Indoor Crassula ovata, also known as the Jade plant, thrives in a well-lit environment. It is best to place it in a position that receives bright light, ideally facing south or west. This will allow the plant to receive ample sunlight throughout the day. However, if you don’t have a south or west-facing window, don’t worry! The Jade plant is quite adaptable and can tolerate lower light conditions as well.
In my personal experience, I have had a Jade plant in a room with a north-facing window, which receives limited direct sunlight. Despite the lower light levels, the plant still grew well and remained healthy. It didn’t grow as quickly or produce as many new leaves as when placed in a brighter location, but it still thrived.
If you have a room that doesn’t receive much direct sunlight, you can still grow Crassula ovata by providing indirect or filtered light. Placing it near a window with a sheer curtain or using a grow light can help provide the necessary light for the plant’s growth. Just be cautious not to place it in a completely shaded area, as this can lead to leggy growth and a weakened plant.
During the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny, you can also move your Jade plant outside to a patio or balcony. Ensure that the outdoor location receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. This exposure to natural sunlight will promote even more robust growth and can even encourage flowering in some cases.
However, it’s important to remember that Crassula ovata is not frost-tolerant. As the weather starts to turn cold in early autumn, it is crucial to bring the plant back indoors to protect it from freezing temperatures. Exposure to cold can cause damage to the leaves and overall health of the plant.
To summarize, while Crassula ovata prefers a bright, sunny location such as a south or west-facing window, it can still grow in lower light conditions. Providing indirect or filtered light can be sufficient for its growth. Additionally, during the summer months, you can move it outdoors to a sunny patio, but remember to bring it back inside before the cold weather arrives.
