Can You Plant Jade And Aloe Together – How To Do It Properly!

Jade and aloe vera are succulents that are native to regions in Africa and Asia. Jade originates from South Africa, and aloe vera comes from eastern African locations as well as the Arabian Peninsula. Both plants thrive in wild desert environments and have similarities in growing conditions and care needs. In cooler and more temperate regions of the world, jade and aloe are beloved succulents to grow indoors. So many succulent lovers want to know, can you plant jade and aloe together?    

Generally, you can plant jade and aloe together in the same container. Both plants are succulents with more commonalities than differences in care needs. However, compromises in care may be necessary to keep both plants healthy when potted together. In addition, it’s imperative to choose a container that is a suitable size for both plants to have a comfortable amount of growing space for their leaves and roots.

Read on to learn more about caring for and the benefits of jade and aloe plants.  

Commonalities In Caring For Jade And Aloe Plants

Jade and aloe vera desire more common practices of care than differences which are helpful if attempting to grow the two plants in a shared container.

Due to their similar geographic origins, it makes sense that their water, soil, temperature, and humidity needs will align. In addition, spacing requirements, as well as pests and disease concerns, are also quite comparable with these two plants.  

Water

Both jade and aloe vera have growing seasons from spring to summer and require frequent watering. While jade can handle a little more moisture in the soil, it will remain healthy if allowing the soil to dry out in between waterings as aloe plants prefer. Both plants will go dormant in the wintertime and should only be watered monthly to avoid root rot.  

Soil 

Aloe vera and jade plants need loose, well-draining soil that mimics their native desert environments. Both plants can have root and stem rot issues if the soil contains too much moisture. Many garden centers have a premade cactus potting mix that will meet the needs of both plants. Any soil mix that contains elements of perlite, sand, or lava rock is a good choice.  

Container & Spacing

Because jade and aloe vera plants need not hold too much moisture in their soil, potting these succulents in terra-cotta or another porous container with proper drainage holes is recommended. Both plants will start small but also need room as they grow in size.

If sharing space, it’s best to start these plants in a container twice as wide as it is deep and repot them into larger containers as needed. Whatever the size of the plants or container, ensure at least a few inches of extra space around each succulent so they can continue growing and not feel constricted.  

Temperature & Humidity

Both aloe and jade grow well in typical indoor temperatures between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and enjoy nighttime temperatures at the cooler end of that range. In many growing environments, these plants can stay outside from late spring through summer, as long as temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees. Due to their desert origins, both plants excel in dry environments but will also grow fine with some humidity.  

Pests & Disease

As mentioned, jade and aloe grow in arid conditions in the wild, so they are quite susceptible to root rot or fungus if moisture is overabundant. Outside of the risk of root disease, both of these succulents are fairly disease resistant. Root disease can be avoided with strict watering practices and appropriate soil mixtures.

Mealybugs and spider mites are the most common pests affecting aloe and jade plants. The white sticky patches can identify mealybugs they leave on the plant’s leaves.

Spider mites can be challenging to identify early on but become visible as they multiply. Both pests can be mitigated by cleaning the leaves of the plants with a soft cloth doused in an alcohol and water mixture.  

Toxicity To Humans And Animals

Although aloe vera gel is a popular remedy for burns and other skin issues, it’s important to note that it should not be ingested. Jade and aloe vera plants can cause intestinal issues in humans and animals if ingested, especially in large quantities.

Also, while aloe vera produces a beneficial ointment from its leaves, jade sap has been known to cause skin irritation in some people. Remember to consider any children or pets in the home and plant these succulents out of reach.  

Differences In Caring For Jade And Aloe Plants

Although jade and aloe vera plants share many common care needs, they also differ. If you intend to plant these two succulents together, the good news is that none of their differences are drastic enough that they can’t be compromised to maintain the health of both plants.  

Lighting

While jade plants are light lovers, thriving in 4 to 6 hours of direct light per day, aloe plants prefer consistent indirect light. Luckily, jade can survive healthily in bright indirect light. However, the plant will not grow as quickly as it can when exposed to regular direct sunlight.

If growing these plants together, the recommended compromise is to accommodate the needs of the aloe vera plant. Place the succulents near well-lit south or west-facing window with consistent indirect light when growing indoors and in an environment that provides combined sun and shade if growing outdoors.  

Nutrients

Jade plants can benefit from a regular fertilizing schedule, while aloe vera plants do not need nutrient-rich soil to survive. Despite this difference, there are ways to accommodate both plants’ needs without negative effects.

Suppose growing jade and aloe in the same container, a compromise of regular but less frequent fertilizing, will give jade enough nutrients to remain healthy and not adversely affect the health of your aloe vera.

Feeding these two plants a succulent-specific fertilizer or a balanced ratio NPK fertilizer like 5-5-5 on a monthly basis during their growing season is ideal. Whatever nutrient source you use, it’s essential to dilute it so as not to over-fertilize either plant.  

Propagation Of Jade And Aloe Plants

Aloe vera and jade plants are easily propagated to produce additional succulents. Once aloe plants mature, they produce offshoots at the base of the plant, called pups.

These pups have their own root system and can be removed from the mother plant using pruning shears or a small spade. Jade plants do not produce offshoots, but once they are mature enough, you can take cuttings of 3 inches in length to propagate into new plants.  

After removing the cuttings of aloe vera and jade, both new plant babies must be kept in a warm, dry place for a few days until they develop a callus or scab on the end where they were cut.

Once the cuttings have scabbed over, they can be planted together or separately in soil and containers that are sized appropriately. Place the new plants in a well-lit location and water minimally the first few weeks to allow them to take root.  

Conclusion: A Succulent Container Garden

Aloe vera and jade plants are both attractive succulents to grow indoors. If you consider planting these two together, you may consider expanding into a multi-succulent container garden. Some other succulents that grow well with aloe and jade include echeveria, haworthia, and sedum. Combining these succulents can create an aesthetically dynamic container garden to spice up your home or office.