In Chinese culture Jade plant is cherished as a symbol of fortune and prosperity. The thick, glossy leaves of this tree like structure plant are prominent to improve aesthetics of your space.
Apart from adding beauty to your living space, Jade plant improves air quality by removing toxins from the atmosphere.
Being succulent Jade plant is resilient and requires minimal care. But, sometimes even the most experienced gardeners run into simple mistakes that can cost you plant’s life.
Fortunately, you can avoid these common jade plant growing mistakes with little care.
Jade plants are generally low-maintenance, but their unique needs mean they can be prone to specific issues, especially if they’re not getting the right care.
Understanding these common problems can help you keep your jade plant thriving for years to come.
Note: Overwatering and not getting enough sun exposure are common causes of discolored leaves among houseplants.
11 Common Jade Plant Problems
1. Shriveled Leaves
Shriveled, wrinkled leaves that appear thin and dry are a clear indicator that your jade plant is not getting enough water. In severe cases, the leaves may also become brittle and fall off.
The most common cause of shriveled leaves is underwatering.
Jade plants store water in their leaves, so when they don’t receive enough moisture, the leaves start to dehydrate, resulting in a shriveled appearance. This issue can also occur if the plant is exposed to prolonged periods of intense sunlight without adequate watering.
How to Overcome: To revive a jade plant with shriveled leaves, start by giving it a deep watering. Water the plant thoroughly until water flows out of the drainage holes.
Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. Moving forward, establish a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
If the plant is exposed to harsh sunlight, consider moving it to a spot with bright, indirect light.
2. Soft, Mushy Leaves
Leaves that are soft, mushy, and may even feel slimy to the touch indicate that the plant is holding too much water. The leaves may also appear swollen or translucent.
Overwatering is the primary culprit behind soft, mushy leaves. Jade plants are succulents, meaning they’re adapted to survive in dry conditions.
Excessive watering can cause the leaves to absorb more water than they can handle, leading to cell rupture and a mushy texture.
How to Overcome: First, stop watering the plant immediately. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If the plant is in a pot without drainage holes, consider repotting it into a container that allows excess water to escape.
If the mushy leaves are widespread, you may need to remove the affected leaves and check the roots for signs of rot. Trim away any rotten roots, and replant the jade in fresh, well-draining soil.
3. Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a jade plant are a sign that something is off. The leaves may start to turn yellow from the tips, edges, or even the entire leaf.
Yellow leaves can result from several factors, including overwatering, poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, or a lack of sunlight.
When a jade plant’s roots sit in waterlogged soil, they can’t take up oxygen properly, leading to yellowing leaves. Nutrient imbalances or inadequate light can also cause the plant’s leaves to lose their vibrant green color.
How to Overcome: To address yellowing leaves, start by assessing your watering habits. Ensure the soil is well-draining and that you’re not overwatering the plant.
If poor drainage is the issue, consider repotting the plant in a pot with drainage holes and using a succulent-specific soil mix.
If your jade plant is not getting enough light, move it to a brighter location. In the case of nutrient deficiencies, a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season can help restore the plant’s health.
4. Black & Brown Leaves
Black or brown patches on jade plant leaves are alarming signs that the plant is in distress. These discolored spots may appear soft or sunken and can spread rapidly if not addressed.
Black and brown leaves are often the result of root rot or fungal infections, both of which are typically caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Cold damage from exposure to low temperatures can also cause dark, necrotic spots on the leaves.
How to Overcome: To prevent the spread of black and brown spots, you’ll need to act quickly. First, remove any affected leaves to prevent the infection from spreading. Then, check the soil and roots for signs of rot.
If root rot is present, trim away the affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil. To avoid future issues, water the plant only when the soil is completely dry, and keep it in a warm, well-lit location.
5. Brown Spots on Leaves
Brown spots on jade plant leaves can vary in size and are usually dry and crusty. These spots may start small but can grow larger over time.
Brown spots are often caused by sunburn, particularly if the plant is suddenly exposed to intense, direct sunlight after being in a shaded area. The spots can also result from insect infestations, such as spider mites or scale insects, which damage the leaves as they feed.
How to Overcome: If sunburn is the cause, move your jade plant to a location with bright, indirect light and gradually acclimate it to higher light levels to prevent further damage.
For insect-related brown spots, inspect the plant carefully and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests are present. Removing the affected leaves may also be necessary if the spots are severe.
6. White Spots on Leaves
White spots on jade plant leaves can be small and circular or appear as a powdery substance on the leaf surface.
White spots can be a sign of powdery mildew, a fungal infection that thrives in humid conditions. They can also be caused by hard water deposits, which leave behind a white residue on the leaves.
How to Overcome: For powdery mildew, increase air circulation around the plant and avoid getting the leaves wet during watering.
