Jade plants are incredibly popular houseplants known for their fleshy, green leaves and resilience However, even hardy jade plants can run into issues like curling leaves
Curling leaves on a jade plant are often a sign that something is wrong with its care or environment. By identifying the cause and implementing the right solutions you can restore the health of your plant.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons for jade plant leaves curling up and how to fix them. We’ll also discuss preventative care tips to avoid future problems.
7 Common Causes of Curled Jade Leaves
Here are the main causes of jade plant leaves curling or rolling up and how to recognize them:
1. Underwatering
Insufficient water is the most common reason for leaf curl in jade plants.
When underwatered, the leaves lose turgidity and shrink as the plant cells dehydrate. The leaves then curl or fold up to minimize surface area and water loss through transpiration.
Other symptoms of underwatering include:
- Drooping, wrinkled leaves
- Brittle stems
- Dry, shriveled leaf tips
- Soil pulls away from the pot edges
2. Overwatering
While jade plants are drought-tolerant, overwatering is another major cause of leaves curling up.
Excess moisture prevents proper oxygenation of the roots, causing root rot. With damaged roots unable to absorb water, the leaves dehydrate and curl up.
Signs of overwatering include:
- Wet, muddy soil
- Soft, mushy leaves or stems
- Foul odor from rotting roots
3. Low Humidity
Jade plants prefer 30-50% humidity. In environments with very low humidity, the leaf edges may dry out, curl up, and turn brown.
Other low humidity symptoms:
- Dry, shriveled leaf tips
- Leaves dropping
4. Temperature Extremes
Jade plants thrive in average room temperatures of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Drastic temperature changes or extremes can stress the plant. The leaves may curl to reduce moisture loss.
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Hot temperatures over 90°F cause leaves to curl up and wrinkle
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Cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F make leaves curl inward
5. Intense Sunlight
Jade plants need 4-6 hours of direct sun but intense afternoon light can scorch the leaves. Excess light causes the leaf edges to curl up to minimize exposure.
Other signs of sunburn include:
- Brown, dry spots on leaves
- Reddish leaf tips
6. Pest Infestation
Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scales can drain moisture and nutrients. This leads to dehydrated, curled leaves.
Check for:
- Sticky honeydew residue
- White webs between branches
- Tiny black dots that move
7. Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of nitrogen, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients inhibit growth and cause leaves to curl.
Other deficiency symptoms:
- Yellowing leaves
- Little new growth
How to Fix Curled Jade Leaves
Once you’ve diagnosed the cause, implement the relevant solutions:
For underwatering: Water the plant deeply until water drains from the bottom. Gradually increase watering frequency to keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
For overwatering: Avoid watering for 1-2 weeks until soil dries out. Repot in well-draining soil, if needed. Trim off rotten roots and affected leaves.
For low humidity: Use a humidifier to maintain 30-50% humidity. Group plants together to raise local humidity. Mist leaves daily.
For temperature problems: Move plant away from hot/cold sources. Keep room temperature consistently around 70°F.
For intense sunlight: Provide shade with a sheer curtain. Move plant back gradually over 2-3 weeks once acclimated.
For pests: Remove with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly. Ensure plant is not in direct sun when applying oils.
For nutrient deficiency: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Preventing Future Leaf Curling
Consistent, proper care is key to prevent leaves curling again:
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Water thoroughly only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
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Monitor humidity and use a humidifier to maintain 40-50%.
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Keep away from heating/AC vents to prevent temperature extremes.
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Avoid intense afternoon sun in summer by using sheer curtains.
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Inspect regularly for pests like mealybugs and spider mites.
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In spring and summer, apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks.
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Transition slowly when moving to a new spot, adjusting light, temperature, etc.
When to Worry About Curled Leaves
Mild curling from temporary stress usually resolves in a few days with improved care. But if your jade plant has severely curled, shriveled leaves that persist despite your best efforts, it likely has a widespread infestation, disease, or root damage.
Severely affected plants with extensive leaf loss may need rejuvenation through:
- Cutting back bare stems to allow fresh growth
- Propagating healthy leaves and stems
- Repotting bare root divisions once roots regrow
With attentive care and monitoring, you can identify and resolve any issues before they escalate. This will help keep your jade plant’s leaves full, firm, and vibrant for years to come.
Spotting the Signs of Leaf Curling
Early detection is key in managing leaf curling in Curly Jade Plants. Look for leaves that twist or fold inwards, a departure from their typical robust and flat appearance. This visual cue suggests your plant may be in distress. Leaves that exhibit sharp bends or spirals are particularly concerning and warrant immediate attention.
When to Be Concerned
Not all leaf variations spell trouble. A slight curve can be part of the plants natural charm. However, be alarmed when curling is paired with discoloration or a change in texture. If leaves turn yellow, brown, or feel softer or thinner, your Curly Jade is signaling for help. These symptoms, especially when combined, indicate that its time to take action.
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FAQ
How often should I water my jade plant?
Does a jade plant need full sun?
Why are my Jade leaves curling?
Jade plants are great indoor plants for easy-to-maintain nature. But there are little hiccups as curling leaves (like the paddle) to these jade plants. There can be many reasons for the jade plant leaves curling such as lighting problems, watering issues, soiling problems, or many things like that.
Why do Jade leaves shrivel?
Excess Wind Can Curl Leaves Excessive air pressure on the jade plants can curl the leaves. For heavy wind, the leaves lose moisture and cause leaves to shrivel and thin. To solve the moisture issue, water the jade plants properly and they will start restoring in 2 or 3 water cycles.
How do you stop a jade plant from curling?
To stop curling the leaves from cold weather keep the jade plant at a bearable temperature so it can work normally. The best solution is to keep the plant indoors in the winter season and maintain the temperature between 65° to 75°F. Though on winter nights the jade plant can tolerate around a temperature of 55°F. You can cover them on cold nights.
What happens if you overwater a jade plant?
Just as underwatering, overwatering also causes the plant leaves to curl up like aloe and mushy. Though the overwatering can cause more likely death for your jade plant. The plant’s roots may start rotting due to waterlogging in the soil. Excess watering will stop the plant from taking nutrients and moisture from the overflowed soil.
Why are my Jade leaves turning black?
In jade plants, leaf scorch may be caused by the following factors: Sunburn Jade plants love direct sunlight, but extended exposure at temperatures around 90 °F (32 °C) can burn the leaves. The symptoms include brown or blackish spots on the sun-exposed leaves. You can fix the damage from sunburn with the following steps:
Why is my jade plant leggy?
This problem may occur due to the following: Insufficient light: Jade plants require a few hours of direct sunlight to generate enough energy for growth. Plants grown in bright indirect light or artificial lights might not become leggy when properly rotated, but they’ll naturally grow more slowly.