With their woody stems and round, coin-shaped leaves, Jade plants make great houseplants. They are incredibly low-maintenance plants and symbolize prosperity and good fortune. 

Many prefer to grow this plant from a stem or leaf at home. That's because Jade plant propagation is surprisingly easy, even if you’re a newbie at gardening. 

If you want to add even more positive vibes to your indoor space, you can multiply your existing Jade plant, using proven techniques. Keep reading to learn how to propagate a Jade plant.

All About Jade Plants

The Jade plant, or Crassula Ovata, is a resilient succulent from South Africa. It’s a tropical evergreen beauty with vibrant, glossy foliage, which helps it become a natural, green masterpiece and a focal point in any room.  

In Feng Shui, this plant signifies prosperity and good fortune. With its coin-shaped leaves, it is believed to attract financial success and wealth. By placing your Jade in the entryway or anywhere in a southeast direction you will invite harmony and positive energy into your home. It’s also a great gift that symbolizes friendship and abundance and needs minimum care to thrive.

What Is the Best Way to Root a Jade Plant Cutting? 

How do you propagate a Jade plant easily at home? You can take a stem or leaf cutting and root it in a container filled with soil.  

• Stem propagation: For this method, you will need a small stem section. Plant it in the soil, and it will develop roots within just a few weeks.
• Leaf propagation: As succulents, Jade plants are suited to this propagation method. When you place a healthy leaf in the soil, it will root within a couple of weeks.  

You should provide the seedlings with well-draining soil and a bright, warm environment for quick root development. You can propagate a Jade plant from your existing (mother) plant to expand your indoor plant collection at home or to spruce up your office space. 

Can You Root Jade Plant Cuttings in Water?

Another way to root Jade plant cuttings is to place them in water instead of soil. However, this method will work specifically for stem cuttings but not leaves. 

Take a healthy cutting and leave it for a few days to develop a callus. Then, place the callus end in a jar of water and wait for it to grow roots before transplanting it in a small pot of soil.

Jade Plant Propagation: Tools and Supplies

Jade plant propagation requires a few basic tools and materials. Make sure that these are sanitized to prevent transmitting pathogens to the main plant and stems through the fresh cuts you make with your shears. 

The supplies you need include the following:

• Pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears 
• Well-draining potting mix made of vermiculite/perlite and cactus soil (1:1)
• Planter with sufficient drainage holes 

How to Propagate a Jade Plant Easily 

There is more than one propagation method that can help you grow baby Jade plants from a mature plant. Here, we’ll explore the two popular techniques, which use soil as a rooting medium. While Jade plant propagation in water is also possible, it’s best to root your leaf or stem cuttings in soil, as these methods have a higher success rate.

Jade Plant Propagation From Stem

Propagating Jade plants from stem cuttings is a rewarding way to expand your greenery. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:

• Pick a healthy stem: Choose a 3”-4” long stem. It should have several leaves. 
• Take the cutting: Use clean scissors or shears to cut the stem. Pick a spot below a leaf node, i.e., bump where leaves grow.
• Remove lower leaves: Strip a few leaves from the cutting’s bottom. But leave a few at the top.
• Allow the cut end to dry: Let the cutting sit out for a few days. The cut end will develop a callus.
• Plant the cutting: Put a well-draining succulent mix into a planter. Insert the callused end of the stem 1”-2” into the soil.
• Provide the right environment: Water the soil lightly and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. Keep the soil slightly moist to boost the rooting process.

Jade Plant Propagation From Leaf

Jade plants have the remarkable ability to grow a whole new plant from just a single leaf. Here's how this fascinating process works:

• Select a healthy leaf: Pick a healthy, vibrant leaf. Gently twist it off the node where it connects to the stem. 
• Allow the cut end to dry: Let the leaf sit out for a few days, so the cut end develops a callus.
• Place the leaf over the soil: Fill a small pot with well-draining succulent mix. Gently lay the leaf on it, nestling the callused end slightly into the soil.
• Optimize the environment: Lightly water the soil to keep it moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a well-lit and warm spot.   

When to Propagate Your Jade Plant 

For best results, you should propagate your Jade plant in the spring and summer. Naturally, the tender leaf and stem cuttings will have a better chance to root fast and successfully during the warm growing seasons. 

In addition, this is the time when you should prune a mature Jade plant to encourage bushier growth and manage its shape. So, trimming off a few stems gives you the perfect opportunity to propagate your Jade and grow new baby plants.   

Caring for Your New Jade Plants After Propagation 

Patience is what you need to see the tender cuttings grow into healthy young seedlings. With proper attention and good care for your Jade plants, they’ll soon flourish into the beautiful ‘good-luck’ succulents you expect. Here’s how to care for the rooted Jade cuttings: 

• Soil: Use a well-draining soil that lets excess water escape and helps prevent root rot. 
• Watering: Water the soil deeply and let it dry completely before watering again.
• Light: Place the cuttings in a spot with bright but indirect light, like a south-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch your young Jade plants. 
• Temperature: Provide a daytime temperature range of 60°F-77°F. Nighttime can be cooler at around 50°F-55°F. 
• Fertilizer: Once the plants get strong and established, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every other month during spring and summer. 

Jade Plant Propagation: FAQs

Q: How long does it take for a Jade cutting to callus?

A: A Jade cutting usually takes 3-4 days to develop a callus. But it may sometimes take up to a week. It's a protective layer around the "wound" when you cut a stem or leaf from the plant. 

Q: Is it better to propagate Jade in water or soil?

A: It is better to propagate Jade in soil than in water. The soil contains nutrients that help cuttings grow faster and develop strong roots. Stem cuttings generally root just fine in water, too. However, once the seedling is transplanted into soil, it often fails to grow strong. The roots don’t develop and the plant soon dies. 

Q: How long does it take for Jade plant cuttings to root?

A: Jade plant cuttings usually take a few weeks to develop roots in a container filled with soil. Stem cuttings develop roots faster than leaf cuttings.  

Q: Why is my Jade plant not rooting?

A: Your Jade cutting might not be rooting properly because of overwatering or underwatering. It’s also possible that the cutting didn’t heal properly before being placed in the soil or water. Cuttings from stressed or diseased parent plants may also fail to root. 

Conclusion 

As you can see, Jade plant propagation is a simple yet satisfying process. By multiplying your Crassula ovata plant, you can enhance your indoor garden, bring good fortune and positivity to your home or office,  or grow a thoughtful gift for a friend.

Whether you choose the leaf- or stem-cutting propagation method, all you’ll need is a little patience that will result in gorgeous and thriving new Jade plants.  

You can consider growing other plants that need bright, indirect sunlight and low humidity. Aloe Vera, Echeveria, and the ZZ plant are great companions for your Jade plants that will help you create a diverse and visually stunning display.