Best Soil for Jade Plant – Top 8 Picks (2022)

Succulent soil is nothing like the standard mixture of dirt we use for planting. As the parent of several cacti, jade, Aloe Vera plants, I had to experience many failures before success.

Today, I will share those words of wisdom in regards to the best soil for jade plant. Things might seem a little overwhelming at first, but it is normal. However, once you get the gist of their personality, you can even gift some to your friends.

You can propagate them or get them directly from the nursery. Either way, the soil you decide to utilize must contain a perfect blend of potting mix.

It is about time you figure out the soil type for the jade plant you have brought home. Read on!

Our Top 8 Best Soil for Jade Plants Reviews

Did you know the jade plant, aka Crassula Ovata, is natively grown in South Africa? It is a common housewarming gift there as many believe it showers the owner with good luck!

1. The Bonsai Supply Bonsai Soil All Purpose Mix 4 Quarts

As you can see, this is a soil mix for mostly bonsai lovers. But that does not stop me, a succulent devotee, from utilizing it. The 4-quart package is suitable for several small potted jade plants or a large one.

This depends on how you want the plant to grow. Thanks to the pre-mixed elements, you will not have to do anything except pour it on the container(s). I do advise wearing a mask as it releases a thin layer of dust.

While it is an amazing mix for the bonsai, you might have to add a little more potting soil when preparing it for the succulents, as in the jades. Just make sure the whole arrangement still delivers an excellent drainage process.

The only thing some users disliked is the low quantity in the package, which felt like a rip-off despite the reliable value. Aside from that problem, you are good to go with this best potting soil for jade plant!

Now the Bonsai Supply has provided this package for those who have zero knowledge about succulents and bonsais. It is super easy to use; the recyclable zip-lock bag can be reused to keep any leftovers, too.

While the item is highly coarse to ensure systematic drainage and adaptable pH balance, it also increases nutrient uptakes and aeration. To be brief, you will not have to search the whole market for perfection when it is right here before you.

If you have no clue like myself a few years ago, try out this product that blends all the necessary nourishments and compositions. You will love the way it will teach you slowly about your jade plant’s temperaments.

2. Hoffman 10404 Organic Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix

Using a cactus soil mix for the jade plant means expecting the presence of sand. It is one of the reasons why I occasionally turn to Hoffman 10404 cactus and succulent mix.

This is a 4-quart bag that might not be sufficient for those with a house full of cacti and such. The product contains mostly organic matters mixed with inorganic ones.

So what you get is peat moss, reed sedge peat, sand, limestone, and perlite. As a result, the plant you add it to will happily feel alive for the treat. The professionally formulated mix ensures proper drainage while flourishing growth at the same time.

Do not go overboard with excitement even when you see little flower buds after many months of patience. You deserve happiness due to the hard work, but the soil mix must be adaptable to the particular jade plant.

Otherwise, you are back to step one – searching for the right mix once again! That is why do not settle for this item, even if it is pretty awesome. It comprises lower coarse elements compared to the other products.

Hence, I keep it for special days or other plants that deserve more water-retaining than the jades. It will develop the roots, but there is still the risk of the soil becoming compact after a while.

Even if you prefer this mix for continuous nutrients, I believe adding gravels at the pot base before putting the soil might help.

Another problem is that the peat moss mixed soil tends to attract bugs. Using heavily diluted hydrogen peroxide might resolve the issue. It will not kill the plants either.

3. Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix by Perfect Plants (8QTS)

Sometimes it is not only the contents that we look forward to but also the packaging. Suppose you only have a small jade plant which obviously is in a little container.

This puts you in a position where you wish to buy the product but have no clue what to do with the rest of it. Thankfully, the Perfect Plants 8-quart succulent soil mix comes in an air-tight zip-locked bag for future purposes.

Now the product is the outcome of a small family-run nursery business. So what you get in the package is downright freshness in bulk quantity.

We have, by now, established the fact that the right soil can change the whole scenario of plant growth. Similarly, there is no going back here either. The organic matters, therefore, are of the highest quality.

Now, the only thing you have to keep in mind is the proper potting instructions. In case you do not know, never bury the jade plants too deep. Just gentle presses around the plants after organizing is enough.

You will find the fresh combo of peat moss, composted pine bark, perlite, and lime to adjust the pH level accordingly. This is where the main issue arises, though.

If you do not already know, jade plant soil must contain large particles, or the root may show signs of rot. These product particles are disappointingly smaller due to which water is retained for much too long.

My sincere suggestion would be to decrease the watering amount to as minimum as possible. This might somehow prevent the soil from conserving too much moisture. Plus, increasing the drainage holes in the container can balance the irregularity as well.

4. Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil- 2 Quarts

I personally find bonsai soil mix a superb way to grow the jade plants that have been depressed for weeks. If yours are showing such signs, it is time to replace the soil with something better.

The 2-quart Bonsai Jack mix might be slightly expensive to some jade lovers, but its result will surprise you nonetheless. There was a time when I almost gave up on a particular jade.

