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sarah_irby

Help with Jade Plant

7 years ago

Hey guys, so I've had this Jade (at least I've always assumed it's some kind of Jade) for probably four or so years and I've never had a single issue. Well, here lately it's been dropping leaves really bad. I can just brush a finger against it and leaves will fall off. I've noticed that some of them have tiny black spots and they'll yellow. I usually keep it inside, but I did move it outside a while back on our porch. It's getting sun, but not a ton of harsh rays, so I wasn't sure why that would change anything, since I didn't immediately put it in direct sunlight. Like I said, I've never had issues with it before, so hopefully it's nothing serious. I would appreciate any help/advice.




Comments (7)

  • 7 years ago

    They were somewhat acclimatized. Like I said, I didn't just stick them out in the sun. Our porch is covered and receives some light during different parts of the day. A lot of the leaves have gotten the maroon color like you said, which is nice. My mom gave me this plant years ago and then it was super small. When I finally decided it was too big for the small pot, I didn't like the way it looked in the bigger pot and it started getting leggier, unfortunately. I usually only water them like maybe once a week, or whenever I notice the soil is dry. I live in Virginia, so the air is really humid, and this did all start a bit after I put it outside, so it very well could be fungal. I have moved it back inside, but should I spray it with anything? It has lost a tonnn of leaves, so I' m hoping it will be okay.

  • 7 years ago

    a succulent stores water inside - almost certain yours is. Does new pot have drainage holes for water to come out?

  • 7 years ago

    Yes I always use pots with drainage holes. I almost always only use terra cotta pots

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Sarah

    I grow most in plastic pots (terracotta are heavier...) But if it is very humid, there could be fungus. For serious fungus, there is a fungicide that could be used (I never used it, so can't speek from experience).

    I would also consider oedema: it happens when plant takes in more water then it can transpire. This is a physiological disorder, not a disease.

    I would first repot into more inorganic mix and as I suggested, perhaps reduce number of plants in a pot. I would prune all those lanky, leafless parts off. You could prune plant quite severly, it will regrow. Here is example: old, etiolated plant on left, pruned on right:


    New growth on pruned plant (I pruned off that branch growing toward center, with many leaves, too):


    (I could have pruned it even shorter, but will probably split the stems at the base.)

    Plant above is in full sun from early am untill about 1pm now. It grows healthier and much more compact.

  • 7 years ago

    Thanks for your suggestions! I did separate and repot. I also went ahead and pruned some of the longer stems. I'll hold off on spray until I see if it starts to do better. Hopefully it'll stop dropping leaves!

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Sarah, exactly what Rina said. In fact, make sure it's not under watered either. I did find that high humidity levels were killing some of my whte colored ones, but not the greener ones like yours, so back in they went in a sunny window sill in my air conditioned room. I can never put any of my rare ones outside, but the one like yours LOVE full sun, a good draining mix, to dry out frequently and fed. Feeding them will keep them strong and resilient to those conditions that stress them out and disease. Most of the local nurseries around here including the Bonsai shop have high humidity, but they thrive anyways. It's all do to a good draining mix. and good air circulation.