Jade plants have a captivating beauty that captivates many garden enthusiasts. Their ability to thrive without much intervention is one of the reasons why succulent lovers are drawn to them. However, what should you do when your jade plant starts to change in appearance? What could be the reason behind the drooping or shriveling of its branches or leaves?
Key Takeaways
Improper Watering Routine
One of the vital aspects of successfully caring for jade plants is getting the watering routine right. These plants thrive in dry and warm conditions, mimicking their native South African habitat. To support their proper growth, it’s important to replicate these conditions to some extent.
Underwatering Your Jade Plant
Not giving your jade plant enough water can lead to leaf shriveling. The leaves of a well-watered jade plant appear plump, indicating sufficient hydration. As the plant utilizes the water, the leaves will start to shrivel and droop, signaling the need for watering. It’s best not to wait too long, as prolonged dryness can put stress on the plant.
To determine if your jade plant needs watering, feel the soil for moisture. Insert your finger into the soil and assess its dryness. If it feels completely dry, it’s time to water your jade plant. After thorough watering, the plumpness of the leaves should return within a few days, rejuvenating your healthy and vibrant plant.
Overwatering Your Jade Plant
On the other hand, overwatering can also be the culprit behind the drooping and shriveling of your jade plant. Remember, these plants only require watering when the soil is dry. During summer, the frequency of watering may increase, but it’s essential to monitor the soil every few days. Overwatering can lead to drooping leaves and even yellowing.
If you suspect overwatering, halt your current watering schedule and allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
Jade Plant Soil Draining Issues
Improper soil drainage can also contribute to the ill effects on your jade plant. Most common types of planting soil retain water for extended periods, which may not be suitable for jade plants. It’s crucial to use a well-draining soil mix that won’t retain excess water around the plant.
If poor drainage is the issue, consider repotting your plant with a soil mix specifically formulated for succulents. A simple mixture of succulent/cactus potting mix with perlite or pumice (2:1 ratio) can create an ideal draining environment for your jade plant.
Jade Plant Root Rot
Both overwatering and poor soil drainage can lead to root rot, a more severe problem that can result in the death of your plant if left untreated.
To check for root rot, gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. If the roots appear brown, mushy, and emit a foul smell, it indicates root rot.
If some healthy, white roots are still present, trim the damaged roots and repot the plant in a new container with well-draining soil. Ensure that the pot has proper drainage holes to allow water to pass through. Lightly water the plant and discard any excess water in the dish or saucer. Going forward, be cautious to avoid overwatering your jade plant.
Insufficient or Excessive Light
Native to South Africa, jade plants thrive in ample sunlight. However, there is a fine balance to strike between providing enough light and avoiding overexposure.
Exposing your jade plant to excessive direct sunlight, especially when it’s not accustomed to full sun or is a new or young plant, can have detrimental effects. While it requires plenty of natural light, excessive direct sunlight can lead to drooping, shriveling, and leaf loss. Finding the right balance is essential.
Ideally, provide your plant with around four hours of direct sunshine each day. If your jade plant is potted, you can delicately move it into the sun for those four hours and then return it to the shade. This regime will promote healthy growth without subjecting the plant to excessive sunlight.
If adequate sunlight is unavailable, consider supplementing with a lamp or fluorescent light. However, natural sunlight remains the best source of light for your jade plant.
Incorrect Temperatures
To thrive, plants generally prefer moderate temperatures, avoiding extremes. Drastic temperature fluctuations can be problematic for your jade plant. If the weather outside experiences significant temperature fluctuations, particularly from hot days to colder nights, it’s advisable to move your plant indoors where the temperatures are more stable.
Exposure to prolonged cold or heat can result in your jade plant drooping and shriveling. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (24°C). Keep it in an environment that provides these comfortable temperatures.
While jade plants can tolerate lower temperatures, sustained cold below 40°F (4°C) may adversely affect them. Frost is particularly damaging, causing leaf loss and altering their appearance. If possible, bring your jade plant indoors during winter to protect it from freezing temperatures and frost.
Avoid Aggressive Leaf Shining Products
While it’s tempting to use leaf shine products to enhance the appearance of your jade plant, avoid subjecting it to harsh chemical treatments. A healthy jade plant naturally possesses shiny leaves, eliminating the need for additional products.
