To grow jade plants from a leaf, cut the leaf as close to the stem as possible.
Essentially, propagating jade plants from leaves involves taking healthy leaves, allowing them to callous over, and then planting them in well-draining soil. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
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Select Healthy Leaves: Choose plump, healthy leaves from a mature jade plant. Avoid leaves that are damaged or showing signs of disease.
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Detach the Leaf Carefully: Gently twist or cut the leaf from the stem. The key is to get as clean a break as possible, ideally with a bit of the stem attached, as mentioned in the reference. Cut "as close to the stem as possible."
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Allow the Leaf to Callous: Place the detached leaves in a dry location away from direct sunlight for several days. This allows the cut end to callous over, which prevents rot when planted.
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Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. You can also create your own mix by combining potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.
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Plant the Leaf: Place the calloused end of the leaf on top of the soil or gently insert it slightly into the soil. Don't bury the leaf too deep, as this can also lead to rot.
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Water Sparingly: Lightly mist the soil every few days. Avoid overwatering, as jade leaves are prone to rotting. The goal is to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
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Provide Indirect Sunlight: Place the pot in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially young ones.
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Be Patient: It can take several weeks or even months for roots to develop and for a new plant to emerge. Look for tiny roots forming at the base of the leaf. Once roots have formed, you can begin to water more regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
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Transplant (Optional): Once the new plant has established itself and grown larger, you can transplant it into a larger pot with fresh soil.
