Jade plant, a no-fuss houseplant, is a succulent in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae).

Succulents are identified by their thick, fleshy leaves and stems. They can store water in their leaves, stems and roots, allowing them to tolerate dry conditions.

Their shiny, fleshy, oval leaves are one- to three-inches- long, 3/4- to 1-1/2-inches-wide, and mid- to dark-green with red margins when they receive sufficient sunlight. Their stems are also thick and fleshy with distinct rings.

New growth is green or reddish brown, but older growth becomes woody and has a more brownish-gray color. One unusual characteristic is that the entire length of the stem has a similar diameter rather than tapering toward its tip.

While you may choose any type of pot with drainage holes, clay or terracotta pots are ideal. These are porous and allow the soil to dry out quicker than glazed or plastic ones.

Well-drained soil is a must, as root rot may result if the soil does not drain quickly, or the plant is overwatered. A cactus-succulent potting mix is best. Plants should be watered only when the soil is completely dry. In extreme dry or wet conditions, the plant may experience leaf drop. They are happy to be root-bound but may be repotted every two to three years.

Jade plants prefer full to partial sun and will thrive in a south-facing window. They will grow and look best when they get four or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight will cause their leaves to become light green, and they will not have red edges. In Pennsylvania, plants may be moved outdoors for the summer but must be gradually acclimated to the higher-intensity outdoor sunlight to prevent sunburn. They are not frost-hardy and must be returned indoors before the first frost.

In small pots they tend to have a small root system and stay small, but with more space they can grow into large shrubs. They are ideal for bonsai, but their branches may also be trimmed to help them remain small and shapely.

Pruning, best done in the spring, will keep them compact and encourage new growth. Using a clean, sharp blade, cut the stems back just above a ring or to a lateral branch. These cuts will heal over in a few days and new growth will sprout. Remove any broken or crossed branches and any damaged or yellowed leaves.

Pinching the tips of the stems where there is new growth, 1/8 of an inch above a leaf pair, will also help your plant remain bushy and compact.

Fertilize plants using a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. Apply fertilizer two to three times in the spring and summer to encourage growth, but do not over-fertilize, as that may cause your plant to become leggy. If you repot your plant, wait four months before applying fertilizer.

The jade plant has few pests, but mealybugs are the most common. These white, fluffy insects attach themselves at the juncture of the leaf and stem and can cause deformities in the new growth. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the insects off the plant until all pests have been eliminated, which may take several days or weeks. You may also notice tiny white or black dots on the leaves. These are healthy, water-transferring pores and not a sign of disease.

This low-maintenance, no-fuss plant tolerates neglect and is a great choice for beginning gardeners.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.