What Are the Causes of Shallow Roots in a Jade Plant?

Growing to 4 feet tall with a 3-foot spread, jade plants (Crassula ovata) are known for their fleshy leaves and small, pink to white winter blossoms that dot their limbs. Naturally found in the desert, these succulents do not waste precious energy on extensive root growth but conserve it for foliage generation and water retention. These perennials grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, but also grow as houseplants.

Natural Rainfall Adaptation

Jade plants have a shallow root system to compete for the limited water resources in the desert. As rain falls, the heat evaporates the moisture quickly. By spreading their roots within the shallow soil, jade plants access the falling water quickly, rather than waiting for it to percolate deep into the ground. The moisture may never reach far into the soil, making deeper root systems unnecessary. A wide, horizontal root system covers more surface area for maximum root absorption when it does rain.

Storage Strategy

When jade plant roots absorb the moisture, they do not use the water immediately. They use their thick leaves, roots and stems as water storage facilities. Because jade plants store as much moisture as possible to withstand extreme drought, their root systems do not need to reach deeply. These succulents save energy by only growing a small root mass while directing any remaining energy toward vegetative growth and water storage. Jade plants put a lot of energy toward leaf development, such as growing the waxy cuticle that covers the leaves. This cuticle slows moisture loss when the sun is scorching hot.

Drought and Heat Survival

At times, jade plants do not have the energy reserves to grow extensive root systems, even shallow roots. If your jade plants experience drought, they automatically lower their metabolism and close their stomata, or tiny pores, during the daytime. Some cooling does occur as air passes between the numerous, fleshy leaves. In the cool evening, the stomata open for carbon dioxide absorption. With all the plants' energy in the leaves, the roots are simply left to absorb any moisture available, rather than expending energy for more growth.

Container Gardening

Jade plants' natural shallow root systems makes them perfect candidates for container gardening. Because they grow slowly with a limited root system, you do not need to repot them frequently. By placing them in a south-facing spot indoors, they will get their four hours of sun each day. When the jade plants are actively growing in spring and summer, try to keep the soil moist. If you forget to water your plants, they revert to their natural drought-survival adaptations -- over-watering jade plants is more detrimental to the roots because rot can set in quickly.