Figure 1. Various jade plants (Clockwise, starting from the top – Crassula ovata, C. ovata Variegata, and C. ovata Hobbit) by Mandy L. Smith, Penn State
Jade plant is a type of succulent in the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). Succulents are easily identified by their thick, fleshy leaves and stems. They can store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to tolerate dry conditions. Native to South Africa and Mozambique, the jade plant grows naturally as an evergreen shrub, reaching heights of up to 6 feet and living up to 100 years. It is now found worldwide as an ornamental potted plant. They are hardy in USDA zones 11 to 12 and may be grown as a landscape plant, but in Pennsylvania, they will need to be grown as a houseplant.
Figure 2. Crassula ovata leaves by Forest and Kim Starr on NC Extension. CC BY 2.0
Its name, Crassula, is from the Latin crassus, meaning thick or fat, referring to the plants fleshy nature, and ovata, meaning egg-shaped, referring to the shape of its leaves. Their shiny, fleshy, oval leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, 3/4 to 1 1⁄2 inches wide, and mid to dark green with red margins when they receive sufficient sunlight. Their stems are also thick and fleshy with distinct rings. New growth is green or reddish brown, but older growth becomes woody and has a more brownish-gray color. One unusual characteristic is that the entire length of the stem has a similar diameter rather than tapering toward its tip. When grown outdoors in the proper climate, they will have clusters of white, star-shaped flowers tinged with pink, but they typically will not flower indoors.
While you may choose any type of pot with a drainage hole, clay or terracotta pots are ideal. These are porous and allow the soil to dry out quicker than glazed or plastic ones. Well-drained soil is a must, as root rot may result if the soil does not drain quickly or the plant is overwatered. A cactus/succulent potting mix is ideal. Plants should be watered infrequently and only when the soil is completely dry. In extremely dry or wet conditions, the plant may experience leaf drop. They are happy to be root-bound but may be repotted every 2 to 3 years.
Jade plants prefer full to partial sun and will thrive in a south-facing window. They will grow and look their best when they get four or more hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient sunlight will cause their leaves to become light green, and they will not have attractive, red edges. If you do not have a south-facing window and find that your plant is not thriving, you may consider full-spectrum (which contains both red and blue light) artificial lighting. Keep your light source close to your plant. A light positioned too far away will cause your jade plant to stretch toward the light and become leggy. Reposition your light as your plant grows larger. Twelve hours of artificial light will meet the sunlight needs of your plant, but be sure to turn your light off after that time, as all plants need some hours of darkness to remain healthy. In Pennsylvania, plants may be moved outdoors for the summer but must be gradually acclimated to the higher-intensity outdoor sunlight to prevent sunburn. Since they are not frost-hardy, they must be returned indoors before the first frost.
In small pots, they will tend to have a small root system and stay small, but with more space they can grow into large shrubs. They are ideal for bonsai, but their branches may also be trimmed to help them remain small and shapely. Best done in the spring, pruning will keep them compact and encourage new growth. Using a clean, sharp blade, cut the stems back just above a ring or to a lateral branch. These cuts will heal over a few days, and new growth will sprout. Remove any broken or crossed branches and any damaged or yellowed leaves. Pinching the tips of the stems where there is new growth, 1/8 of an inch above a leaf pair, will also help your plant remain bushy and compact.
Fertilize plants using a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer. Apply fertilizer 2 to 3 times in the spring and summer to encourage growth, but do not over-fertilize, as that may cause your plant to become leggy. If you repot your plant, wait four months before applying fertilizer.
The jade plant has few pests, but mealybugs are the most common. These white, fluffy insects attach themselves at the juncture of the leaf and stem and can cause deformities in the new growth. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the insects off the plant until all of the pests have been eliminated, which may take several days or weeks. You may also notice tiny, white, or black dots on their leaves. These are healthy, water-transferring pores called hydathodes and not a sign of disease.
While the straight species, Crassula ovata, is attractive, there are several cultivars having different appearances to choose from.
You may also find silver jade plant, Crassula arborescens, another jade family plant. Their rounded, blue silvery-gray leaves have maroon edges and small maroon spots on the upper surface. Another subspecies is ripple jade, Crassula arborescens ssp. undulatifolia. The leaves of this plant are rippled or wavy in appearance and blue-green rather than silvery.
The baby jade plant, also known as the dwarf jade plant or small leaf jade plant, is a popular houseplant known for its ease of care and hardiness. However, even hardy plants like the baby jade can fall victim to diseases that impact their health and appearance. As a baby jade parent, it’s important to know how to identify, treat, and prevent common baby jade diseases. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common baby jade plant diseases, along with tips for treatment and prevention.
Common Baby Jade Plant Diseases
Here are some of the most prevalent diseases that impact baby jade plants
Powdery Mildew
One of the most common fungal diseases in baby jade plants is powdery mildew. It appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and stems. Powdery mildew thrives in humid environments with poor air circulation. If unchecked, it can cause leaf yellowing and drop.
To treat powdery mildew, improve air circulation around your plant, prune off affected parts, and use a sulfur-based fungicide. Prevent this disease by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good airflow around your baby jade.
