A Jade Plant Is Wilting
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a tender succulent whose easy-to-grow and propagate nature makes it a common houseplant. Although jade usually performs well in containers that restrict root space, is fairly slow-growing, survives under conditions of occasional neglect and enjoys the warm and dry environment typical of homes, the plant does have certain requirements. Various symptoms appear if these conditions are not met.
Inadequate Sunlight
The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a tender succulent whose easy-to-grow and propagate nature makes it a common houseplant. Although jade usually performs well in containers that restrict root space, is fairly slow-growing, survives under conditions of occasional neglect and enjoys the warm and dry environment typical of homes, the plant does have certain requirements. Various symptoms appear if these conditions are not met.
Improper Watering or Fertilizing
Jade plants prefer at least four hours of direct sunlight each day but are able of surviving in bright, indirect light. Inadequate light conditions cause a plant to develop deep-green leaves and drooping stems. The plant is not necessarily unhealthy but is not receiving the sunlight necessary for compact growth and red-tinted leaves.
- The jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a tender succulent whose easy-to-grow and propagate nature makes it a common houseplant.
- Although jade usually performs well in containers that restrict root space, is fairly slow-growing, survives under conditions of occasional neglect and enjoys the warm and dry environment typical of homes, the plant does have certain requirements.
Recent Changes
As succulents, jades prefer the soil to dry between deep waterings and should be watered most liberally during periods of active growth. Jade should not be left sitting in water. Restrict watering during winter or dormant periods. Overwatering results in stem rot, collapse, and leaf drop. Treat jade plants with a suitable fertilizer every three months or so.
Cold Temperatures
If a jade was exposed to cold temperatures or frost, it may wilt. Jade plants are generally tolerant to around 40 degrees and may survive brief freezing spells. If kept outside during the summer, bring them inside each year before the first frost. The ideal daytime temperature range for jade plants is between 65 and 75 degrees. The nighttime range is 50 to 55 degrees.
- As succulents, jades prefer the soil to dry between deep waterings and should be watered most liberally during periods of active growth.
Bacterial Soft Rot
The pathogen Erwinia attacks the jade plant. It causes the stems, branches to collapse, and makes interior tissues soft and mushy. Jade plants affected by bacterial soft rot should be discarded.
Addressing Wilt
Address wilt in a number of ways. If inadequate sunlight or fertilizing, overwatering or cold temperature exposures are responsible for the wilt, consider relocating the plant and adjusting the care regimen. If serious rot is occurring, consider transplanting or discarding affected plant parts and propagate healthy parts in new soil.
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Writer Bio
Angela Ryczkowski is a professional writer who has served as a greenhouse manager and certified wildland firefighter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in urban and regional studies.
