Jade Plant Leaves Turning Red: Causes and Solutions

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are popular succulents known for their thick, rounded leaves and tree-like growth habit Their foliage is normally a lush green color However, jade plant leaves sometimes turn red, which can be alarming for plant owners.

Reddening of the leaves is often a sign that something is not quite right with the plant’s care. By identifying and correcting the underlying issue, you can restore the jade plant’s health and beauty.

What Causes Jade Plant Leaves to Turn Red?

There are several possible reasons why a jade plant’s green leaves start turning red:

Sunlight

Too much direct sun is the most common cause of red jade plant leaves. Jades prefer bright, indirect light indoors. When exposed to several hours of direct sunlight, especially hot afternoon sun, the leaf tips and margins will redden or bleach to orange. Filter the light or move the plant to a shadier spot.

Underwatering

Lack of water causes jade plant leaves to shrivel and turn red or purple. Leaves may also drop off the plant. Make sure to water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Soak the soil completely until water drains from the bottom of the pot.

Temperature Extremes

Exposure to very cold or very hot temperatures can stress the plant, resulting in red leaves. Keep jade plants at 65-75°F (18-24°C). Protect from drafts and move away from heat sources.

Nutrient Deficiency

If growing in poor, depleted soil without fertilizer, jade plants can become deficient in key nutrients like nitrogen. This stunts growth and causes lower leaves to turn red. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half-strength every 2-4 weeks in spring and summer.

Chemical Damage

Fluoride, chloride, and soluble salts in tap water or fertilizers can build up in the soil over time. This damages the foliage, causing margins or tips to turn red-brown. Use distilled or rainwater and leach the soil annually to remove accumulated chemicals.

Pests

Insects like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale suck plant juices, causing stippling, spotting, or redness on leaves. Check for tiny pests under leaves and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap.

Diseases

Fungal diseases like leaf spot can cause circular red lesions on leaves, especially if humidity is high. Improve airflow and water plants from below. Apply fungicides preventively.

Natural Colors

Some jade varieties have naturally reddish leaves, like ‘Tricolor’ and ‘Golden Glow’. Make sure the red coloring isn’t specific to that cultivar before troubleshooting further.

How to Treat and Prevent Red Jade Leaves

Once you’ve pinpointed the cause, you can take action to restore your plant’s health and stop further reddening of the leaves:

• Move jade plants out of direct sun. Provide bright, indirect light instead.

• Check soil moisture frequently and water thoroughly whenever the top inch becomes dry.

• Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-75°F. Protect from cold drafts.

• Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Flush soil annually to remove accumulated chemicals. Use distilled or rainwater.

• Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites. Isolate and treat infestations early.

• Prune off any remaining red or damaged leaves to improve appearance. This allows new growth to take over.

• Propagate healthy green stems to start over with a fresh plant if needed.

With some simple adjustments to care, most jade plants can bounce back from reddened leaves within a few weeks. Pay close attention to providing the proper sunlight, water, temperature, and pest control to maintain lush green growth.

When to Worry About Red Jade Leaves

While red leaves are normally no cause for alarm, there are a few specific instances where it can spell trouble for your jade plant:

Leaves Reddening Despite Proper Care

If you’ve optimized all the growing conditions but the leaves continue to turn red, it could signal an incurable disease or pest infestation. Take a cutting with healthy stems to propagate a new plant.

Sudden Widespread Reddening

When all leaves rapidly turn red all at once, it is often due to temperature stress, chemical damage, or root rot from overwatering. Resolve the underlying issue immediately to save the plant.

Red Leaves Falling Off

If many red leaves drop from the plant, leaving bare stems, it is a sign of advanced stress, possibly from under or overwatering. Check for damaged roots and propagate or replace the plant if needed.

Red Spots and Stippling

Red spots or stippling usually indicate pest damage from spider mites, scale, or other sucking insects. Treat infestations right away before they spread.

With prompt troubleshooting and proper care, your jade plant’s reddened leaves should green up again. But some causes like pests and diseases may require starting over with a healthy new plant.