Crassula ovata, commonly known as Jade Plant, is probably the most widely grown succulent houseplant globally. It is popular because it is very easy to grow and is said to bring good fortune and money. Jade Plant makes an excellent houseplant but can grow up to 10 feet (3 m) high if planted outdoors and can even be pruned into an exotic hedge. This plant has few cultivation problems, but yellowing leaves are often an early sign of something wrong.
Overwatering
As a succulent, Jade Plant only needs to be watered when the soil in its pot has dried out completely. If you keep your Jade Plant on a windowsill, watering once every two weeks should be enough. Do not keep the pot standing in a saucer that catches excess water, as this will waterlog the soil and quickly rot a Jade Plant's roots, killing the whole plant. If the leaves on your Jade Plant are plump but turning yellow, reduce the amount and water frequency. If you repot a Jade Plant, transfer it to a pot that is only slightly larger, as excess soil will act like a sponge and retain water around the roots.
Underwatering
A completely neglected and underwatered Jade Plant will eventually lose leaves to reduce the amount of water it transpires. An underwatered Jade Plant will have wrinkled, leathery leaves that are not shiny, while a healthy plant has glossy, smooth leaves. A thorough watering will soon rehydrate the plant and promote new leaf growth.
Overfertilizing
Jade Plant needs very little fertilizer. Too much can burn the roots and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop. Use standard houseplant fertilizer at one-quarter strength once a month or a specialized fertilizer for succulents.
Underfertilizing
While Jade Plant will tolerate a lot of neglect, a potted plant will eventually be unable to get any more nutrition from its soil and will start to suffer. If all the leaves on your Jade Plant are pale green or yellow, the plant might need to be fertilized with a fertilizer enriched with micronutrients or bonemeal.
Natural Causes
Jade Plant that is not pruned will shed old leaves yearly before the plant's dormant winter phase. Generally, the large older leaves at the base of the stems will first turn yellow and then drop off. This is a natural process, not a sign that your plant has a problem.
Other Causes
Do not use leaf shine products on your Jade Plant as they block up the pores on the leaves and suffocate the plant, causing the leaves to be yellow and die. If you have recently moved your Jade Plant to a new spot, check to ensure it is not exposed to cold drafts and receives plenty of light.
Source: gardenguides.com
Links
- Back to genus Crassula
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus