Knowledgebase
Sudden Jade Plant Decline #862332
Asked March 23, 2024, 4:43 PM EDT
What has happened here, in two short weeks? I don’t over-water, and these leaves were firm and dark green until very recently (hmm cleaning people came while I wasn’t home. They use vineger solutions not commercial cleaners I think. Could this be related?). The first sign was leaf squishy-ness. Then I saw distinct and perfectly separated white specks on the leaves. These have since disappeared and now the leaves are turning from dark green to red (like a burn) and are continuing to wilt. Can my plants be saved?
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
- Jade plants grow best in bright areas and can even grow in direct morning sun. Daytime temperatures are best between 65° and 75°F and no lower that 55°F at night.
- Jades want soils with low fertility, so fertilization should only be done vary rarely, and then only in the active growing season. Fertilizing them will quickly cause the leaves and roots to burn.
- They need protected from door drafts in the winter, and it is best to not sit them near a window where cold radiates from the glass.
- They require good drainage of the soil, and they can never sit in water. Use soil that does not have moisture-retentive components and check the moisture with your finger or moisture meter before watering
- In the fall and winter, soil can be more on the drier side than in the active growing season of spring and summer.
Based on the information you provided and the photos:
- Overwatering and poor drainage lead to squishy leaves in Jade plants.
- The white flecks can be sugar or salt secretions. It the plant is is poor health, get insufficient light, and has very wet roots, they can ooze sugar secretions on the leaves. If you are using anything other than filtered or distilled water, salt crystals will be expelled through the leaves.
- Leaves turning red generally means the plant is exposed to too high levels of sunlight.
- Leaves turning dark means 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.
- The leaves do not look smooth and plump, and appears to be some crystallization. Crystallization is due to watering; either under or over.
I would suggest starting at the roots:
- Remove the plant from the container and feel the soil. You can tell if it is dry or soggy. If there is an odor, overwatering has caused root rot.
- Check the roots. Are there a lot of them, or just a few? The roots should be very firm and white. If they are dark brown, limp, or mushy, the roots are rotted.
- Jades and some other succulents like to have their roots in a tight space - almost to the point of being rootbound. However, if it started to lose lower leaves, it might be time to place it in a pot 1" larger than the one it is in.
- If everything is well with the roots, re-pot the plant in fresh soil (in case there is a fungus, salts, disease, etc. in the current soil). Jades are a type of succulent, which means that they prefer cactus soil or a soil mixture that drains well.
- Place the plant in four or more hours of direct sun, or more hours in bright, indirect light. Keep it away from touching or the cold from windows, or drafts from opening doors.
- For watering and other care tips, see these links:
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/houseplants/1320-jade-plant/
https://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/chiwonlee/plsc211/student%20papers/articles04/Amanda%20Schlecht/Jade%20Plant.htm
This has been very helpful, so thank you. I can confirm that this is what I’m doing right:
- Bright, sunny location in the morning with indirect light all afternoon.
- I typically don’t fertilize these plants.
I un-potted all three plants to look at the roots as suggested. Findings:
- There are plenty of roots, and the pot size seem to be fine for now.
- The roots don’t look rotted and there’s no bad odor.
- I see no insects or any obvious signs of mold.
- The root balls are very dry. This was a surprise to me.
I’ve replaced the old soil with new succulent soil, nicely moistened. I disinfected the existing pots and rinsed the stones in the bottom for drainage. I’m keeping them out of direct sun for a few days, while they adjust. Contrary to what’s typical (over-watering) I think I’ve under-watered, exposing the plants to TOO much sun without enough to drink. This may have caused the reddening of the leaves. I’m not sure, but time will tell, if they survive.
Thanks again. I’m a beginner, and always learning.
Lisa
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Monday, March 25, 2024 3:30 PM
To: lisagrassfield <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Sudden Jade Plant Decline (#0132255)
I'm glad that looking further showed you what you needed to know. The plant may be in shock for a short time, but should readily bounce back.
I wish you and your plant well.
