Jade plant with white fuzz - Ask Extension
Hello! I have an indoorJade tree that is about a foot tall. Recently, I've noticed places on the plant that are white and fuzzy. It looks like it may ...
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Jade plant with white fuzz #610273
Asked January 12, 2020, 7:38 PM EST
Hello! I have an indoorJade tree that is about a foot tall. Recently, I've noticed places on the plant that are white and fuzzy. It looks like it may have some sort of disease. Do you have any thoughts on what it could be and how to deal with it? The fuzz often appears at the base of leaves. Thank you!
Lane County Oregon
Expert Response
Without benefit of images of the "fuzz," my best guess is that your plant is attacked by mealybugs, common pests of jade plants grown indoors.
For an example of a common species of mealybug, please see the attached image. You might also be interested in reviewing the article the image was taken from: "Mealybugs" at https://wimastergardener.org/article/mealybugs/.
If you're uncertain your jade plant has mealybugs, please send image(s) of your plant when you reply to this email.
To get rid of mealybugs, use rubbing alcohol (70%). Apply either by dabbing each mealy with an alcohol-soaked q-tip or by spritzing the entire plant with the alcohol. A thorough spritz is more effective than dabbing. Repeat as needed.
Hello Jean! Thank you for your response. I think it is mealy bugs! I'm attaching an image here for confirmation.
Thank you for the image.
Yes, you're correct. The pests are mealybugs.
I also see that the plant is a little bit leggy. It could be more sturdy if provided with more light, either by increasing the number of light-hours or brighter light each day. If you do that, realize that you may need to water slightly more often.
Thank you for the advice! I am a new caretaker of the plant. Do you have any other advice or suggestions of where I can find advice for taking care of a Jade Tree? Should I trim it ever?
Yes you can trim it. But I suggest removing a lot of growth because it's a slow grower.
The article "Jade Plant, Crassula ovata" has a thorough view as well as images of well-grown plants. (It will take considerable time to achieve such a grand size and proportions as those in the images.)
The keys to success are several, a bright site, a moderate temperate that is never less than 50F; moderately moist potting mix (avoid soggy or very dry);
ans occasional houseplant fertilizer.
The article is at https://wimastergardener.org/article/jade-plant-crassula-ovata/..
Enjoy your new adventure growing plants.
