Dwarf Jade
Portulacaria afra
- Evergreen
- Broadleaf
- Full sun to partial shade
A succulent species ideal for beginners, with compact foliage, forgiving structure, and vigorous growth under warm conditions.
Zone 8b notes
Overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse; avoid frost and cold wet soil
Care profile
Placement
Full sun to partial shade
Thrives in bright light; protect from intense midday sun in hot, dry climates.
Watering
Low
Allow soil to dry between waterings; overwatering is a common issue.
Fertilization
Low-nitrogen
Feed lightly with balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer; reduce during dormancy.
Wiring
Spring to early summer
Use caution—branches snap easily; clip-and-grow is often preferred.
Pruning
Any time during active growth
Backbuds freely; prune regularly to maintain shape and compact internodes.
Repotting
Every 2–4 years
Repot in warm weather; avoid watering for a few days after repotting to prevent root rot.
Propagation
Cuttings
Extremely easy from cuttings; allow to callous before planting.
Winter notes
Keep above 40°F (5°C); susceptible to frost damage—bring indoors if needed.
Summer notes
Very drought-tolerant; reduce watering during heatwaves to prevent leggy growth.
Current phase
Early Summer- Watering
- Regular watering begins. Let soil fully dry between sessions. Avoid watering during cool cloudy periods.
- Fertilization
- Feed bi-weekly to monthly with diluted organic or cactus fertilizer during active growth.
- Pruning
- Trim back long shoots; pinch to encourage branching.
- Wiring
- Check for wire bite, rewire as needed.
- Summer Protection
- Provide partial shade during hottest afternoons.
- Development
- Optimize branch placement and interior growth.
