The Jade plant is known for its beautiful leaves.
But the leaves are also susceptible to many issues that are pretty common in this type of plant.
Since the Jade plant is succulent, it does store most of its resources in the leaves.
This is why the plant becomes an easy target for the bugs as well.
In the following guide, I have shared detailed information on the different leaf problems in this plant.
So, I'm sure you will find it easier to identify the specific issues in your plant as well as leaves.
Types Of Jade Plant Leaf Problems
Here are the top 10 leaf problems that you'd face in your Jade plant -
1. Sunburnt Leaves
The Jade plant doesn't like direct sunlight!
When you keep this plant in such harsh sunlight, it's likely to cause the sunburn issue on the leaves.
But how do you identify this problem?
Firstly, you will have to look at the location of this plant.
If it's placed near a balcony or window, it might get direct sunlight.
Secondly, you can observe the leaves carefully.
You will find dark-colored edges on them.
They may also have dried and rough surfaces.
With overexposure to sunlight, some leaves might change their colors to dark yellow or brown.
So, these are the typical signs of sunburnt leaves.
2. Deformed Leaves
Sometimes, you also get to see some deformed leaves on the Jade plant.
Well, it happens because of fungus issues or insect issues.
If it's a fungus problem, you can easily find out by looking at the branches and wet soil.
On the other hand, the leaves may also get deformed if there are mites or aphids on the plant.
These insects extract juices from the tender leaves, which can make the leaves curl up.
3. Leaves Crystallization
Do you see crystals on the leaves' surface?
It's likely because of the underwatering issue in your plant.
When the plant doesn't receive enough water, you might see crystalized leaves on its branches.
Thankfully, it's not a significant concern, and you can revive the plant quickly with watering.
Note: The crystalized leaves won't turn fresh again.
They will retain their appearance till they complete their lifecycle.
4. Leaf Drop
Leaf drop is another common Jade plant leaf problem, and it happens due to several reasons.
There is no particular reason why you'd see such a thing in your plant, but it could be a sign of a major issue in the plant.
Now, here's a list of issues that may lead to leaf drop in the Jade plant -
- Overwatering
- Underwatering
- Excess sunlight
- Old leaves and branches
- Weak plant
- Overfertilizing
- Weather conditions
All these things can put your Jade plant under stress, which will eventually make the plant drop its leaves on the ground.
5. Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves are a typical problem in the gardening world.
It happens with most plants, including the ones you grow indoor and outdoor.
The Jade plant can also go through this problem for various reasons.
The most common reason, though, is lack of watering.
When you don't water this plant for a while, it will start showing yellow leaves on the branches.
Apart from underwatering, you may also see yellow leaves due to overwatering, completion of the life cycle, etc.
For confirmation, you will have to observe the plant.
This will give you an idea as to what might be the real cause of this issue in your Jade plant.
6. Black Spots On Leaves
It's a fungus-related issue!
When you see black spots on the plant, you can pretty much confirm that the plant is under fungal attack.
If you don't address this issue quickly, the fungus might spread across the plant and may even go after the other plants in your garden.
This issue arises due to a couple of reasons.
- Overwatering
- Humid Weather
Both these conditions are favorable for the fungus growth in the Jade plant.
And you will see its effects on the leaves that are relatively new and weak.
Along with the fungus issue, there might be aphids or thrips-related issues on the plant.
These insects do appear in black color as well.
7. Brown Spots On Leaves
Brown spots on the Jade plant leaves are another sign of fungus issue.
You will also see similar spots on the stem as the fungus begins to spread on the entire plant.
Like most fungus issues, the brown spots are irreversible on the leaves.
You will have to prune the affected leaves, as they will fall off eventually.
Pruning will help in encouraging new leaves and branches on the plant, and it will also keep the fungus in control.
8. Droopy Leaves
Again, a pretty common problem in the Jade plant.
When the plant doesn't receive sufficient resources or receives them too much at a time, it will have an impact on the leaves.
The droopy leaves are a good indicator of something wrong with the plant.
It tells you that the plant needs immediate attention.
If you do not attend to your plant at this stage, you might have to do a lot of work to revive it later.
So, think of it as a warning sign and try to act upon it quickly.
9. Mushy Leaves
The Jade plant leaves can get mushy if you overwater the plant.
Like sunlight, this plant doesn't need much water either.
It's meant to survive in arid conditions.
If you water it more than the required amount, your plant will catch the root rot issue.
Once the roots begin to rot, the parts above the soil start to rot as well.
Hence, you might see soft and mushy leaves on the plant.
To tackle this problem, you will need to work on the watering frequency for this plant.
10. Wrinkled Leaves
The wrinkled leaves problem is probably the least common in this list.
You won't see such leaves on the plant unless you neglect the plant for weeks and months.
The leaves start to wrinkle because it doesn't get enough water for an extended period.
But when we grow plants indoors, we often end up watering more than less.
So, it's highly unlikely that you will face this problem in your plant.
Still, if you feel there are wrinkles on the leaves, you need to water the plant well.
In the end, these are some of the common Jade plant leaf problems.
Hopefully, the above guide will make your job easier in identifying and fixing these problems.
In the next section, you will find some FAQs related to this topic.
If you have any further questions, do consider checking out this section.
FAQs
As mentioned in the guide, the brown spots can be a sign of fungus issue in your Jade plant.
You will need to inspect closely to rule out some of the other possibilities.
It's likely because of the scale or mealybugs infestation on your Jade plant.
When these bugs attack the plant, they release a sticky substance called honeydew.
This substance can make the surface of your plant's leaves sticky.
No, the Jade plants do not like full sun.
These plants do well in partial sunlight, which is why they are ideal for home gardens.
The droopy leaves and moist soil are the two great ways to find out whether your plant is overwatered or not.
It's quite difficult to protect the Jade plant from insects.
There is nothing much you can do in this case.
If the plant is weak or there are insects in your home garden, they will attack this plant too.
The only thing you should do is follow the standard guidelines and take care of the plant.
Over To You
The Jade plant leaf problems are pretty much part of growing this plant at home.
You will come across these issues at least once in your lifetimes.
So, it's always a good idea to get versed with them before you plan to deal with them later.
I have tried to list these problems in a simplistic way, and I'm sure it helps you understand them well.
In case you want to know more about any specific issue or have any related queries, please let me know in the comments below.
I will get back to you soon.
If you liked this guide, do share it with your friends and family.
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