Do Jade Plants Like Acidic Soil?

Should you be using acidic soil for your Jade plant?

Does this plant grow well in this type of soil?

If you are a new growing Jade plant, you might be having many such questions in your mind.

In fact, it is quite a task to have a specific soil for each plant in your indoor garden.

But if you want to see an expected growth in your favorite plants, you have to understand the needs of the plants.

So, in today's guide, let's learn more about the soil requirements of the Jade plant.

Does Jade Plant Like Acidic Soil?

Yes, Jade plants do like acidic soil.

It's the perfect soil for this type of succulents, as it does well between a pH level of 6.1 and 6.5.

Having said that, the Jade plant is native to South Africa, where the conditions are relatively harsh for the plants.

This is why the plant has adapted itself to thrive in difficult growing conditions.

So, even if you don't have acidic soil, it won't make much of a difference to this plant.

It will still do alright in slightly alkaline soil.

However, the pH level of your potting soil should always be in a moderate range.

It shouldn't be too low or high.

Otherwise, the plant will have difficulties growing in such conditions.

Below, I have shared a few tips on maintaining the pH level of your soil and making it more acidic for the Jade plant.

So, do check them out.

6 Different Ways To Increase Acidity In Your Jade Plant Soil

Here's how you can increase the acidity of your soil - 

Important: You should always check the pH level of your soil before making any assumptions about the soil.

There are many tools available in the market that can help you identify the correct pH value of the soil.

For the Jade plant, you need a pH level of around the 6.3 mark.

And for those who don't know, the soil with a pH level of 7.0 or below is always considered acidic in nature.

So, it'd be better if you inspect the soil.

Now, let's look at the ways through which you can achieve the right pH for your Jade plant soil.

1. Compost

As you know, compost is known as one of the best fertilizers for all plants in the garden.

It works so effectively that you don't have to worry about the growth of your plants.

But there is more to it.

Well, it also helps in lowering the pH value of the soil.

When the compost breaks down in the soil, it significantly reduces the soil's pH.

So, that's a huge advantage of using this natural plant food in the soil.

The other good thing about compost is you don't have to get it from a store.

It can easily be prepared at home with the help of a compost bin.

Therefore, if you really want to make your soil more acidic, do try making compost at home.

2. Organic Matter

Similar to compost, you can make use of organic matter to increase the acidity levels of your Jade plant soil.

Now, what is organic matter?

In simple terms, it could be anything that can easily decompose in the soil.

For e.g., 

You can use dried twigs and leaves of a damaged plant as organic matter.

Similarly, dried grass cuttings can also be used as mulch for your potting soil.

These organic materials break down in the soil and maintain a good level of pH.

But there is a catch!

This whole process can take 6-12 months of period depending on the size of organic materials. 

So, if you want a quick fix to your problem, it may not be the best option for you.

3. Coffee Grounds

Yes, you can use coffee grounds as well!

Coffee grounds are naturally acidic, so it is definitely a great addition to increase the acidity of your soil.

But how do you use them?

Well, you can simply collect the coffee grounds in a pot for a week or so.

Rinse it thoroughly and spread it on top of the soil.

If you have never used coffee grounds earlier, you need to know that it won't make your soil acidic immediately.

The decomposition process takes some time.

So, you will probably have to wait for a month or two to see the results.

If you are looking for immediate results, you will probably have to resort to other options mentioned in the guide.

Note: You can also use it for your rose plants in the garden. 

The roses do love acidic soil!

4. Compost Tea 

Compost tea is something that can give you quick results, as the liquid gets absorbed fairly quickly by the soil.

In case you don't know much about compost tea, it's nothing but the juices that leach out of the compost bin.

Although it can be used as a fertilizer, you can also use it to spray on the leaves and branches of the plant.

There is one thing you need to remember, though!

The extracted compost tea will always be in concentrated form.

Therefore, you shouldn't be using it directly on the plants.

You will have to dilute it significantly before applying it to the plants.

As for the application schedule, you can safely apply it every week.

Note: This process depends on the growth of the plants as well as overall conditions at your place.

You should refrain from using it if the conditions are unfavorable.

5. Peat Moss

When you think about the soil mixtures, you will find this name popping up in many lists.

Peat Moss is quite useful in amending the soil.

It can also be an excellent substitute for your regular garden soil.

As for Peat Moss's pH balancing capabilities, you can surely use it with closed eyes.

It is a recommended medium for plants that require acidic soil.

The only concern with using Peat Moss is it holds water for a long time, which may not be very useful for succulents like Jade plants.

So, you will have to prepare a separate mixture of soil where you can use this medium along with some other growing mediums.

6. Cocopeat

Finally, the cocopeat!

It also helps lower the pH in the soil.

Even though it is pretty effective for preparing the soil, you shouldn't entirely fill the pot with it.

The reason is its soil soaking capability.

The cocopeat is known to hold water for a very long time.

Now, this might be a good thing for most indoor plants, but it won't be very beneficial for your Jade plant.

Since the Jade plant likes gritty soil, you should limit the quantity of cocopeat in the pot.

Instead, prepare a mixture of sand, cocopeat, and compost, where the proportion of sand should be higher than the other two elements.

Now, let's have a look at the FAQs below.

FAQs

Over To You

Jade plants are not very fuzzy plants when it comes to their growing mediums.

They generally thrive in neutral to acidic soil types.

So, in most cases, you will have no issues growing this plant in your house.

Still, if you have any queries, feel free to leave a comment below.

Moreover, if you liked this guide, do share it with your friends and family.