Soft Rot
Soft rot is a bacterial disease that causes soft, mushy spots on the baby jade’s stems and leaves. Affected parts eventually turn black and die. Soft rot is caused by overwatering or bacterial infection through wounds.
To treat soft rot, use sterilized pruning shears to remove all affected, mushy parts of the plant. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat remaining parts. Repot in fresh soil and avoid overwatering.
Root Rot
Root rot is one of the most destructive baby jade diseases. It is caused by overwatering, which leads to fungal infection of the roots. Plants with root rot have yellowing leaves and stunted growth. The roots appear dark brown or black.
Treat root rot by removing the plant from its pot and trimming off all affected roots. Repot in well-draining soil, water sparingly, and allow the soil to dry between waterings.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are common sap-sucking pests that can infest baby jade plants They appear as small white cottony spots on leaves and stems A heavy infestation causes leaf yellowing and drop.
To get rid of mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove visible bugs. Then spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Repeat treatments weekly until mealybugs are gone. Keep the plant isolated during treatment.
Aphids
Like mealybugs, aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that feed on baby jade plants. They cause curled, wrinkled, and yellowing leaves when present in large numbers.
Blast aphids off plants with a strong stream of water. Follow up by spraying insecticidal soap on the plant to kill any remaining aphids. Apply it weekly until the infestation clears.
Isolate affected plants and check others nearby for signs of aphids. These pests spread quickly between houseplants.
Identifying Baby Jade Diseases
Catching diseases early allows you to take action before major damage occurs. Here are some tips for identifying common baby jade plant diseases:
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Inspect leaves and stems closely for spots, mushy areas, mold, etc. Use a magnifying glass if needed.
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Check undersides of leaves – this is where pests like mealybugs and aphids tend to gather.
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Look for signs of pests like honeydew secretions, webbing, and white cottony deposits.
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Monitor your plant’s growth and look for symptoms like yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, wilting.
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Check the roots and lower stem for signs of rot like black or brown discoloration.
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Consider environmental factors like overwatering, humidity, or drafts that can lead to disease.
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Separate sick plants to prevent disease spread.
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Research symptoms online to identify the specific disease your plant has.
Treating Baby Jade Plant Diseases
Once you’ve identified the problem plagueing your baby jade, prompt treatment is key to saving your plant. Here are some treatment tips:
Fungal diseases – Prune off affected parts, improve air circulation, treat with fungicides.
Bacterial diseases – Remove infected parts, treat with bactericides, isolate plant.
Pests – Manually remove visible insects, spray with insecticidal soap/neem oil.
Root rot – Trim rotten roots, repot in fresh soil, avoid overwatering.
Overwatering issues – Check for root rot, allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Underwatering – Give plant a deep watering, ensure proper soil moisture.
Nutrient deficiencies – Fertilize plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Environmental factors – Improve airflow, adjust watering, monitor humidity and temperature.
If needed, you can consult local garden centers, horticulturists, or your agricultural extension office for advice on treating specific diseases in baby jade plants. Proper identification is key to choosing the right treatment.
Preventing Baby Jade Diseases
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to plant diseases. Here are some tips to keep your baby jade healthy and disease-free:
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Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to avoid overwatering diseases.
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Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
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Allow good airflow around your plant by spacing it appropriately.
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Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs and aphids.
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Disinfect pruning shears before using them to avoid spreading diseases.
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Avoid overhead watering which can aid disease spread.
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Don’t crowd plants together – allow good spacing for air circulation.
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Keep plants away from high traffic areas to prevent mechanical damage.
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Monitor for signs of disease and isolate sick plants quickly.
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Consider using neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays preventatively.
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Ensure your baby jade gets adequate sunlight and fertilizer for strong growth.
While the baby jade plant is quite hardy, it can fall prey to some common houseplant diseases, especially if care guidelines aren’t followed. Stay vigilant for signs of disease, and be prepared to take prompt action if you notice anything amiss. Identify the problem accurately, and use the appropriate organic treatments. With quick intervention and preventive care, your baby jade will continue thriving for years to come!
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Jade Plant Problems and Pests | Save a DYING Crassula Ovata | MOODY BLOOMS
FAQ
How do you treat a jade plant that has a disease?
What does fungus look like on a jade plant?
How do you take care of a baby jade plant?
What diseases affect jade plants?
By being able to identify these diseases in their early stages, you can address them promptly and increase the chances of successful recovery. One of the most prevalent diseases that affect jade plants is powdery mildew. This fungal infection appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant.
How do you care for a baby jade plant?
You should also reduce the frequency of watering and ensure that the pot has drainage holes. While the Baby Jade plant is a low-maintenance plant that is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of infestations or infections and take prompt action to treat them.
What is a baby Jade Tree?
This plant is a member of the Crassulaceae family, and its small, round leaves are reminiscent of the precious jade stones. The Baby Jade is also known as the Friendship Tree, Lucky Plant, and Money Tree, as it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to its owners.
How to keep Jade plants disease-free?
Implementing preventive measures is key to keeping your jade plants disease-free. Proper watering techniques, good air circulation, and maintaining optimal light levels are some of the essential practices to minimize the risk of diseases.