Jade Plants, scientifically known as Crassula ovata, are fast becoming one of the world’s most popular beginner-friendly houseplants. These beauties are ideal first succulents for those new to this plant type, or to plants in general.
Requiring little maintenance and looking good year-round, there are many reasons to love Jade Plants. Unfortunately, that does not mean they are completely problem-free.
Mistakes in care, such as incorrect watering, or factors largely out of your control, like pest or disease infestations, can cause a number of common problems in Jade Plants. Identify the cause, resolve it and your Jade will be back to its structural self in no time.[toc]
Healthy leaves should be plump, green and glossy. If the edges are beginning to look shriveled or wrinkled, that is a sign of moisture stress in the plant.
The main cause of this problem is typically underwatering. The leaves have less water stored when the soil is excessively dry, causing the skin to wrinkle from the edges inwards. If the wrinkles are accompanied by yellowing on the edges, overwatering is probably the cause.
While Jade Plants don’t need watering very often, they can’t go for long periods with no water at all, especially when placed in a sunny spot. Water when you notice the soil dry out almost entirely to stop the leaves from wrinkling completely. If you do forget, the leaves should fill out again anyway when you water again.
Jade Plant leaves can also hold onto too much water, becoming soft and mushy. These mushy leaves often fall off the plant and attract pests and diseases, requiring immediate attention.
Mushy leaves that give way when squeezed between your fingers are a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the pot has enough drainage holes and that the soil is loose and sandy to stop the roots from sitting in water. Never water when the top half of the soil is still moist to the touch to avoid mushy leaves.
To deal with the problem, start by holding off on watering for a while. If the problem is not resolved, trim any rotten roots and replant into brand new soil to allow the plant to recover.
As is the case with other houseplants, the primary cause of yellowing leaves in Jade Plants is overwatering. These plants are slightly different from the common tropical plants in our homes as they are succulents, making them incredibly sensitive to overwatering and root rot.
Lifting up the pot to test its weight can help you determine how much water remains in the soil. If the pot is heavier than usual but the topsoil layer is dry, there is still moisture lower down, indicating you can hold off on watering for a while.
Nutrient problems can also cause the leaves to turn yellow. Nutrient deficiency is a potential cause, but as these plants prefer low-quality soils, overfertilizing is far more likely. Always follow the instructions on your fertilizer packaging and apply at half strength if needed to be on the safe side.
Black leaves are generally more alarming than yellowing leaves and require immediate attention to save the plant. As long as you act quickly the plant is usually saveable.
Like many problems on this list, the cause is usually excessive moisture and root rot. If you overwater or the soil does not drain well enough, the moisture in the soil begins to rot the roots. This problem spreads up the plant, causing the stems to shrivel and the leaves to turn black.
Spotted black leaves are also signs of a pest or disease problem. Aphids, although not particularly common on Jade Plants, secrete honeydew that leads to the growth of black sooty mold on the leaves. Some diseases can also cause black spots on the leaves, but aren’t likely, especially when growing indoors.
Like yellowing leaves, there are many causes for leaves turning brown, requiring some real detective work to identify the true cause.
The first potential cause is moisture related. Excessive moisture in the soil or even in the air around your plants can cause them to turn brown and then black before dropping off the plant. Underwatering can have the same effect, causing the leaves to turn brown from lack of moisture.
Excessive sunlight can also cause parts of the leaves to turn brown. Although they can handle high light conditions, Jade Plants that are used to indoor conditions need to be slowly introduced to high light to acclimatize and avoid damage. If they are moved suddenly from low light to direct sun, the leaves exposed to the sunlight will develop brown patches.
Increase the amount of light your plant gets slowly by an hour or so per day to allow it to adjust to higher sunlight levels.
The baby jade plant also known as the dwarf jade is a cute little succulent that can make an excellent houseplant. With its round, fleshy leaves and compact size, it looks great in any indoor setting. However, if you notice the leaves turning yellow, it could indicate an underlying problem.
Yellowing leaves are one of the most common issues with the baby jade plant. There are several potential causes for this, ranging from cultural problems to pests and diseases. Identifying the specific cause is key to saving your plant and restoring its vibrant green foliage.
