Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Bonsai Jade

Member Chris writes~ I hope that you can help me. I have a bonsai jade plant and he's not doing well. He "looks" healthy but he seems to be shedding a couple leaves a day. I don't think I overwater him - his pot has holes on the bottom for the water to drain out. And I don't think I underwater him - a couple times a week, regularly. What am I don't wrong? Any and all suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!

A. "A couple times a week" watering is way too much for a jade unless you are growing it outside in Arizona! They are a succulent. They love going dry as much as cacti. The jades which grow here, under much cooler and moist conditions than most spots, get very little water during the summer.

Also, be sure you are growing the plant in full direct light. They will adjust to it over time and then flourish in it. Shade is not its best friend. Keep them hot.

The soil mix is very important. It may be time to repot it [every two years]. Use a very light well-drained soil mix, with lots of sand and perlite and low in peat moss. Think desert. They want very good air circulation for the roots and little moisture retention. If the top two inches of soil feel moist at all, wait until later to water. If in doubt, wait another couple days. Leaf drop of jades is almost always due to too much water or too little light.