She says that eventually, a jade plant will develop a trunk and resemble wood, but it isn’t a woody plant—it’s still a succulent. How to Grow Jade PlantsThe Best Potting Soil for Jade PlantsGoodLifeStudio // Getty ImagesFor jade plants, you’ll want to turn to a well-drained cactus and succulent potting mix. Andrey Nikitin // Getty Images“Give the jade plant as much sun as possible for the best results,” Eldred Steinkopf says. Jade Plant Watering NeedsGalina Vetertsovskaya // Getty Images“Water your plant thoroughly,” Eldred Steinkopf suggests. Eldred Steinkopf recommends fertilizing your jade plant with “a low-nitrogen fertilizer made for succulents and cacti” around once a month when it’s actively growing.