Overwatering
Excess moisture is the number one reason for yellow leaves in baby jade plants As succulents native to arid regions, these plants are adapted to dry conditions Too much water can easily lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Check the soil before watering. If it is soggy or damp, hold off on adding more water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. When in doubt, underwater rather than overwater.
Repotting in a fast-draining soil mix can also help prevent issues. Add perlite, sand or small gravel to improve drainage and aeration.
Underwatering
While overwatering is more common, the opposite problem can also cause yellowing. If the plant lacks adequate moisture, the leaves will start to shrivel and turn yellow.
Baby jade plants should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Aim for about once a week in summer and every 2-3 weeks in winter. The frequency depends on factors like temperature, humidity, soil type, etc.
Always check the soil before watering. Wilting combined with dry soil indicates under-watering. Simply give the plant a thorough drink and it should perk back up.
Low Humidity
Native to South Africa, the baby jade thrives in relatively humid conditions. Low humidity can stress the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and drop.
Use a humidifier to raise humidity levels around your plant. Group plants together to create a self-contained humid microclimate. Pebble trays are another easy way to add moisture to the air.
Misting the leaves occasionally can provide a quick humidity boost. Just be careful not to overdo it as excess moisture invites pests and diseases.
Insufficient Light
Lack of adequate sunlight is another common reason for yellow baby jade leaves. These succulents need 4-6 hours of direct sun daily. Without enough light, growth slows and leaves lose their vibrant color.
Rotate the plant frequently so all sides get even sunlight exposure. Move it to the brightest spot in your home, right in front of a sunny window. Supplement with a grow light if sunlight is scarce.
Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves. Filter intense light by using a sheer curtain. Rotate outdoor plants to prevent leaf burn.
Temperature Extremes
Baby jade plants thrive in average room temperatures. Avoid placing them near hot and cold drafts from HVAC vents, open windows/doors, etc.
Temperatures below 50°F or rapid drops can shock the plant. Move it away from cold windows in winter. High heat above 80°F can also cause leaf scorching.
Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F for optimal growth. Protect outdoor plants by moving them to a sheltered location in extreme cold or heat.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients, especially nitrogen (N), causes stunted growth and yellowing in baby jade plants. Fertilize them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess salts can burn the roots. Flush the soil with clean water every few months to prevent buildup.
Check that the soil pH is between 6.0-7.0. Add lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it. Proper pH helps the plant access nutrients.
Repotting Stress
Repotting baby jade into larger containers is necessary when they become rootbound. However, it can shock the plant, causing some leaves to yellow and fall off.
To minimize stress, wait until the plant is actively growing in spring and summer to repot. Water thoroughly after repotting.
Avoid increasing the pot size by more than 2 inches at one time. Use fresh, sterile potting mix so pests and diseases are not transferred.
Pests
Common baby jade pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale can lead to yellowing foliage. These sucking insects extract nutrients and fluids from the leaves.
Check for small insects on the leaves and stems. Webbing, sticky residues, and tiny black dots are signs of an infestation.
Isolate and prune off heavily infested parts. Remove pests with a strong jet of water or rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control outbreaks.
Diseases
Fungal diseases like botrytis, powdery mildew, and downy mildew often cause yellow spotting on leaves. Root and stem rot can also lead to overall yellowing.
Improve air circulation and reduce moisture to prevent fungal growth. Remove and discard diseased parts. Treat with a copper-based fungicide.
Bacteria like pseudomonas and xanthomonas also infect baby jade plants. Prune infected parts and disinfect tools with bleach. Avoid overhead watering.
By identifying the specific cause and taking appropriate action, you can restore the beautiful green foliage of your baby jade plant. Pay close attention to its care needs and act promptly if problems arise. With proper maintenance, this cute little succulent can remain an attractive houseplant for years to come.
White Fluff On Leaves
A white, fluffy coating on the leaves is most likely a sign of a pest or disease problem.
White patches on the leaves are unfortunately not always harmless. Any fluffy or fuzzy texture is a likely sign of a pest or disease problem that needs immediate attention.
Mealybugs are known to attack many common houseplants, including Jade Plants. They use a fluffy white substance to protect themselves while they feed on the plants. This leaves a stark white trail behind. Use neem oil to rid the plant of these pesky bugs, applied repeatedly until they are all gone.
