rotten.
Once the plant is out, inspect the root ball. Healthy jade plant roots are typically firm and light colored. Use clean pruning shears or scissors to trim away any roots that look dark, mushy (rotten), or dry and brittle (dead). This helps promote new, healthy root growth. -
Add potting media to the bottom of the pot.
Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one, making sure it has drainage holes. Jade plants need well-draining soil. Use a potting mix formulated for succulents or cacti, or mix regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand. Add a layer of this mix to the bottom of the new pot. -
Set the plant in the center of the pot.
Place the jade plant onto the layer of soil you added in the new pot. Position it so that the base of the plant will be at the appropriate level once the pot is filled with soil (usually about an inch below the rim). -
Add soil around the plant.
Carefully fill the rest of the pot with the succulent potting mix, working it around the root ball. Gently pat down the soil to remove air pockets, but don't compact it too tightly. Ensure the plant is stable and centered. -
Fully water the plant, making sure water is coming out of the drainage holes.
After repotting, give the plant a good watering. Water slowly and thoroughly until you see water draining from the holes at the bottom of the pot. This helps the soil settle and provides essential moisture for the plant to recover from the stress of repotting.
Following these steps, your jade plant will be set up for continued healthy growth in its new pot. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
