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Jade plants are charming succulents that develop into almost Bonsai-like small trees when mature. They are known for their looks, but also for their ease of care, and tolerance. Jade plants can live for nearly 100 years old with proper care. If you notice a jade plant turning red, it is probably not a cause for concern. However, you should make sure what the reason is, just in case something is really wrong.
Jade plants are a popular houseplant known for their easy care requirements. However, sometimes the normally green leaves can turn red, leaving plant owners concerned.
Red leaves on a jade plant are often nothing to worry about. But in some cases, it can signal problems with care or growing conditions.
In this article, we’ll cover all the reasons a jade plant can get red leaves. That way, you can troubleshoot the cause and take steps to return it to lush green growth.
Reasons Jade Plant Leaves Turn Red
There are several possible explanations why the leaves on your jade plant are changing from green to red Here are the most common causes
Variety-Specific Traits
Some jade plant varieties naturally develop red hues on their leaves or leaf margins. This trait is part of their specific appearance.
For example, the ‘Sunset’ cultivar has yellow leaves with red edges And ‘Hobbit’ jades have long green leaves with bright red tips
So first, identify your specific jade variety to see if red leaves are normal.
Excess Light
The most common reason indoor jade plants get red leaves is too much light. Direct sun through a south or west window can cause red leaf tips or margins.
Outdoor jades in full sun also frequently take on red hues. Move an affected plant to bright, indirect light to allow the leaves to return to green.
Underwatering
Lack of water causes jade plant leaves to shrivel and turn red. This often happens with new plants until their watering needs are established.
Check for wrinkled, off-color leaves and water thoroughly. The leaves should plump back up in a few days.
Overwatering
Too much moisture can also cause red leaves. Overwatering causes dropped leaves, root rot, and leaves turning red then brown.
Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and reduce watering frequency. Use a moisture meter to determine when your jade needs water.
Temperature Extremes
Exposure to very cold or very hot temperatures can turn jade leaves red. Indoor jades are sensitive to drafts from windows, doors, and air vents.
Keep your plant between 65-75°F and avoid setting it in drafty areas. Outdoor jades need to be moved indoors or protected when temps drop below 50°F.
Sunburn
Outdoor jades exposed to full sun can develop red, blistered, or burned leaves, especially if it’s not acclimatized. Move the affected plant to a shady spot until it recovers.
When moving any jade into a sunnier location, do it gradually over several weeks. This gives the leaves time to adjust and prevent sun scorch.
Pests
Heavy infestations of pests like mealybugs, mites, or scale insects can cause red spotting on jade plant leaves. Check for signs of bugs on the leaves and stems if you see suspicious spots.
Isolate and treat infested plants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading. Remove badly damaged leaves and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Lack of Nutrients
An absence of nutrients in the soil can sometimes trigger red leaves. Jades are not heavy feeders but still require some fertilizer to thrive.
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 strength during the active growing season in spring and summer.
What to Do About Red Jade Leaves
Now that you know why jade plant leaves turn red, here are some tips to return your plant to normal green growth:
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For red leaves caused by excess light, move the jade back from the window and provide bright indirect light. Gradually reintroduce it to more sun over time.
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If under-watering is the issue, give the plant a thorough soaking and check soil moisture regularly. Leaves should plump back up within a few days.
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For overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Remove any rotted roots and repot in fresh soil if needed.
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Protect outdoor jades from temperature swings by moving pots indoors or using covers as needed.
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Treat any pests immediately and isolate affected plants to prevent spreading. Remove badly infested leaves.
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Use a balanced fertilizer at half strength to provide nutrients if deficiency is suspected.
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For serious cases, take stem cuttings and root them to start a new healthy jade plant.
The key is observing your plant closely and identifying the underlying cause of the red leaves. Address any care issues promptly to keep your jade green and growing happily! Proper light, water, temperature, and pest monitoring will ensure your jade thrives for years to come.
Is Your Jade Going Red?
There are around 200 species of Crassula, or jade plant. Many of these naturally have blushed tips, such as the Golden Jade Tree. This plant has almost lime green leaves, adorned with pinkish red edges. Other examples might be Botany Bay, Harbour Lights, Silver Dollar jade, or
Silver jade. There are many more varieties that normally sport red edging along the leaves. So if your jade is getting red, look up the variety and see if this is part of the plant. A jade plant with red edges is not necessarily a bad thing and could be part of the plants foliar color.
Most Common Cause for a Jade Going Red
If you dont have a variety that is supposed to have red edges, dont panic. In most cases, when a jade has red tips the cause is a cultural issue.
Lighting is the most common reason. Jade plants in a sunny, west or southern window, may experience too much light. This is especially true in spring and summer when the plant may be responding to too much sunlight. Move it back away from the window a bit and it will recover. To avoid your jade plant turning red, give it 3 to 5 hours of full sun per day. An eastern window will give the plant bright morning sunlight, while protecting it at noon, when the hottest rays arrive.
Tips and Tricks of Jade Plant Red Leave Tips
FAQ
Why are the leaves on my jade plant turning red?
Jade plant leaves turning red is often a sign of stress, usually due to excessive sunlight or temperature fluctuations.
What does an overwatered jade plant look like?
An overwatered jade plant will display several noticeable signs, including mushy, soft, or yellowing leaves, leaf drop, and potential root rot.
Why are the leaves on my succulent plant turning red?
Carotenoids & Anthocyanins
Depending on the variety of succulent, stress will cause them to either create more carotenoids or anthocyanins. Carotenoids are pigments that we perceive to be orange or yellow, while anthocyanins are pigments that we tend to perceive as red or purple.
How do you revive a sunburned jade plant?
Repotting If Necessary
If your jade plant’s roots are cramped or the soil has become compacted, repotting can help it recover from sunburn. Repotting gives the plant fresh soil and more space to grow.