Mari,

Jades 101 can be found in almost any Jade (Crassula ovata) post which has over 30 replies. Do some searching here and you'll find answers to almost all of your questions about how to grow them. Here are some other answers to your questions.

1 - yes, when the cuttings / plant is small.

3 - water them about 2x a month in winter

4 - you don't need to rotate them that often, I think. I would guess once or twice a month.

Mari, I can certainly understand why it's so important keeping your Jade.
Although we've never talked, I'm sorry you lost your brother.

Since it's been two years, have your Jade cuttings grew larger? What height were they then, and now?

Jades do better when a little rootbound, especially during rooting process.
Using shallow pots is optional. Some people like the Bonsai-look, others grow their Jades w/several trunks.
I have one, on the large side, milti-trunk...that Jade is so darned heavy. In summer it's taken outside, autumn, back indoors.

But, it's your decision. It depends what you like.

Don't worry about dry air. Jades are succulent, 'unlike tropicals,' so dry air won't do your Jade harm.

I too use MG/Succulent, but add Perlite, and coarse sand.
Soil needs to dry thoroughly during winter. Pot must have drainage holes.
In summer, when days are hot, it will need more water, but soil should never stay wet/soggy.. Winter or summer. However when watered, it should be done throughly. Soak the entire rootball.

To test soil, insert your finger or stake in soil. If stake comes out wet, don't water. Retest a few days later. If wet, continue waiting, if dry, it's time for a drink.
Soil dries according to pot size, soil, humidity, light and temperatures.
After a while, you'll get a feel on proper watering.

Is your Jade getting any natural light? From a window?
Jades are sun-lovers..the more light, the better.
Is it possible to place your plant in a window during the day, then under lights at sunset?
Do you summer outside?

Rotating is done more when plants are growing, 'spring/summer,' but it doesn't hurt. 1/4 turn once every wk or two. Rotating is done for balance, and all parts get even light.

To post pictures, you first must open an account with Photo Bucket or Flickr. There's probably others, but those are the two I know.
Photo Bucket is free. Flickr is free up to 300 pictures. So, you'd need to download your photos on one of these sites. After your pics are downloaded, they can be posted here on GW.

Toni

Hi Mari & welcome.

Condolences on the loss of your brother, I'm sure that makes a strong connection w/ this plant for you.

CMcHarris is right that all the info. you need for Jade 101 is already here, his suggestion of searches of this forum is excellent.

Hey Toni,

Pls. be careful w/ your suggestions. Among other things you've suggested the addition of coarse sand & then later said 'soak the entire rootball'. For a 'total beginner' as she called herself, I'm afraid that'll lead to rot.

I wish to amend the suggestions above, first skip the sand entirely. You can achieve the fast drainage we seek w/ more perlite, say 50/50 soil mix to perlite, no sand. Sand is largely not a good idea & can cause problems.

Also, when you water, water 'til you see water come out the drainage hole on the bottom. If water collects there, dump it out no longer than 1/2 hr. after watering.

Pls. do not soak your plant, nor let it sit in collected water for longer than that or you're likely to have trouble.

Toni's a very experienced grower & a couple of the tips she shared (which I'm amending) are fine for her or other experienced growers, since you said you're a 'total beginner', they're not for you. That is, not in the best interests of this plant.

I'm sorry to hear that you have lost your brother. A lot of us have a cutting of a plant owned by a loved one that we cherish.

If your plant still doesn't seem happy, be sure to ask for more help. People are always glad to be of assistance.

Thank you,
McHarris, Toni, Pirate Girl and Pennyhal
First for your kind words and wonderful advise and tips-
I truly appreciate it--
In May 2009 the jade cuttings were about 4-5 inches--I took 3 and my son took 3-- my DIL Joan has a green thumb--
I followed some advise from a couple of friends--some good some not so good--yet got through the 1st year with living plants-- did have them on 3 seasons enclosed porch that summer -- had them in west window til this summer--their 2nd yr--until we had new windows installed that I thought would be my plant window ? south facing under a car port
with minimal lighting-- due to only one panel allowing light--after seeing how much bigger my DIL jades are I now think mine do not get enough light--hers 3-4+ times the original and mine are maybe 3 x's they live in NH so my climate is slightly warmer--yet damp and cloudy
Thank you all for sharing and I will try to post pictures--
I seemed unable to register on Photo Bucket-- the last question --a no go-- so I will try flicker--
The pictures on this site are simply beautiful
we have some good photographers among us too.
I am feeling more confident with all of you on my side !!!
Mari

Well I may have had better luck signing on to Flicker
and put in 2 pictures with a name of link -not sure this is right--I have no clue of what I am doing ???? the link name is
LUV-4-PLANTS-M-- I don't understand the URL
Mari

Mari,

Copy the HTML code (the 'a href' string) from your Flickr pic and post that code in the body of a message here:

{{gwi:105224}}

And whoops, there it is.

Toni
You suggested Flicker for posting pictures here
OK I signed on to that and downloaded 2 pictures
now I cannot figure out what to do next-- this is a yahoo site and cuz I had a gmail act it was easy-- but no way do I find directions---do u know
Mari

Hi Mari66...I attached a link below from a helpful fellow GW member on directions on how to post pictures on this site...Hope it helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Easy Photo Posting Instructions

Is this the way
http://www.flickr.com/photos/luv-4-plants-m/6335531091/
I think I am learning
Mari

Mari, are you online now? It's 10:46 A.M. Central time here.

If you're on, either email me, or I can walk you through here. Unless you understand Jeff's/Pugs url advise and no longer need my help. Once you dl a pic, it comes natural.

Mari, I put the link below for you picture... just click on it!

Cute Jades!

Here is a link that might be useful: Mari, Here's Your Picture!