If the infection is mild, you can wipe the leaves with a mixture of water and baking soda. For hard water spots, clean the leaves with distilled water or a mixture of water and vinegar to remove the deposits.
7. White Fluff on Leaves
White, fluffy patches on the leaves or stems of your jade plant are usually a sign of mealybugs, a common pest that feeds on plant sap.
Mealybugs are attracted to jade plants, particularly in warm, humid conditions. They cluster in the crevices between leaves and stems, where they suck the sap, weakening the plant and causing white, cotton-like fluff to appear.
How to Overcome: To get rid of mealybugs, isolate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the bugs from the plant.
For larger infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective. Regularly inspect your jade plant for signs of mealybugs and treat any new infestations promptly.
8. Leaf Drop
Leaf drop in jade plants is when leaves fall off the plant unexpectedly. The leaves may still be green or show signs of discoloration before falling.
Leaf drop can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, sudden changes in temperature, or stress from repotting. Inconsistent care routines can also lead to leaf drop, as the plant struggles to adapt to varying conditions.
How to Overcome: To prevent leaf drop, ensure your jade plant is receiving consistent care. Avoid sudden changes in its environment, such as moving it from a warm room to a cold one or changing its watering schedule drastically.
If leaf drop is due to overwatering, reduce the frequency of watering and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. If underwatering is the issue, increase the frequency of watering, but be sure not to overdo it.
9. Lack of New Growth
A jade plant that isn’t producing new leaves or stems may be experiencing stunted growth. The plant may appear healthy but remain static, with no visible signs of new growth.
Lack of new growth can be attributed to several factors, including insufficient light, poor soil quality, or nutrient deficiencies. Jade plants require bright, indirect light and a well-draining soil mix to thrive. Without these conditions, the plant may struggle to grow.
How to Overcome: To encourage new growth, ensure your jade plant is getting enough light by placing it in a bright, sunny location.
If the soil has become compacted or depleted of nutrients, consider repotting the plant in fresh, well-draining soil and applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Be patient, as jade plants are slow-growing and may take some time to respond to improved conditions.
10. Stretched or Leggy Stems
Stretched, leggy stems occur when a jade plant grows tall and spindly, with long gaps between the leaves. This results in a plant that looks sparse and weak.
The most common cause of leggy growth is insufficient light. When a jade plant doesn’t get enough light, it stretches toward the nearest light source, leading to elongated stems and fewer leaves.
How to Overcome: To correct leggy growth, move your jade plant to a brighter location where it can receive more direct sunlight.
Prune back the leggy stems to encourage the plant to produce new, bushier growth. If the plant is severely leggy, you can also propagate healthy stem cuttings to start new plants.
11. Lack of Flowers
Mature jade plants can produce small, star-shaped white or pink flowers when conditions are just right. However, many jade plant owners find that their plants never bloom, despite being healthy and well-cared for.
The lack of flowering in jade plants is often due to insufficient light, improper watering, or the plant being too young.
Jade plants require bright light and cooler nighttime temperatures to trigger blooming. Overfeeding with nitrogen-rich fertilizers can also discourage blooming, as it promotes foliage growth over flower production.
How to Overcome: To encourage your jade plant to bloom, ensure it receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, ideally around 4-6 hours per day.
During the fall and winter months, allow the plant to experience cooler nighttime temperatures (around 55°F or 13°C) to mimic the natural conditions that stimulate flowering.
Reduce watering slightly during the winter to give the plant a rest period, and avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen during this time. Patience is key, as jade plants can take several years to reach maturity and start blooming.
How to Take Care of a Jade Plant
Caring for a jade plant is relatively simple once you understand its basic needs. Here’s a quick guide to keeping your jade plant healthy and happy:
1. Light: Jade plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a south or west-facing window where it can receive plenty of light. If your jade plant starts to stretch or grow leggy, it’s a sign it needs more light.
2. Watering: Water your jade plant thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential to ensure the plant isn’t sitting in water. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. You can also make your own mix by combining regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
4. Temperature: Jade plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) during the day and cooler temperatures at night. They can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost.
5. Fertilizing: Feed your jade plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing during the winter, as the plant is in a resting phase.
6. Pruning: Prune your jade plant to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and trim leggy stems to promote new growth.
7. Repotting: Repot your jade plant every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for growth. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as jade plants prefer to be slightly root-bound.
Conclusion
Choosing well-drained potting soil, providing indirect sunlight and avoiding excess water can help to overcome common plant problems.
Jade plants are known for its beautiful and resilient nature.
Understanding the common issues that jade plants face—such as shriveled or mushy leaves, lack of growth, or pest infestations—you can take proactive steps to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Whether you’re dealing with leaf drop, black spots, or a stubborn plant that won’t flower, the solutions often come down to providing the right balance of light, water, and nutrients.
With a little attention and care, your jade plant can continue to grow strong and bring good fortune for many years to come.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting