Why Is My Jade Plant Dropping Leaves and Branches?

Last Updated on February 5, 2022 by Griselda M.

Why is my Jade plant dropping leaves and branches? Well, you are not the first one to ask this. Jade plant branches falling off could be due to a variety of reasons, which we are going to find out today.

 Also known as Crassula Ovata, the jade plant does best when you leave it be. This is one unique character tics of succulents that people liked. They can grow colorful and beautiful with very little care. But what should you do when it starts changing in aesthetics? What could cause jade plants to drop leaves and branches?

The common causes of jade plant shriveled leaves and branches include underwatering and overwatering. Factors like not giving it the best spot to grow, lack of sun exposure, or overexposure could also lead to your jade plant looking ugly.

Reason For Jade Plant Dropping Leaves and Branches

 Inappropriate Watering Routine

Jade plants are utilized to conditions that are fairly dry and warm with solid downpour showers now and then. They are local to South Africa, so you really want to mimic these conditions, as it were, to guarantee legitimate development.

The most effective way to care for jade plants is to water them when the soil is dry.  Sometimes, you need to feel the soil to verify its dampness. When you water them, you need to ensure that the dirt is totally drenched yet depletes quickly so that there’s no sponginess or standing water in the pot.

Underwatering

Underwatering can likewise be a reason for the jade plant dropping leaves. Everything revolves around tracking down a good arrangement. Underwatering can likewise make the leaves become red.

For succulents as a general rule, as a guideline, you ought to consistently sit tight for the dirt to totally dry out until you rewater. At the point when you water you ought to be giving the plant a careful drenching until the water emerges from the seepage openings. More water, now and again!

In the mid-year months, you ought to water when the top 2.5 crawls of soil dry out as this is the point at which a jade plant shoots and develops.

Insufficient Light

Succulents overall flourish in a splendidly lit spot. In the event that you have an indoor houseplant then you should attempt to put it in a south-bound window.

Assuming you see that the jade plant dropping leaves initially happens toward the start of winter then, at that point, odds are it’s not getting sufficient light! You should move your Crassula Ovata close to a window however stay away from the glass as a consistent draft could be similarly pretty much as harmful as low light.

Temperature

As referenced above, jade plants love a splendid bright spot! Furthermore, this implies that they flourish best in temperatures somewhere in the range of 55- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit.

Sudden changes in temperature are like a virus to your jade plant. It can cause your plant to bend down even though it has acclimated to its new environmental elements.

Learn more about: Can You Grow Jade Plant Cutting In Water?

Pests

Bugs can spread rapidly from your jade plant to another. Hence, you need to remedy this issue right away. Natural ways like soap and water can help remove bugs from your plant.

What Does An Overwatered Jade Look Like?

If your jade plant has been soaked in water, its leaves will begin to drop. Note that the jade plant’s leaves already contain water, hence the mushy and thick texture. However, when there’s too much water, the leaves could become a lot heavier than it already is. This will cause the leaves to drop and frail.   

Oftentimes, the roots can become slimy, with black and brown substances. If you leave the root rot to continue to spread, that’s when your jade plant also starts to turn black after drooping.

Best Soil To Prevent Jade Plant Dropping Leaves and Branches

Another acclaimed reason for jade plants dropping leaves is the lack of nutrients. Some soil does not provide enough nutrients for jade plants to grow.

As you may know, jade plants like fast-draining and airy soil. Anything too dense will hold too much water and cause the roots to rot. The best soil for the jade plant is a mic of gardening soil, pumice, and a little sad. Organic matter such as granite can improve the state of the soil. You can buy a potting mix for your jade plant at the nearest nursery. However, you can also buy them online.

Learn more about What Is The Jade Plant Growth Rate?

Jade Plant Dropping Leaves and Branches: Solution by Repotting

It depends on the reason why your plant drops leaves and branches. Not at all times will repotting resolve any issues of your dropping jade plant. First, you need to find out what the issue is. If your jade plant’s leaves are drooping because of root rot, you can adjust your watering style.

If the problem is the same after a couple of days, you can check the soil. Did you use the right kind of soil? Where did you buy the soil? Is your pot size enough to accommodate your jade plant?

The following are some tips when repotting your jade plant.

• Scoop out your jade plant from the old pot. If the roots are rotten, you need to dry them out. You are air-dry the plant and ensure that the roots are dry. In case, you are not able to save the roots you can just cut them out using a scissor. 
• Save as many stems as you can because you can just replant them. Next, prepare some new pots. Get the right size of pot for your jade plants. 
• Prepare the best potting mix. Again, you can use a mix of gardening soil and pumice to make the perfect substrate for your plant. 
• Once you’re ready, you can start planting your jade plant. If you only have the cuttings, you can plan the cuttings one by one on different pots. 
• Place your jade plants near a windowsill. Or if you are planting outside, place them in a good location with indirect exposure to sunlight. In a couple of weeks, your jade plant should start to develop new roots and leaves.