Powdery mildew is another potential cause. Although more common outdoors, this problem can still make its way inside and to your houseplants. Powdery mildew settles in areas with high humidity and lack of airflow, so avoiding those conditions is key to preventing this problem.
Leaves can fall off for several reasons: received wet stress, lack of sunlight, and temperature changes.
Jade Plant leaves can fall off the plant for a number of reasons, usually centered around stress of some kind. Resolving that stress should stop any more leaves from dropping, bringing your plant back to good health.
Moisture stress, caused by under or overwatering, will result in leaf drop. As they are drought-tolerant, overwatering is more likely. Only water when the soil has almost completely dried out and improve drainage to prevent further stress.
Lack of sunlight can also lead to the same problem. While this succulent can handle low light for short periods, Jade Plants grow best in bright areas and can even grow in direct morning sun. Move the plant away from low light corners far from windows. Leaf drop should stop within a few weeks.
Temperature drops are another potential cause, especially when they occur suddenly. Keep them in temperatures above 40F year-round to prevent any temperature-related problems.
Brown Spots on Leaves
Small brown spots can be caused by pests or simply trauma.
Small brown spots on the leaves of this succulent are slightly different from large patches or edging in cause.
The first reason for these spots is simply trauma. The soft leaves aren’t majorly sensitive, but will take some damage in high-traffic areas of the home. If you’re not careful with your pruning shears, any areas you trim will also begin to turn brown. As long as the spots are small, they won’t cause any issues with the plant.
Sap-sucking pests can also cause small brown spots on Jade Plant leaves, sometimes with a yellow ring around them. These bugs find the juicy leaves of this plant irresistible, settling down in one spot and feeding on the leaf. As this part of the leaf dies off, it will begin to turn brown. Identify the pest and apply the relevant fix to prevent any new spots from appearing.
The leaves turn red with excessive sunlight and with minor stress.
Jade Plant leaves are generally green, although some cultivars may have tinges of other colors to them. So, it can be distressing to find the previously glossy green leaves gaining red edging.
Luckily, this is no cause for concern and is often encouraged by owners who prefer the fiery look. Their leaves turn red when exposed to higher sunlight than usual to protect the foliage. Moving them to a shadier spot will cause the red color to disappear. Slowly moving them to higher light areas will encourage this color change.
Minor stress can also cause the leaves to turn red. Lack of nutrients, lack of moisture, or sudden temperature changes can all result in a color change in the leaves. As long as conditions are not too severe, these changes won’t harm the plant as they are accustomed to them in their native habitats and have evolved to adapt well.
In essence, if you like the reddish tinge to the leaves, you can leave the plant as is. If you prefer to keep them green, give them some shade and resolve any potential stress problems.
5 Reasons why your JADE PLANT leaves are FALLING OFF
FAQ
How do I fix yellow leaves on my jade plant?
What do overwatered jade leaves look like?
How often do you water a baby jade plant?
How do you fix a sick jade plant?
Why do Jade leaves turn yellow?
It’s natural for jade plant leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off as they mature. As a matter of fact, this phenomenon is common with other succulents. All in all, this process isn’t something to worry about. Occasionally, a leaf or two withers and detaches from your plant. In return, a new leaf grows in place of the old one.
Why are my Jade leaves falling off?
Mealybugs are the most common pest to affect the jade plant. The pest will start infesting a jade plant at the base of the leaves. As the mealybugs lay eggs and the eggs hatch, the bugs will start to feed on the leaves of your plant. They will suck out any liquid from the leaves, and that can cause the leaves to drop and fall off.
Why are my Jade leaves turning brown?
Another common pest is scale, which is related to mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny and can be hard to see, especially because they live on the bottom side of your leaves. As they take control over the leaves of your jade plant, they can turn the leaves yellow or brown. Luckily, you can use alcohol wipes to clean the leaves of these pests.
How do you know if a jade plant has root rot?
You can tell that your jade plant has root rot if the roots turn black and spongy. Plus, you might see some pale yellow leaves and brown or black spots. Even if succulents are highly tolerant of heat and light, too much or too little exposure can lead to yellow leaves. In addition to yellow discoloration, the leaves may wither or fall off.