I am certainly no expert on Jade plants or succulents, but your right that good drainage is essential and sandy soils more ideal for these plants. I don't think they are to fussy about fertilizer, but as a general rule I would keep it lite. I understand from a friend who raises them commercially here in New Mexico that many of the newer hybrid succulents and cacti are being breed to flower more often or for the blooms to last longer. Cactus blooms are beautiful, but many of them only last a day or so. Hope this helps a bit. AL