Can I Propagate Jade Plant In Water?

The Jade plant is a type of succulent and is known for its hardy nature. The botanical name of this plant is Crassula Ovata, however, it is also called lucky plant, money plant, and money tree.

Its thick, woody stem and leaves that have an oval shape resemble the miniature tree and have white or pink flowers.

Jade Plant is originally from South Africa and Mozambique. And it is considered to be one of the most common houseplants around the world. This beauty can live for a long time and even be passed down for generations. As it ages, the tree stems go stronger and thicker, and therefore, need pruning once in a while.

If you have a Jade Plant, it is impossible not to want more. Since you came across this article, you must be wondering whether it is possible to propagate the Jade plant in water.

The good news is that yes, it has several propagation methods and one of them is propagation in water. In this article, we will teach you how to propagate your Jade plant in water and you will also come across some useful tips.

Can You Propagate Jade Plant In Water?

The Jade plant is succulent; and just like the succulents it can be divided and propagated in water and in soil.

There are several methods of Jade plant propagation and you can choose the one that work best for you.

One of the most practiced ways of Jade plant propagation is by using water. Many people prefer the water technique since it is frequently faster in comparison to other ways. And maybe most significantly, you can see the roots develop with your own eyes.

How To Propagate Jade Plant In Water?

Remember that the water propagation method is not a long-term option for growing Jade Plant. In order to foster continuing root growth, the new Jade Plants will eventually need to be moved into the soil.

Here is a step-by-step Jade plant water propagation guide that will help you to create new plants.

• Step 1: Cut the stem from a healthy adult plant with the use of sharp scissors or knives. The ideal cutting must be 4-6 inches long. Use stem cuttings that have several nodes on each piece and are firm.
• Step 2: Let the cutting dry. To do this simply place it in a clean place. After the plant forms a callus, you can put it in the water. The callus lowers the risk of root rot.
• Step 3: Place the cuttings inside the container and add water until only half of the material is submerged. You will need a container that is approximately 3 to 4 inches deep.
• Step 4: Use toothpicks to make sure the cutting is fixed to one place and put the jar in bright indirect or filtered light. Weekly water changes are necessary to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria that could damage the Jade Plant cuttings.

The formation of roots may take a few weeks, (approximately 4 to 5 weeks)  but eventually, you should be able to observe them emerging from nodes along the stem or at the cutting’s tip. Before gently relocating the new Jade Plants to their permanent home in containers, you can wait for the roots to grow until they are an inch or two long.

What Is Needed To Grow a Jade Plant In Water?

There are several things that need to be considered when growing the Jade plant in water.

• First of all, it is ideal to place the jar or container in indirect sunlight. Make sure the direct rays are not hitting on the leaves because it can cause a burn. The ideal length is 3 to 4 hours of filtered light in a day. It is recommended to place the plant by a window that faces south or west.
• It is preferred to use rainwater or distilled water. If you have only tap water, make sure to leave it out overnight, so the chlorine will evaporate and not hurt the plant.
• Jade plants that are planted in water do best when the daytime temperature is between 65 and 80 Fahrenheit. However, at a slightly lower temperature of 55 Fahrenheit at night, the plant feels comfortable too. Avoid keeping the plant in temperatures below 40 Fahrenheit for an extended period of time.
• Jade plants don’t require a lot of food. Using a drop of well-balanced liquid fertilizer on the plant every three to four water changes will help it in the growth process.

Does jade Plant Grow Better In Soil Or In Water?

The majority of Jade plant varieties typically grow their roots more quickly and successfully in water than in soil. The only thing to worry about is that during the propagation in water, there is a higher risk of root rot.

However, it is absolutely possible to put stem cuttings in water first, then transfer them to soil for continued growth, and if the cutting is callused, then there is no need to worry about root rot.

The advantage of water propagation is that the cuttings won’t require a bag to keep them covered or frequent spraying to maintain humidity if they are placed in water to root.

Other Ways To Propagate Jade Plant (Soil, Leaf, Division)

The Soil Method

It is possible to propagate Jade plant cutting in the soil. Because the Jade plant belongs to succulents, this is one of the best methods of its propagation. However, if you do so, you won’t be able to see the roots growing and progress of your plant cutting.

To propagate Jade Plant in soil, you will have to follow simple steps:

• Step 1: Get the pot that has drainage holes and fill it with the loose, well-draining soil.
• Step 2: Mist the soil to make it moist, but not soggy.
• Step 3:  Get the clean cutting of the strong stem. Normally, the Jade plant does not require fertilizer, but you can use the rooting hormone powder which will stimulate root growth.
• Step 4: Make a little hole in the soil and put the cutting inside and place the pot in the bright, indirect light and give water once every three to four days.

Leaf Propagation

If you’ve ever propagated succulents, you may be aware that for many species, only a single leaf is required for propagation. You can use leaves, whether they are recently picked or have fallen, to grow new jade plants.

You can delicately remove leaves from the stems of a jade plant to obtain them. Make sure the entire leaf is removed. If you want to remove the leaf successfully, It can help to gently twist it.

Just like the stem cuttings, leaves can be propagated either by putting them on top of the soil or in the water.

You should allow your leaves to recover for a few days before propagating them, just like you would with stem cuttings. Once you have them callused, you may once more decide whether to grow them in soil or water.

Propagation By Division

Jade Plants, especially those that are root-bound, can be split to instantly produce two full-sized plants. This can be done very simply.

• Step 1: Remove the plant from its container, and carefully separate the root ball using a sharp hand trowel.
• Step 2: Divide the matured plant into two pieces carefully. If it is possible, make them equal.
• Step 3: Plant the two new divisions in smaller pots with well-draining soil.

Don’t over water the plant, and stay away from bagging it because it already developed a root system. Additionally, wait a few weeks before fertilizing or adding compost your jade plant so the roots have a chance to grow on their own.

The Verdict

So can I propagate Jade plant in water? The Jade plant, also known as the money plant, is one of the most loved houseplants worldwide. This amazing tree-like decorative plant can live up to 70 years and be passed on to the generations. 

It is possible to propagate the Jade plant in the water and this is one of the most practiced methods. If you follow the instructions that are provided above, your plant will root successfully.