Do you want to know whether or not jade plants can be grown in small pots? If yes, then all you have to do is read this article thoroughly, and you will get an answer to this question and other queries.
Generally, small pots are used by people to grow plants in small places such as offices and small apartments. By doing so, they prevent their plant from getting too big, which allows them to save space and grow many small plants in one location instead of one heavy plant.
But, some other plants are suitable for small pots, such as nerve plants, African violet, and baby toes. These plants are ideal for small pots because they are small and do not become root bound quickly.
In the following paragraphs, we will see if the jade plant is suitable for small pots and which type of pot is the best for growing such a plant.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Do Jade Plants like Small Pots?
Jade plant like small pots because it has a shallow root system. In fact, plants with such root small root systems, such as succulents and cacti, should usually be grown in smallish pots to prevent waterlogging.
In fact, when you place a plant with shallow roots in a larger container, it may be exposed to more water than is necessary. As a result, the plant may suffer from root rot.
In addition to these benefits, small pots are also suitable for jade plants. They are easily portable. In fact, when you grow this plant in a shallow pot, you will easily carry them around and put them anywhere you want. Moving them to different places is also easy if you want to change your arrangement.
Moreover, avoiding pests with small pots is more straightforward than with large ones. In small pots, there is less food available for pests and predators. In addition, pests that feed on smaller plants can be easily controlled by simple methods such as adding an insecticide to the soil or soap to the water.
If you want to grow a jade plant in a small pot, check out the following video before doing so:
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What Kind of Pots Do Jade Plants like?
The best pts for growing jade plants are terracotta pots because they are made out of porous material that assures good drainage and air circulation. The second best choice is ceramic pots.
Plastic pots are not the best choice for this plant, but they are okay to use if you don’t have access to any other pots. Just ensure that you have enough drainage holes in the bottom of any plastic pot before using it.
Let’s g over the advantages and drawbacks of each of these pots to better understand why some of them fit better for the jade plant than others:
Terracotta Pots
Terracotta pots are the number one choice for growing jade plants because they allow them to grow comfortably. They are made of clay which makes them porous. This means that the soil inside can easily breathe, allowing air to enter the pot and water to drain away smoothly.
Another advantage of terracotta pots is that they are highly durable and easy to maintain. They are versatile and can grow just about anything, including small herbs, flowers, vegetables, fruits, and trees. Additionally, they are easy to clean and can be washed and reused multiple times.
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Ceramic Pots
Ceramic pots make a great alternative to terracotta pots. They are very efficient at absorbing any excess moisture. This makes them suitable for plants that tend to over-water or have root rot problems, such as the jade plant.
Ceramic pots are also made of clay and have a porous surface that allows for good airflow and water absorption. This makes them ideal for growing succulents like jade plants.
Plastic Pots
Plastic pots are handy for growing jade plants indoors because they are lightweight. This makes them very easy to move to different locations, which is very useful for people who grow their plants in apartments. They are also very durable. In fact, they are even more durable than ceramic pots.
Plastic pots are also cheap compared to other materials such as ceramic and terracotta, which makes them suitable for beginner and low-budget gardeners.
The main drawback that makes me avoid plastic pots for jade plants is that they are not porous. This means they do not allow air in and out of the pot. As a result, the roots will not have enough oxygen and eventually suffocate. But, if you can only afford to buy plastic pots or if they are the only choice you have at your disposal, you can use them after digging a few drainage holes in the bottom.
When you repot your jade plant, you can change plastic pots later for ceramic or terracotta pots.
Now that you know which pots are suitable for the jade plant let’s discover when and how you can repot this plant.
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When to Change a Pot for the Jade Plant?
Many signs indicate that it is time for you to repot your jade plant. Some of these signs include:
- The roots grow through the drainage hole. This means that the rootball has outgrown the pot and needs to be moved to a bigger one.
- Your plant is growing much slower than usual. This means that the soil doesn’t provide the necessary supply of nutrients to the plants. In this case, the plant should be moved to a bigger pot to get more, allowing for higher nutrient content.
- The plant is losing its natural color and drooping leaves. This may be caused by many factors, such as root rot and heat stress, but when a pot is no longer suitable for the jade plant, it may show these signs.
- Finally, if your jade plant has been sitting in the same pot for a long time, it is time for you to repot it. Generally, this plant should be repotted every year or two, depending on the size of the pot and how big the plant gets.
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How to Repot Jade Plant Step by Step?
To repot a jade plant, you will need a pot that offers good drainage, well-draining potting soil, and freshwater. Then you can follow the steps below:
- Choose a pot slightly larger than the current pot: As we mentioned above, terracotta and ceramic pots are the best, but a plastic pot with drainage holes can do the job.
- Remove the jade plant from its current pot: gently tap the pot to loosen the soil. Finally, carefully lift the plant out by the base of the stem.
- Inspect the root system: check the rootball for dead or damaged roots and trim them with clean, sharp scissors.
- Fill the bottom of the new pot with a well-draining potting mix: try to use a combination formulated explicitly for succulents.
- Place the jade plant in the pot: positioning it so that the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line. Add more potting mix around the roots, tamping it down gently to secure the plant in place.
- Water the jade plant thoroughly, allowing the excess moisture to drain out of the pot.
- Place the jade plant in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
Now, your jade plant is repotted. But you should keep an eye on it and fertilize it every two to four weeks during the growing season (spring through fall) using a balanced fertilizer formulated for succulents. And don’t forget to reduce fertilization in the winter, when the plant is not actively growing.
Following these steps, you can successfully repot your jade plant and help it thrive in its new home.
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