It was heartbreaking and snobby on my part. Then I came across this product and thought, sure, why not! I used it as the last resort and have never been this happier before!

Whatever was in the package appeared to know the core issue and restored the health to its origin. I later researched more about the product. You can use it without having any doubt, for it is one of the fastest draining soil mixes I have seen.

From 5.5 balanced pH level to the pathogen-free gritty mix, you will love how it flourishes the succulents, cacti, or bonsai. The mixture contains bonsai block (calcined clay), Monto clay, and pine coir.

Moreover, the particles are big enough to absorb water fast and retain the nutrients to feed the roots. I love to use this soil on the smaller jade plants I often keep by the window sill.

If you are not sure how to maintain the first-ever jade plant you have bought, choose a small container with a draining hole and the Bonsai Jack soil mix; you will not regret it!

5. xGarden Cactus and Succulent Soil Mix 8 Quarts

No matter how experienced a gardener you are, the jade plants in your care might face severe negligence. It happens because of applying the wrong soil mix. xGarden will ensure you do not go through all that hassle.

It has everything perfectly balanced with a stable pH level that you will not have to worry about what is missing out on. Some similar products mention excellent organic blends but still retains too much water.

You will not have to face such loopholes here. That is why it is time to replace the soil mix in the current use if it brings no change. Unquestionably your unique plants will require the premium mix to live long and bloom a flower or two.

My favorite part about this item is the way it makes way for aeration. It maximizes the root development without standing in the water for too long. Plus, the inclusion of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite flourishes the succulent with beaming care.

You will not have to walk on eggshells with anxious thoughts anymore. This medium is one of the most preferred ones for those who wish to replace the existing soil with something more enhanced.  

The majority of the obstacles, like roots in moist soil, will be eliminated effectively. It will not even damage the plant in the process. You can use it directly from the 8-quart package.

Nevertheless, you have to keep tabs on the soil due to the peat moss blend. It tends to attract bugs, which is a nuisance to get rid of without a backup plan.

6. Fat Plants San Diego Premium Cacti and Succulent Soil

Sometimes it takes magic to change the languishing state of the jade plants. In this case, the magic is called Fat Plants San Diego Premium cacti and succulent soil mix.

This 6-gallon package is like a housewarming gift to yourself for saving those plants when there is time. The soil works somewhat like the standard fertilizer granules.

Meaning, the NPK ratio analysis that works for regular trees and plants sort of embraces the mix. It has the 18-6-12 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) elements.

You can always lighten the concentration by adding extra soil. However, do this only when the succulent is too fragile to handle excessive fertilizer.

Anyhow, it slowly releases the nutrients enriched in the properties to feed your plants for six to nine months. There is no risk of long-term moisture-retaining, which in return strengthens the roots.

I have found this highly beneficial during propagating or transplanting jade plants. The perfect NPK balance allows it to be an excellent growing medium for vegetables and seedlings as well.

There is another reason why I recommend the product for beginners. It does not have any peat moss. If you do not know, peat moss retains more water than other organic matters.

It can question the survival of the succulents and cacti in the long term. This is another brand I heavily rely on when trying to revive some of my failed experiments – jade cuttings.  

You can definitely use it directly without any preparation. Just do not forget to water the plants at least once in two to three weeks.

7. The Next Gardener Professional Succulent and Cactus Soil Mix

This is an 8-quart soil mix that I often use during my dark days. The brand has been such a helpful delight at the beginning of my succulent motherhood that I personally thank the manufacturer for existing.

By now, you can already deduce that it is the best soil for an indoor jade plant. If you own a few cactus and other similar gems in the house or outdoor, this mix will work just the same.

The first thing I always notice in the succulent soil mix is the blend. As you already know, the regular mixture is often smooth, rich in nutrients, and requires frequent fertilizers.

In the case of these jade plants, you will not have to worry about such things. I love how coarse the blend is because that is how it should be. The porous the soil is, the better it can absorb and drain water.

It is lightweight and comes with a balance of 5.5 pH levels. Therefore, you can happily see the growth of your adorable jade succulents without any problem. This is a versatile mix, by the way! As a result, you can use it in vegetable beds, bonsai, potted flower plants, and cacti.

Besides, it is an awesome media for transplanting, propagating, repotting as well. Now, do you understand why it has been so beneficial during my dark days?   

The enriched formula contains substrate, perlite, and very little amount of fertilizer. Overall, if I can recommend it to my friends and family, it is only fair I let you know about the product too! 

8. Kenzoplants Succulents & Cactus Soil Mix 4 Quarts

Do you have plants that hate water but cannot survive without it? Whether it is a cactus or jade, the fast-draining option is essential for a healthy, juicy stemmed succulent.

The Kenzoplants soil mix plans to deliver just that in a package of 4-quart. Of course, you can get an 8- or 2-quart, depending on the number of succulents you own. Now how do you know it works?

Firstly, you will notice the soil mix has an organic substrate that can help an amateur gardener tremendously. Plus, there is the perlite and low fertilizer presence in the blend.

