Crassula ovata Jade plants are hardy succulents, but they can have their share of common care problems. Find out what those are and how to fix them.
Most plant care problems are usually easy to fix by adjusting things like your watering schedule, or by moving your plant to another location with more or less light.
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What’s Wrong with your Jade Plant?
When you got the regular Jade plant care covered, but are still experiencing problems, it’s time to troubleshoot and find out why your plant might look like it’s struggling.
You can expect some issues like leaves drooping or falling off if you just brought your plant home or after repotting. Your plant is adjusting to the new situation. Give it some time to settle in before you do anything else.
- Leaves turning yellow
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Small white dots on leaves
- Leaves dropping
- Dry sunburn spots on leaves
- Shriveled leaves
- Leggy stems
- Leaves turning red
- Stunted Growth
- Leaves drooping
- Plant Pests
Address problems promptly and implement the suggested solutions, so you can keep your plant healthy for years to come.
Leaves Turning Yellow
If your jade plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it’s likely due to overwatering. Jade plants prefer dry soil and can suffer if they’re waterlogged.
Solution: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Adjust your watering schedule and make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. You can use a moisture meter to help you with when to water.
Related reading: When to water indoor succulents – Moisture meter usage tips.
Soft, Mushy Leaves
Soft or mushy leaves are a sign of overwatering or root rot. Excess moisture can cause the roots to decay, leading to unhealthy foliage.
Solution: Check the roots for rot and trim away any affected parts. Repot your jade plant in well-draining soil and reduce your watering frequency to prevent future issues.
Related reading: How to repot houseplants.
Small White Dots on Leaves
Small white dots on a Jade plant are an indication of salt buildup. When you water your plant with water containing excessive salts, the minerals can accumulate on the leaves, showing up as white spots. The good thing is that this will not harm your plant.
Solution: Switch to using distilled or filtered water. Additionally, you can flush out the excess salts from the soil by thoroughly watering your plant until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. Do this several times, allowing the water to flush out any accumulated salts.
Leaves Dropping, Falling Off
If your jade plant is dropping leaves, it could be due to environmental stress, such as sudden temperature changes or drafts. Other common reasons are over or underwatering.
Solution: Provide your plant with the appropriate amount of water and keep temperatures and humidity levels consistent. Avoid placing your Jade plant near heaters, air conditioners, or drafty windows.
Dry Spots on Leaves
Dry brown spots can most often caused by sunburn. Jade plants need plenty of sunlight but can get burned if exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
Solution: Move your plant further away from the window to a spot with bright, indirect sunlight to prevent further sun damage.
Related reading: How much sun do succulents need?
Shriveled Leaves
Shriveled leaves are a sign that your jade plant is not getting enough water. While these plants are drought-tolerant, they still need regular hydration.
Solution: Increase your watering frequency, but be mindful not to overwater. Find the right balance by checking the soil moisture regularly.
Leggy Stems
Leggy stems occur when a jade plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight. It will start growing tall and stretching out in search of light, resulting in sparse growth.
Solution: Move your jade plant to a brighter location to encourage compact, healthy growth. Prune leggy stems to promote bushier growth. Pruned parts can easily be propagated and planted back in the pot or grown into new plants.
Related reading: How to fix stretched out succulents.
Leaves Turning Red
Red leaf tips are a natural response to sun exposure. However, if the entire plant is turning red, it could indicate way too much sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Solution: Move your jade plant to a slightly shadier spot and ensure it’s not exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. Monitor its progress and adjust its location as needed.
Stunted Growth
Lack of growth may result from inadequate light, improper watering, or nutrient deficiencies.
Solution: Provide sufficient sunlight, adjust watering practices, and fertilize your jade plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth.
Leaves Drooping
Drooping leaves can signal either over or underwatering. Find the right balance to keep your jade plant happy.
Solution: Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering routine accordingly. Aim for consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil to prevent drooping.
Plant Pests
Common pests that may infest jade plants include mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stems and potentially weakening the overall health of the plant.
Solution: Isolate your Jade from other houseplants to prevent the spread of infestations. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests. Regularly inspect the plant, paying close attention to the undersides of leaves and along the stems, where pests often hide.
Related reading: How to get rid of house plant pests.