However, when its leaves begin to drop, you know that something needs to change in its care regime. So read on to find out how you can bring your Jade plant back to life!

4 Different Reasons and Solutions

Remember that in the wild, Jade plants have adapted to their harsh, African, desert environments by storing large amounts of water in their leaves, to counteract the lack of rainfall.

They need to have their roots soaked occasionally as a desert storm would do, but they really do not like waterlogged soil. This gives you a lot of clues about how you can help to keep your Jade plant healthy. Read on for 4 common problems and how to fix them.

Don’t overwater

Most Jade plants droop or have leaves that turn yellow due to root rot.

You can check the soil is not too damp and if need be, repot the plant.

Give it completely new soil and add some grit, that offers better drainage. You could put this newly potted plant in a container but make sure the roots are not constantly wet.

Protect your Jade plant from harsh sunlight, with its ultraviolet rays

Sometimes if light through a window is direct, the leaves get sunburnt. So, the plant makes yellow pigment as protection.

Try to move your Jade plant, if the leaves start to turn yellow. Jade plants also hate drafts so if your plant is in a location like this, move it immediately.

Keep the leaves of your Jade plant away from the window

If they touch it, there is a danger of frost in winter or too high a temperature in summer.

These will both cause leaf drop. If you move it back from the window, and it still has yellow leaves, what next?

Check for insects

Sometimes the Jade plant is attacked by mealybugs, which love all succulent plants.

These bugs can be removed by dipping cotton balls in a mixture of soap and Neem oil or rubbing alcohol. Wipe the surface of the leaves weekly, to remove all of the bugs and keep its leaves green.

Last, of all, it is completely normal for the Jade plant to lose its lower leaves as it grows. However, when leaves are falling from the growing tip of the plant is a sure sign that something is wrong. So check carefully where the leaves are falling from.

FAQs

What does an overwatered jade plant look like?

If you have watered your plant too much, the leaves of a Jade plant will start to drop off. They may turn a yellow color as well. Overwatering can also cause root rot, which can be fatal for a desert plant.

The leaves will give you the answer – if they are bulging, like a pillow, then probably it’s because the leaf has absorbed its maximum. If they are shriveled like a raisin, then you know to give them some water.

A good tip about Jade plants is to empty the saucer the pot is standing in regularly. Sometimes a water-filled saucer or tray can store excess water, which may cause root rot in the long run.

How do I know if my Jade plant is dying?

The visual appearance of the whole plant! The leaves do not look glossy; they are tired and wilting, even curling. They often discolor so you can have mustardy yellow or dirty, withered brown leaves instead of that usual vibrant green. Sometimes the whole stem of the plant seems to shrivel.

The main thing to look out for is if leaves are falling off from the growing tip. And if they appear brown and curly. Or deep yellowy color.

Next, check the root, by gently tapping the end of the pot and supporting the plant in your hand. Empty out the soil and examine the roots carefully. Are they are very soggy and brown? If so, it’s time to take action! Read on to see how to revive and to learn how to keep it healthy.

Can you bring a Jade plant back to life?

It depends. If the whole of the root of your plant has root rot, then it is impossible. Check the roots. If all of them are brown and stringy, it is probably best to start again.

If there are healthy white roots, then trim the brown roots and ruin them. Do not compost these or they can spread. Then repot your root-trimmed plant with fingers firmly crossed.

Another option is to take a healthy leaf from the plant and propagate a whole new plant, like its parent. To do this:

• Cut a leaf from the plant, ensuring it is green and healthy.
• Rest it on the soil for a week or so.
• Do not overwater it. Spray it gently to start then let it settle.
• After one week, it should have little roots starting to appear.
• Now you can give it its own pot.

If it is just slightly overwatered or has yellowing leaves, you need to change the soil right away.

You can cut off the yellow leaves but take care not to spread disease so give the secateurs a good wipe with disinfectant or cleaner, before moving onto the next leaf. The soil needs to drain well so add grit or some sand and give your neglected jade plant a new start.

Next, think of rainfall in the desert – none for ages, then a downpour. This is what your Jade plant wants. Establish an excellent watering system now. When you water the plant, ensure the root ball is wet but that the water can drain away easily. It is not much use to just water the topsoil. A healthy jade plant has a watering system like in nature.

Finally, to help its recovery, try to keep the temperature constant, neither too hot nor too cold. A temperature of approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit is good for Jade plants, up to a maximum of about 75 degrees.

Final Tips

Jade plants need less water in winter than summer.

Check the moisture level with your finger and if it is really dry, then give your plant a thorough soaking, making sure you pour away excess leaked into its saucer or tray.

The Jade plant is well known as a suitable plant for Bonsai because when you prune it sharply, it makes a great Bonsai plant. This Jade Bonsai will last for many years with proper care.

Jade plants are long-lived; some specimens are known to live for 25 years and others for 50 years. Often known as the Money Plant or Lucky Plant, they are believed to bring luck worldwide. So look after your Jade Plant well and you can pass this on to your children!