what is the best way to transplant and care for a jade plant?

Question

I have a huge tree like jade plant that needs transplanted. It was a prize and when I watered it, these green toadstool like things started sprouting up through the dirt. Can someone advise on how to take care of plant, transplant and keep it bug free?

Answer 1

Jade plants are tough, easy-to-grow succulents. They grow well in containers and like the warm, dry conditions found in most homes.
Jade plants can live for a very long time and grow into small trees or shrubs up to 5 feet tall indoors.
In the home, plant diseases are very rarely a problem. Too much or too little water plus insects and mites are the main problems. Root rot usually results from a soil mix that does not drain quickly or overly frequent watering. Leaf drop can happen if the plant is allowed to become extremely dry.
Jade plants do best with daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 ° F, and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 ° F. During the winter months, protect plants from drafts and do not let their foliage touch windowpanes.
Fertilize jade plants once every three to four months. A liquid houseplant fertilizer will work well. Wait four months before feeding repotted plants.
If repotting is necessary, do it as new growth starts. When your plant becomes older and top-heavy, move it to a large, heavy pot to prevent tipping over. Allow the soil to become dry after repotting. You can start new plants from stem cuttings.
Does this help?
...jj

Answer 2

I would water it thoroughly before starting to transplant, so the fleshy leaves are fully plumped. Soak the container in a larger bucket if necessary, if water keeps running out without soaking into the soil. Carefully turn out the jade plant onto newspaper and place several broken pieces of pot or gravel sized rocks into the bottom of the new pot. The new pot should be at least a 6" pot as jade plants really don't like repotting all that often. Use a cactus-style potting soil rather than one with a lot of bark. Put several inches of soil mix into the bottom of the pot, then center the jade plant in the new pot and fill soil mix around the stem. Gently tamp in the soil, water thoroughly, and let it rest in a shady, humid place for a few days before introducing it back to its window ledge.

Answer 3

You might have to look for a good quality potting soil that has been made to be free from spores and other things. Not all potting soil is "clean". And make sure the soil is made for plants like succulents. Not all plants will do well in general use potting soil. It needs to be able to drain well. As for bug free..if you are talking about the leaves on the plant..my mom uses a solution of water and dish soap in a spray bottle. And another person i know uses tabacco tea to keep aphids and stuff off their plants.
With the dish soap use a standart sized spray bottle fill with water and add a tablespoon or two of dish soap.
When i water mine..i don't water until the soil is completely saturated. I have found that succulents need moisture but too much will kill it as fast as too little moisture. Of course...the amount of water you give it each time depends on the size of the plant..mine is still rather small compared to yours.