The Jade plant (Crassula ovata) stores water in its thick leaves and prefers to dry out fully between waterings. Water the Jade plant deeply, then let the top two-thirds of the soil dry before watering again. In spring and summer the Jade plant may need water roughly every two to three weeks, while in winter it may need water only once a month. Overwatering is the most common cause of failure with the Jade plant, so err toward keeping it dry. Always empty the saucer so the Jade plant never sits in standing water.
The Jade plant (Crassula ovata) does best in bright light and tolerates several hours of direct sun each day. A south- or west-facing window is a strong choice for the Jade plant indoors. With too little light the Jade plant stretches, grows leggy, and develops weak, spindly stems. Rotate the Jade plant a quarter turn every week or two so it grows evenly toward the light. Move the Jade plant outdoors gradually in summer to avoid scorching its leaves.
The cited reference lists the Jade plant (Crassula ovata) as toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and a slowed heart rate. Keep the Jade plant out of reach of pets that chew on foliage. If a cat or dog has eaten part of the Jade plant, contact a veterinarian or a poison-control line promptly. The cited reference does not characterize the Jade plant as edible for humans, and it should not be eaten. Wash your hands after pruning the Jade plant to avoid transferring sap.
The Jade plant (Crassula ovata) needs a fast-draining gritty mix such as a cactus and succulent blend amended with extra perlite or coarse sand. Plant the Jade plant in a pot with a drainage hole to prevent water from pooling at the roots. Repot the Jade plant every two to three years, or when roots fill the container, choosing a pot only one size larger. A heavier terracotta pot helps keep a top-heavy Jade plant from tipping over. Wait about a week after repotting before watering the Jade plant so any disturbed roots can callus.
Soft, mushy, or yellowing leaves on the Jade plant usually signal overwatering or poor drainage. Wrinkled or shriveled leaves on the Jade plant indicate it is too dry and needs a thorough watering. Leaf drop on the Jade plant can follow sudden temperature swings, cold drafts, or moving it abruptly into harsh sun. Mealybugs sometimes appear in the leaf joints of the Jade plant and can be wiped away with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Keep the Jade plant above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, since it is sensitive to frost.