Aggressive leaf shine products may have adverse effects, causing leaves to shrivel and droop instead of enhancing their shine. Jade plants are sensitive to chemical treatments, including household products not meant for plant care. If your jade plant is dirty, gently clean it with a damp cloth, avoiding the use of leaf shine products. These products can also cause yellowing of the leaves, detracting from the plant’s natural beauty.
If you’ve already noticed negative effects from using leaf shine products, cease their use immediately and clean the leaves with a damp cloth. Give your plant time to recover from the harsh chemicals it was exposed to.
Mindful Fertilization Practices
Jade plants and succulents, in general, have modest fertilization needs. They thrive with a good cactus mix soil and occasional watering. If the soil is already nutrient-rich, additional fertilization may not be necessary.
However, if the soil lacks sufficient nutrients, your jade plant will suffer. Signs of inadequate nutrition include shriveling, drooping leaves, yellow spots on branches and leaves, and stunted growth. Insufficiently nutritious soil can lead to the eventual demise of your plant.
If you detect these issues, consider repotting your jade plant with a fresh, well-draining potting mix. A combination of succulent/cactus potting mix and perlite or pumice can provide the ideal growing medium. Should repotting not be possible at the moment, you can supplement with a small amount of fertilizer containing essential nutrients. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as excessive fertilization can harm the plant.
Observe the effects of the fertilizer on your plant. If adverse effects occur, allow your plant to rest and dilute the fertilizer with water in subsequent applications to prevent root rot.
Fertilization is most beneficial during the summer, spring, and early fall, as these periods coincide with the plant’s active growth stages. Late fall and winter do not require fertilization, as the plant’s growth slows during these seasons.
Battling Jade Plant Pests
Pests are another common cause of problems in jade plants. Vigilance is necessary to ensure your plant remains free of infestations.
As soon as you observe any changes in your plant’s appearance, conduct a thorough inspection. Prompt action is crucial to facilitate a quick recovery and continued thriving of your plant. Here are some common jade plant pests to watch out for:
Mealybugs in Your Jade Plant
Mealybugs are the most prevalent pests that attack jade plants. These insects feed on the plant’s leaves, causing them to shrivel, droop, and eventually fall off due to nutrient depletion.
Mealybugs are resilient and form cottony tents around their bodies to protect themselves from pesticides. While these tents make them easy to identify, eliminating them can be challenging. If left untreated, mealybugs can rapidly reproduce, leading to a full-blown infestation.
Another indication of mealybug infestation is the presence of ants. Ants are attracted to the sweet substance secreted by mealybugs. Before addressing the mealybug problem, address the ants to prevent further complications.
To combat mealybugs, use a pesticide that can be absorbed by the soil. Through the plant’s absorption, the pesticide will be transferred to the leaves, poisoning the mealybugs over time. Additionally, remove the mealybugs by hand. Apply alcohol to their cottony tents, dissolving them easily. Wipe away the bugs with a cotton swab and discard them away from your other plants.
Consistent and diligent action will eventually eliminate these pests.
Spider Mites in Your Jade Plant
While less common than mealybugs, spider mites can also trouble jade plants. These minuscule creatures can cause extensive damage to your plant, leading to drooping as they sap its resources.
Spider mites, resembling tiny crabs rather than spiders, are challenging to detect until they have caused significant harm. They flourish in hot and dry conditions, making any plant lacking water an attractive target. These pests often create webs as well.
To combat spider mites, submerge the entire plant in lukewarm water for about an hour. This method drowns the mites and facilitates their removal. Once the water treatment is complete, drain excess water, return the soil to the pot, and discard any water collected in the tray.
In Conclusion
For the most part, jade plants thrive when left alone and watered only when the soil is dry. However, if you notice any negative changes in your plant’s appearance, it’s time to reevaluate your care strategy. Adjust the placement to optimize light exposure, monitor watering frequency, check for root rot, and remain vigilant against pests.
By adhering to these general guidelines of watering appropriately, providing sufficient light, avoiding excessive fertilization, and maintaining favorable temperatures, you can help your jade plant recover and flourish.
Remember, a healthy and vibrant jade plant adds an exquisite touch to any space.
