Propagating Jade Plants Is Easy With These Simple Tips

Ease of care is often a desirable trait when it comes to houseplants — especially if you're new to horticulture. One aspect of plant care that is sometimes overlooked by new plant owners is propagation. Propagation — or the breeding of plants — is purely optional but can add a whole new dimension to keeping houseplants. Creating new plants from your existing ones is a fun and inexpensive way to expand your houseplant collection or to produce meaningful gifts for your friends and family.

When it comes to propagation, jade is one of the simplest, easiest houseplants you can work with. Jade — also known as a money plant — can be propagated using either a leaf or a stem cutting and putting it in water or soil. It doesn't get any easier. If you've been curious about propagating your houseplants but feeling a little intimidated by the prospect, a jade plant is the perfect place to start on your new journey. 

If you already have a jade plant, you're all set to start propagating. If you don't have one yet, you can purchase a four-inch plant from The Succulent Cult on Amazon for $11.99. The least damaging way to propagate your jade plant — especially when it is still young — is to use one of its fallen leaves. Simply wait for a leaf to fall. If you're too impatient to wait, you can gently twist off a leaf and allow it to dry for a few days to encourage a callous to form on its open edge. Put the calloused end of the leaf in a small pot of loose, well-draining moist (but not soaked) soil. Keep the pot in indirect sunlight and water when the soil is dry. Then wait for the magic to happen.

Once your jade plant is fully grown, you can also use cut stems to propagate. Cut a section of stem with two or more nodes and remove all except the top leaves. Any leaves you remove can be used for even more propagation. Allow the stem to dry for a few days and then either plant it in well-draining moist soil or simply plop it into a glass of water. Place your stem in indirect sunlight. In a few weeks, roots will form and you'll have your very own baby jade plant.