The Jade Plant (also known as the Money Tree) is a total classic in the indoor gardening world. It’s a super popular gift because, legend has it, these beauties bring financial luck to your home! If you want to share that wealth with friends or just expand your own collection, you’ll be happy to know they are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings.
Timing and Soil
If you want your cuttings to thrive, timing is everything. These little guys crave light and warmth to get their roots moving, so it’s best to wait until at least late spring to start the process.
When you’re ready to propagate your Jade Plant, you’ll need the right soil mix. Unlike many other houseplants that do fine in standard seed-starting mix, Jade Plants prefer something grittier. I recommend using a high-quality commercial cactus or succulent soil, which has the mineral content they love. For the best results, mix in just a little bit of seed-starting soil to help hold a tiny bit of moisture for those new roots.
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
One of the easiest ways to grow a new plant is through stem cuttings (or “tip cuttings”). This is actually a great way to make use of the trimmings when you prune your tree. Always use a sharp, clean knife to make your cuts—this prevents any nasty bacteria or fungi from hitching a ride. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol is a pro tip to make sure your tools are sterile.
Look for strong, healthy shoots that haven’t turned woody yet. Aim for a cutting about 6 inches long. Cut the stem at a slight angle and strip off the lower leaves, leaving just the top three. Here’s the secret: don’t pot it right away! Let the cutting sit out for three or four days so the “wound” can callus over. Once it’s dry, tuck it into the soil and give it a light watering.
Propagating from Leaf Cuttings
If your plant isn’t quite big enough to take stem cuttings yet, don’t worry—you can grow a whole new plant from just a single leaf! Since Jade Plants are succulents, they have the amazing ability to sprout new life from their foliage.
Simply snip off a healthy leaf with your clean knife. Place it onto your cactus and seed-starting soil mix and give it a gentle misting. To keep the humidity up, you can cover the pot with a clear glass or a plastic freezer bag. Just remember to lift the cover every now and then to let in some fresh air so you don’t run into any mold issues.
