Bill: It is most likely that the jade plant has mealy bugs, basically scale insects with less armor. Jade plants are hosts for them. They will spread from Jade plants to some other house plants.  I have found with a ~40 year-old jade plant that if I remove early signs with a fingernail or even daub the early "cotton" with alcohol, they are reduced. Note I didn't say, eliminated. I am not sure that is possible. After that, I have found taking the jade plant outside as soon as danger of a frost of less 32 degrees has passed, and having them in a place that gets morning but not afternoon sun, the mealybugs are largely gone by fall. It usually isn't until right about now that I see them again. Then cycle starts over. Here is a publication from U.C. Davis about them. There are some recommendations that are for commercial use only and not available to the homeowner: http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74174.html Feel free to email me directly if you have more questions. Chip    <personal data hidden>

OSU Extension Agent/Columbia County