How to grow a Jade Tree from a leaf

Growing a Jade tree (Crassula ovata), also known as a money plant or a jade plant, from a leaf is an exciting and rewarding process. Jade plants are relatively easy to propagate through leaves, and here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Materials you’ll need:

A healthy Jade plant with mature leaves
A clean, sharp knife or scissors
A well-draining potting mix (e.g., cactus or succulent mix)
A small container or pot with drainage holes
A spray bottle
Rooting hormone (optional but can help with rooting)
Step-by-step process:

Select a healthy leaf: Choose a mature, healthy leaf from your existing Jade plant. Look for a plump, undamaged leaf with no signs of disease or pests.

Remove the leaf: Carefully cut or twist off the leaf from the Jade plant. Make a clean cut or snap the leaf off near its base, ensuring you have a clean break without damaging the stem.

Allow the leaf to callus: After removing the leaf, set it aside in a dry location for a day or two to allow the cut end to callus over. This step helps prevent the leaf from rotting when it’s planted.

Prepare the potting mix: While the leaf is callusing, prepare your potting mix. Use a well-draining mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. Avoid regular potting soil, as it retains too much moisture, which can lead to root rot in succulents.

Plant the leaf: Once the leaf has callused, you can plant it in the potting mix. Simply insert the callused end of the leaf into the soil, burying it about 1 to 2 inches deep. Make sure the rest of the leaf is above the soil surface.

Water sparingly: After planting the leaf, water it lightly using a spray bottle. Succulent leaves don’t require much water, and overwatering can cause them to rot. Mist the soil gently, and avoid getting the leaf itself wet.

Provide indirect light: Place the potted leaf in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day, as this can scorch the leaf.

Be patient and wait for roots to grow: It may take several weeks for roots to develop from the buried end of the leaf. During this time, the leaf may start to shrivel and wither, which is normal. The roots are forming underground, preparing to sustain a new plant.

Pot up the new plant: Once you see sufficient root growth (usually after a few weeks to a couple of months), you can gently lift the new plantlet from the soil and pot it up in its own small container with well-draining soil. At this stage, it will have its own root system and will start to grow into a new Jade plant.

Care for the new plant: Treat the new plant as you would any mature Jade plant. Water it sparingly, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and provide it with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.

Remember that propagating plants from leaves may not always be successful for every leaf, but with patience and proper care, you can increase your chances of success. Enjoy watching your new Jade plant grow and thrive!