Contrary to popular belief about light feeders like Jade, the growth and luster of the thick button-like leaves definitely enhances with steady and appropriate Jade Plant fertilizer application.
Besides, missing some key takeaway for Jade Plant fertilizer application can starve the plant and halt its growth.
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Right Time to Fertilize Jade Plant
Jade Plants are succulents with a slow-growth rate. They only grow throughout the spring and summer (March to August).
Since the growing season lasts roughly 6 months, that is when you need to look after the fertilizer need of both indoor Jade and outdoor Jade.
Jade plants do need fertilizer during the active growth phase to promote leaf and root growth.
Similarly, you can use Jade Plant fertilizer again in late summer, right before the fall and winter.
But it would be pointless to fertilize Jades during cold seasons as the plants remain dormant and almost stop feeding. Fertilizing the plant in fall and winter can lead to salt buildup in the topsoil, causing fertilizer burn.
While overfertilization is unpleasant, under-fertilization can be troubling for Jade Plants.
Without proper nutrients, leaves wither and fall out, turn yellow, the plant becomes weak, growth slows down, and pests and diseases frequently ambush the plant.
Jade Plants and other succulents are light feeders but need short meals between the seasons as the year-round watering can leach away all the nutrients from the soil.
NPK Fertilizer Requirements for Jade Plant
Every fertilizer must have a proper balance of functional macro and micronutrients to support the plant’s health.
These crucial nutrients occur in various fertilizers, but Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P), and Potassium (K) are the almighty trio, which are present in all types of fertilizers.
If you want to opt for homemade fertilizer for Jade Plant, use kitchen waste, like, compost, eggshell powder, coffee grounds, green tea, fish waste, or molasses.
Similarly, you can also try banana peel for Jade Plant as they are a rich source of potassium and phosphorous.
But premium chemicals or inorganic fertilizers, like calcium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and superphosphate, are also readily available.
Overusing organic fertilizers won’t harm the plant directly, except they increase the soil acidity and lower the pH.
Frequent use of inorganic fertilizers can put the plant in grave danger, and as a side threat, these fertilizers can release several harmful by-products into the environment.
To know about the significance of fertilizers, let’s focus on the functions of three central nutrients present in most fertilizers.
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen is important for building the plant body and assembling enzymes for various cellular functions.
- Phosphorus: Phosphorus helps to transfer energy, assists the Jade Plant in preparing the food, and aids in root growth.
- Potassium: Potassium supports the plant cells to carry water, nutrients, and carbohydrates, helps to activate various enzymes, and promotes flowers.
NPK fertilizers are not only used for succulents like Jade Plants but also for many delicate indoor herbs. However, the ratio of these three nutrients may vary!
Types of Fertilizers to Use for Jade Plant
Commercial inorganic fertilizers are available in liquid, granular, and slow-release forms.
1. Granular Fertilizers
- Sold as dry pellets or granules.
- Contain high amounts of potassium and nitrogen.
- Suitable for application in large fields or areas.
- Slowly mixes with the soil with successive watering bouts.
2. Liquid Fertilizers
- Sold as a liquid or in water-soluble powder.
- Sprayed on the leaves or applied to the soil.
- Easily percolates into the deeper layers of the soil with water.
- Fast working, easily absorbed in the organic matter of the soil.
3. Slow-release Fertilizers
- Sold as pellets.
- Slowly absorbed in the deeper layers of the soil without shocking the plant.
- It contains layers that can slowly deliver nutrients for 3-9 months, along with each watering session.
- It can last more than a year in the soil (Spike Fertilizers).
Best Fertilizers for Jade Plant
Liquid feeds are the best fertilizers for Jade Plants as they rapidly supply nutrients throughout the short growing season.
But Jade Plants are sensitive to overfertilization, and incorrect fertilizer doses can severely injure the roots and leaves.
So, to prevent a quick surge of fertilizer salts in the soil, you can opt for granular or slow-releasing fertilizers with well-adjusted NPK concentrations.
| Commercial Fertilizers | Advantages |
|---|---|
| EarthPods Organic Succulent Fertilizer Spike Capsules Type: Spike Fertilizer | Less messier and effortless to apply Easy to push the spike capsules into the soil |
| ENVY Professional Grade All Purpose Fertilizer Type: Granular Fertilizer | Contains added micronutrients Well-balanced NPK ratio for root, leaves, and flower development |
| Triple 10 All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer Type: Liquid Fertilizer | Blended with seaweed extracts and amino acids Suitable for all the developmental stages of the plant |
| Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food Type: Liquid Fertilizer | Direct application to the soil in liquid form Easily absorbed by the soil |
| Howard Johnsons Garden Food Type: Granular Fertilizer | Suitable for every seasons Releases slowly over the course of many months with watering |
| Succulent and Cactus Plant Food Type: Liquid Fertilizer | Freely reaches the deeper soil layers after application Promotes blooms and leaf growth |
| Succulent Fertilizer Spikes Type: Spike Fertilizer | Easy detachable spikes that release nutrients all year-round Feeds directly into the roots of the plant |
| Elm Dirt Plant Juice Type: Liquid Fertilizer | Contains liquid blend of crucial growth promoting microbes Supplemented by micronutrients |
Tips on Fertilizing Jade Plant
Look below to learn about some mindful tips while fertilizing Jade Plants.
Unraveling Confusions on Jade Plant Fertilizers (FAQs)
What Kind of Fertilizer is Good for Mature Jade Plants?
Mature Jade Plants need a balanced 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer in spring and summer. Dilute the fertilizer to one-fourth strength before adding it to the soil.
What is the Best Time of the Day to Fertilize Jade Plants?
Early morning or late evening is the proper time for Jade Plant fertilizer application.
How to Add Compost for Jade Plants?
Take about a handful of compost and mulch with 1-2 inches of the topsoil to maintain the soil acidity and boost the soil with additional nutrients.
From Editorial Team
Flush the Excess Fertilizer!
To protect an overfertilized Jade Plant, try to leach away all the salts from the topsoil by running the plant under distillate or filtered water 4-5 times.
Simply change the soil when the plant suffers from leaf burns and maintain a seasonal fertilization schedule.
