I’ve bought many jade plants throughout the years and after finally comming to terms that I have no clue why they keep dying in this household and said to myself I will not try again, I’ve received one for birthday. And it is big :/
Same thing happens each time. Their leaves start to fall off and they die. I’ve tried different things. Different soil, light, positions, less water more water but each of them had same destiny. (fyi I kept this one on purpose in same soil/pot thinking maybe I repotted them previously quicker than needed).
What am I doing wrong? I would like to keep this one since it was a gift. Can someone please help out?
by Zealousideal_Ad9762
2 Comments
You’re overwatering most likely. These are very drought tolerant, and leaf drop while the leaf is plump is a good indicator they’re getting too much water. Jades also need the best lighting available in your home. That spot will not cut it. As long as it’s not draughty, they need to be right next to a window getting a few hours of direct sun per day. Or they need grow lights. If they don’t get enough light, they won’t use enough water. If they sit in water too long being allowed to keep soaking up water, they will get overwatered.
This set up looks good for a hot breezy greenhouse, but it likely is off for a home. These guys often are in almost ridiculously small pots. This one could be in a slightly smaller pot, but I think I’d keep it as is and focus on the soil. The current soil looks too organic. You need to amend the soil with plenty of perlite and/or pumice. You need a ratio closer to 1:1 of indoor potting medium and perlite/pumice.
As for watering, only water once ALL of the soil is dry. To check this, take a bamboo skewer or chopstick and stick it all the way down into the pot. Leave it for a minute or so. Take the stick out, and if there’s any moisture or damp soil on it, wait longer to water.
When it comes time to water, give it a good soak. I like to set mine in a bowl because so it can soak up some water for a few minutes rather than the water just zooming out of the soil when it’s really dry.
If you follow this info, give the plant a month or so to acclimate, and still get leaf drop and overwatering, then there is too much soil. You’ll need to downsize the pot a little.
Tons of light and don’t water until the leaves begin to shrivel a tiny bit.