Jade plant whose scientific name is Crassula ovata is native to South Africa, frequently referred to as a friendship plant, money plant or silver dollar plant.

According to agriculture research institute in Wisconsin, the name Crassula means thick or fat, referring to the fleshy nature of the genus and ovata means egg-shaped, referring to the shape of the leaves of this species.

Ovata is a prominent component of valley thicket vegetation of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. READ MORE How Vihiga got it right with forest restoration Tea sector needs new policies to boost income Growing spinach in your kitchen garden Why cover crops are beneficial to your farm How mango farmers got the better of fruit flies and brokers

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In Kenya it is a popular house plant that is used for decoration and air purifications in homes. Legend has it that the Khoi from South Africa and other communities in Africa used the roots for food and the leaves for medicinal purposes.

Hosea Kipng’etich, a plant nutrition expert in lower kabete says Jade plants can grow very well in any area of the house as long as there is bright, indirect light.

With the right care and growing conditions, the plant can flourish and have a long life. There are some dwarf varieties, while others can grow up to five feet tall when mature.

According to Kipng’etich, the plant should be watered thoroughly, “allow the soil of the plant to nearly dry out between watering. When the plant is placed in a place with less light, it will need less frequent watering.” He says.

During dry seasons, when the plant is still in its growth mode, keep the soil moist and fertilize the plant every four months.

“Jade plants are slow growing, therefore they do not need repotting on a regular basis. They can grow well in a small pot for years” Says Kipng’etich.

Place your plant in a fast draining soil like a potting mix formulated for succulents.

Four hours of direct sunlight each day to give your plant the best exposure to light.

“Jade plants grow well between temperatures of 15 degrees celcius to 24 degrees celcius. They can also tolerate temperatures of 4 to 37 degree celcius. Moderate the temperature by placing the plant further away from windows during extreme temperatures outside.” Says Kipng’etich.

How to Propagate Jade Plant

Cut a thick stem with heavy leaves then remover the lower leaves, set the cutting around a sunny spot for some days until the cut end forms a callus that is lighter in color and is or feels firm.

“Fill a small pot with a succulent soil, create a hole at the center, the hole should be long and thin. Apply rooting hormone to the bottom inch of the callused stem. Place the stem into the pot and pat down until it stands on its own.” Says Kipng’etich.

After that, keep the cutting out of direct sunlight for three to four weeks. If a growth appears, move it closer to a window with bright sunlight.

Remove a large healthy looking leaf then place the leaf onto a dry succulent soil away from direct sunlight until roots start to grow. After several weeks look for tiny roots that sprout from the cut end of the leaf.

Place the leaf in a small pot of fast draining soil mix, like perlite-sand. The new growth will appear and the original leaf will wither completely as the roots are established.

Common Problems with Jade Plant

It’s important to avoid over watering which can cause root rot since jade plant stores water in the leaves. Dropping leaves, dark or soft stems and mushy brown roots are signs.

“Treat this by taking the plant out of the pot and remove as much soil as possible. Let the plant to air out for a few days then repot it in fresh soil.” says Kipng’etich.

Mealybugs can also infest the plant white cotton like substance. Treat this by wiping the whole plant with a cotton wipe dipped in rubbing chemical, rinse the leaves and stems with water or insecticidal soap.

“Continue the treatment until the infestation disappears. The bugs can be found in the space where the leaf and stem meet, so check those areas when cleaning” says Kipng’etich.

If you have pets in the house, be careful to keep your jade plant out of their reach, jade plant leaves and stems are toxic to pets.

In Kenya, the plant is popularly sold in gardens on the side of the road, you can find it at Sh800 to Sh2000, depending with the size of the pot or plant that you want.

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