Stop watering, plant the broken branches, and cut back the top tuft of the leaves on the end of the stems, which are probably to heavy for a little 9" plant. I would guess perhaps someone else was watering, Water is the only thing that can kill these plants, or the wrong soil with Peat moss. Meaning that it doesn't drain fast enough. If any of this fits, then do it, otherwise your on your own. This group is very experienced with the 'Jade Plant' Crassula ovata. This just doesn't happen to me, and I have very hot summers, and temps. down to 20F in the Winters for a few days. I can learn from what is causing your problem with this plant. Does it need repotting, perhaps root bound, is it getting air circulation, and put up a sign do not water. Norma

Hi there,

I know this is a pretty old thread, but I'm hoping some of the experts here can help me.

I have the same issue as the one described by scottinthebox (branches dropping off my otherwise healthy Jade). I'm almost certain too much watering is not the issue because (*ahem*) I'm not the most reliable when it comes to watering my plants.

I usually go at least 1-2 weeks before watering my jade plant. Not sure if that can still be considered too much for these plants, but the soil is always bone dry before I water.

I've had leaves fall off regularly in the past (I think that is normal?) but this is the first time entire branches fall off (3 or 4 so far in the last 2 weeks.)

I'm adding some pics for reference of the latest branch that fell today.

Thanks.

Why don't you indicate your general locations/growing zone when asking question - that may be helpful. Pu that info next to your name pls.

Where is the plant - indoor? outside? what kind of light it is receiving? What kind of 'soil' is it potted in?

Pic #2 looks like water-logged stem...

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

My apologies for not providing enough relevant info...I am new to this forum and an absolute newbie when it comes to gardening and caring for plants.

The plant is indoors and sits on a bay window sill all year; I have never moved it. It can get pretty warm there sometimes during the peak sunshine hours. It gets a lot of daylight--probably around 12 hours in the summer and maybe 8 or 9 during the winter (although winter months here in Montreal means not so much actual sunlight).

Unfortunately, I have no idea about the soil. I bought the plant in a flower shop almost 4 years ago and have kept in the original soil and clay pot it came in.

I'm happy to provide more details.

Thanks,

Igal

Montreal, Canada

That soil could be a problem. All succulents need good drainage, and I don't think present soil does. Maybe it was very peaty and became hydrophobic When that happens, it hardens up like a brick. It actually repels water and it is very difficult to re-wet, sometimes it will not.

If my plant, I would take it out of the pot and see what the soil is like. It could have dried up so much that the roots dried up too (since water can't get to them). If that is the case, plant needs to get new, fast draining mix. Old soil should be taken all off the roots, and it will likely re-root. It may not be best time to do it, but jades are quite forgiving. Easiest mix to make is of Cacti & Succulent soil and sifted perlite, mixing these in 1:1 ratio.

Thank you so much for the detailed response!

Just one more thing...when you say now may not be the best time, when would be the ideal time? Is there a particular time of year that is better?

Consider SOIL as a living organism not as a medium or separate substance. Treat it as well as you do plant. Use natural fertilizers, compost, mulch, etc. Too many people are caught up on what a plant needs like water, light, pots and not on healthy soil.