Jade Plant Leaves Falling Off at a Touch? Find the Cause and It Can Still Be Saved

The Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) has thick, fleshy leaves and stays evergreen all year round. During care, you may encounter the situation where the leaves fall off at a touch; this is usually caused by root rot. Below is how to deal with root rot in Jade Plants.

What should you do about root rot in a Jade Plant?

(1). Take the Jade Plant out of its pot, cut off the rotted root parts, soak the roots in a carbendazim solution to sterilise them, and after soaking place them in a shady spot to let the wounds dry.

(2). Place it on the ground after spraying with water; in such a high-humidity environment, aerial roots will gradually grow.

(3). Once the plant's aerial roots have grown out, repot it and keep it in a semi-shady environment for about 1 week; after the plant has adjusted, resume normal care.

Causes of root rot in Jade Plants:

(1). Overwatering: too much water and waterlogged conditions make it hard for the roots to breathe, which easily leads to root rot, and the leaves will also drop. Water a Jade Plant only when the soil has dried out completely. Loosening the soil regularly and appropriately helps with drainage.

(2). Temperature too low: when the temperature drops below zero and no frost protection measures are taken in time, the plant is very likely to suffer frost damage; if the frost damage is severe, the roots will rot beyond recognition and may even turn to mush. Therefore, in winter it should be moved indoors in time and kept at a suitable temperature.