Folio № 15 of 36
Dwarf Jade
Portulacaria afra
A succulent species ideal for beginners, with compact foliage, forgiving structure, and vigorous growth under warm conditions.
The year, as this species lives it
Thirteen phases. Touch any arc — the wheel remembers what each season asks.
Mid Summer · Jul 1 – Aug 10 · happening now
- Slightly reduce watering if temperatures exceed 90°F.
- Use diluted fertilizer monthly during peak heat.
- Only light trimming; avoid major work.
- Monitor for pests in humid conditions.
- Provide shade during prolonged heatwaves (>90°F), but otherwise full sun is ideal. Watch for heat stress, use shade cloth if needed.
- Encourage free growth to build trunk and branch girth. Full sun beneficial.
click another arc to travel the year →
The care sheet
The constants — what stays true in every season.
Full sun to partial shade
Thrives in bright light; protect from intense midday sun in hot, dry climates.
Low
Allow soil to dry between waterings; overwatering is a common issue.
Low-nitrogen
Feed lightly with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer; reduce during dormancy.
Any time during active growth
Backbuds freely; prune regularly to maintain shape and compact internodes.
Spring to early summer
Use caution—branches snap easily; clip-and-grow is often preferred.
Every 2–4 years
Repot in warm weather; avoid watering for a few days after repotting to prevent root rot.
Cuttings
Extremely easy from cuttings; allow to callous before planting.
Keep above 40°F (5°C); susceptible to frost damage—bring indoors if needed.
Very drought-tolerant; reduce watering during heatwaves to prevent leggy growth.