The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a popular succulent grown for its attractive, glossy green leaves. It is also known as the money plant or the lucky plant. You can forget about jade plants for a while and they will still grow back. This makes them perfect for busy people or people who are new to taking care of plants.
However, even the most experienced jade plant growers can sometimes encounter problems with their plants. One of the most common problems is leaf drop.
Jade plants dropping leaves can be a sign of stress or poor health in jade plants. Too much or too little water or light, temperature stress, fertilizer, or pests are just a few of the things that can cause it. If you think your jade plant is dropping its leaves due to stress or poor health, dont worry.
You can bring your drooping jade plant back to life by figuring out why it’s not doing well and changing how you take care of it. To stop this from happening again, you can use a self-watering pot.
There are a few simple things you can do to help it recover. Keep reading to learn more about why jade plants drop their leaves and how you can fix them. EDITORS CHOICE LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles for Orchids.
With their smooth rounded leaves in shades of deep green jade plants (Crassula ovata) are prized houseplants. But sometimes these succulents start dropping leaves and branches, leaving their stems bare. What causes this leaf and branch loss in jade plants, and how can you fix it?
There are several common reasons a jade plant may shed its foliage and stems. The good news is that with a few simple adjustments to care, you can get your plant thriving again. Read on to learn why your jade plant is dropping leaves and branches and how to revive it.
6 Reasons a Jade Plant Drops Leaves and Branches
Here are the most likely causes of leaf and branch drop in jade plants
Underwatering
Jade plants are drought-tolerant, but need occasional deep watering. Too little moisture causes leaves to yellow, shrivel and drop.
Overwatering
While they don’t need much water, jade plants hate soggy soil. Excess moisture damages roots, resulting in leaf drop
Insufficient Light
Low light prevents a jade plant from producing enough energy through photosynthesis. It drops leaves and branches while reaching for sunlight.
Temperature Stress
If exposed to sudden cold drafts or a decline in temperatures, a jade plant will shed foliage and branches.
Fertilizer Problems
Too much fertilizer can burn roots and cause leaf drop. But a lack of nutrients also causes yellowing leaves that fall off.
Pests
Common jade plant pests like mealybugs, mites, and scale insects can all cause leaf and stem drop.
How to Fix a Jade Plant Losing Leaves and Branches
Once you’ve diagnosed the cause of the leaf drop, you can take action to revive your jade plant. Here are some tips:
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Adjust watering: Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Or repot in fresh soil if soaked.
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Increase sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct outdoor sun or bright indoor light. Rotate the plant to expose all sides.
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Minimize temperature fluctuations: Keep the plant between 65-75°F and avoid cold drafts.
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Change fertilizing habits: Flush soil to remove excess fertilizer. Then use half strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 months.
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Treat pests: Remove insects with soapy water or alcohol spray. Apply neem oil to deter future infestations.
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Prune back damage: Cut off severely affected leaves and branches to just above healthy growth.
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Propagate bare stems: Remaining leafless stems can be propagated to eventually form new rosettes.
With the underlying problem fixed, your jade plant will soon produce new leaves and branches. Proper care will prevent future leaf and stem drop.
How to Prevent Jade Plants From Losing Leaves and Branches
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when growing jade plants. Here are 7 tips to keep your jade plant healthy and avoid leaf loss:
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings, then soak thoroughly.
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Provide bright, indirect sunlight from a south or west window.
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Keep indoor temperatures between 65-75°F year-round.
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Wipe leaves often to prevent dust buildup and pests.
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Repot in fresh soil every 2-3 years to replenish nutrients.
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Prune annually to promote bushy new growth.
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Mist occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.
Sticking to these best practices when caring for your jade plant will help ensure beautiful foliage growth for years to come.
What to Do With Bare Jade Plant Stems After Leaf Drop
Once your jade plant drops its leaves and branches, you’ll be left with bare stems. Here are a few options for what to do with them:
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Leave the bare stems in place – new growth may eventually emerge even without leaves.
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Take 3-6 inch cuttings and root them in water or soil to propagate new plants.
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Prune back to 1-2 inches above soil level – this encourages fresh branches to sprout.
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Remove completely and propagate the cuttings or dispose of if damaged badly.
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Braid together long bare stems to create interesting shapes and patterns.
Don’t throw away those bare jade plant branches too quickly! With a little time and effort, you can salvage them to regrow your plant.
Common Questions About Jade Plants Dropping Leaves and Branches
To summarize, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about jade plant leaf and branch loss:
Why are my jade plant’s leaves falling off and branches are bare?
This is usually caused by underwatering, overwatering, insufficient sunlight, temperature stress, improper fertilizing, or pests. Analyze care and growing conditions to diagnose the problem.
How can I revive my jade plant that dropped its leaves?
Adjust watering habits, provide more sunlight, maintain ideal temperatures, change fertilizer routine if needed, and treat any pests. Prune back damage and propagate cuttings.
Should I remove the fallen leaves from a jade plant?
Yes, clear out shed leaves to prevent diseases and pests and to keep the pot tidy. You can also try propagating fresh fallen leaves!
How long does it take for a jade plant to grow new leaves?
With good care, new foliage typically begins to fill in after 2-4 weeks. But it can take a few months for significant new growth, especially if propagated from a bare stem.
Should I mist my jade plant?
Occasional misting provides humidity benefits but isn’t required. Ensure proper watering and sunlight instead.
With the right troubleshooting, a jade plant dropping its leaves and branches can make a full comeback. Just be sure to identify and address the underlying cause, whether it’s underwatering, pests, or another cultural issue. Then provide TLC to help your jade regain its beautiful rosette shape.
Old leaves fall
Plants naturally shed older leaves as they age. You can expect your plant to drop leaves as it grows new leaves and sheds its old ones. Don’t worry if you don’t see all the leaves falling. This could be because of changes in the weather, the seasons, or something else.
Some of Jade’s leaves fall off every year and are replaced with new ones. Over time, some leaves are lost. You dont have to worry about it because its natural.
Can I save the fallen leaves and propagate new plants?
Absolutely! Fallen leaves can be propagated to grow new jade plants.