The sphagnum peat moss offers a lightweight and quick-draining advantage- while the perlite delivers plenty of gaps for air circulation.

On the other hand, the low fertilizer ensures the jades receive the perfect amount of nutrients at all times.

Overall, the composition works to strengthen the roots without showing any sign of excessive water retaining. It is a crucial point to check, for the balance of life and death of the plant lies in your hands.

Sure, jade, cactus, or other succulent plant types rarely requires water. The soil is capable of absorbing moisture from the air to carry on, supporting healthy growth even when you completely forget to water them.

This product can be a lifesaver to many gardeners or small succulent business owners who have to pot, repot, transplant, propagate, etc., a lot in one batch. The price might be the only issue here.

However, it will not be a problem for the garden enthusiasts who do owns only a few containers. Besides, it is highly recommended for Aloe Vera, snake, ZZ, and spider plants, as well.

Why do you not give it a try?

Factors to Consider Before Buying Jade Plant Soil

Forming an ecosystem filled with succulents means teaching yourself more about its needs. The soil comes first, but how well informed are you in this subject?

1. Better Drainage

No plant has ever survived that well after over-watering. Sometimes we do it unaware of the fact that each plant/succulent has different demands.

At the same time, these types of soil absorb water really fast, allowing the plants to intake what they require. The main point is to keep them from rotting.

It can happen when you continue watering the plant without realizing the bottom section is still moist. My suggestion is to rely on a pot with holes at the base and soil that delivers a quick-draining advantage.

2. Air Circulation

That is where this factor comes into light. In order to prevent the soil from becoming compact and overly moist, there should be a way to allow gaps around the particles.

These gaps let your succulent plant breathe well through the roots. It is possible only if you choose the right soil with gritty particles. In fact, select a variety of them in one package.

This will maximize the air circulation and control the moisture-retaining effectively.  

3. Size of Soil Particles

How does the soil mixture acquire gaps and better air circulating composition?

Particles with the bigger size are the only reasonable answer here. Therefore, choosing a soil mix that has dense/small particles can be the death of your jade plant.

These particles of variable elements should never be less than ¼-inch in size. It is my honest and most real advice for you if you want that treasure to overcome the environmental changes.

4. Nutrients

There is no point in purchasing jade soil if the product lacks the basic nourishing features, right? Always check the ingredient list given on the package.

It will help you choose the appropriate food for the succulents – indoor and outdoor. Remember that growing the jade plant in small pots and containers requires more nutrients.

The more the plant flourishes, the cheerer you will become, trust me!

5. Soil Ingredients

So you will also have to know a few of the ingredients generally available in the jade plant soil.

The most common and crucial to the plant are Haydite, Pumice, Japanese Hard Akadama, Perlite, Vermiculite, Pine Bark, etc.

You will notice that most of these are either gritty or has moderately big particles for swift water retention and drainage.

However, some of them even store the nutrients given for the jade plant to thrive happily.

Do not forget that the ideal soil recipe includes sand, perlite, succulent soil mix, peat moss, and others mentioned earlier.

6. PH Balance

You might ask yourself, why go through all the hassle of buying pre-made soil when you can arrange it manually from the yards?

Not all yards contain the same pH level. This can be problematic since jade or any succulent plants ought to have a precise level of acid. Most pre-made soil mix will have a pH level up to 5.5, 6.0, or 6.4.

What Kind of Soil for Jade Plant?

Let me answer this question two ways; the various jade plants I own seeks different types of nutrients despite the similar soil mix.

• Organic Matter

The majority of the soil brands provide organic matters because they allow the water to suffuse pretty fast. Some examples include peat moss, finely ground coconut fibers, and barks.

Honestly, they are all easy-pick properties in the soil mix. The only problem you will face is that these matters preserve too much water due to their larger sizes. Hence, they are more suitable for hardy jade plants.

One more issue is the peat moss. If you choose peat moss mixed soil, make sure to keep an eye on the plant. This matter is prone to attract fungus gnats, very annoying to get rid of.

• Inorganic Matter 

Now, if you wish to change the potting with a different kind of mix, inorganic matters are the solution. Ingredients like sand, perlite, or other gritty matters perfectly keep the soil drained from excessive water.

What I Use?

Despite maintaining the jade plants and such for several years, I am still a learner. Each plant has a mood, and I try to uplift it with good soil, light, and love.

I do not know if anybody else does this, but I use organic mattered soil mix for the older/matured jades but use inorganic matters for the new ones.

Final Words

The best soil for jade plant is the one that consists of the essential food. If you see the plants are growing juicy, dark green leaves, then you are doing it right!

Even though they are popular for easy care, do not forget them for days. Succulent plants demand loving care. If they are deprived of such companionship, they might end up wilting.

My secret – as crazy as it sounds – is to talk to my adorable jade plants each day. Sure, the rich soil ingredients with a better drainage system keep them from dying.

But it is your voice that keeps them happy and even presents you with flowers!