The jade plant is the classic long-lived succulent that lives on windowsills for decades and gets passed between families like an heirloom. In good light the thick, oval leaves take on a red rim around the edges, and mature plants develop a woody, bonsai-like trunk that's half the appeal. It's the kind of plant that looks better the older it gets.
It asks for very little: bright sun, gritty soil, and water only when the soil has dried completely. The one mistake that kills most jades is overwatering — mushy stems at the base are the tell. Bring it outside for the summer if you can; the extra sun strengthens the trunk and deepens the leaf colour, and it may even reward you with clusters of pale pink star flowers in winter.
Wants as much direct sun as you can give it — a south-facing windowsill is ideal. In lower light it grows leggy and the leaves lose their red-tinged edges.
Water the soil thoroughly, then let it dry bone dry before the next drink
Tolerant — forgives a missed watering and prefers to dry out.
Toxic to cats and dogs — causes vomiting and lethargy if eaten. Keep away from pets.
Soak the soil, then leave it bone dry before watering again
Feed with a dilute succulent fertiliser
Mushy stems at the base mean overwatering — ease off immediately
Red leaf edges mean good sun; plain green means it wants more light
Repot in gritty cactus mix when roots fill the pot