Are you noticing yellow leaves on your jade tree? Find out now how to solve this problem and keep your plant lush and healthy.
The jade tree, or Crassula ovata, is one of the most loved houseplants for its ease of care and its aesthetic appeal. However, it can happen that its leaves turn yellow, signaling some problem. In this article we will see the main causes of yellowing jade leaves and the best methods to bring the plant back to health.
Why do the leaves of the Jade Tree turn yellow?
Yellow leaves on a jade plant can result from several factors. In many cases, the problem can be traced back to aincorrect wateringbut also other conditions, such as lack of light or excess fertilizer, can have a negative impact. Let’s analyze the most common causes and remedies. THE’excess water is the most common cause of yellow leaves in the jade plant. This succulent has a very low water requirement, and for this reason it can easily suffer if it is watered too often. Excess water stagnates in the soil, making it moist and preventing the roots from breathing, causing yellowing and weakening of the foliage.
How to solve? The ideal solution is water only when the soil is completely dry. Insert a finger into the soil to check the moisture: if it’s dry, it’s time to water. Also, be careful not to leave standing water in the saucer, as this can cause root rot. On the other hand, insufficient watering can have similar effects. If you leave the plant without water for too long, especially in hot weather, the leaves may dry out, turn yellow and fall off. Therefore water sparingly, always making sure that the soil does not remain completely dry for long periods.
Fertilizer: a little is better than too much
The jade plant does not require much fertilizer, and an excess of nutrients can be harmful. Fertilize too often it can burn roots and alter soil pH, limiting the absorption of essential nutrients. This problem often manifests itself with yellowing leaves or dry edges.
If you have given too much fertilizer, stop immediately for a period of at least three to four months. In the meantime, rinse the soil thoroughly to remove any sali residues. In the future, use fertilizer sparingly, diluting it and feeding it only during the growing season.
Extreme temperatures: Maintain a stable temperature
The jade tree is a plant that loves temperatures between 18 and 30 °C, conditions in which it develops luxuriantly. However, sudden changes or temperatures that are too low or too high they can cause stress to the plant. This stress is reflected on the leaves, which may turn yellow if the plant is exposed to inappropriate temperatures.
Be sure to place your jade plant in an area where the temperature is stable and away from cold drafts or sources of intense heat. If the plant has been exposed to an inappropriate temperature, try to gradually return it to a more favorable environment, avoiding sudden changes.
Sunlight: Find the right exposure for the Jade Tree
The jade plant needs abundant sunlight to grow healthily. Although it can tolerate low light environments, insufficient exposure can cause the leaves to progressively yellow. When the plant is forced to live in an environment that is too dark, it produces more chlorophyll to try to compensate for the lack of light, making the leaves darker at first, but in the long run, the lack of light will cause the foliage to yellow.
To avoid this problem, place the plant near a well-lit window, where it receives both direct and indirect light. However, avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the hottest hours, especially in summer, to avoid causing sunburn.
Pests and diseases: identify the signs and intervene
Jade plants can also be subject to pest infestations, which weaken the plant and can cause yellowing of the leaves. The most common parasite is the cochinealwhich appears as small white clumps similar to cotton balls. These insects feed on the plant’s sap, causing patchy yellow spots and general weakening.
To eliminate parasites:
- Check the plant regularly, paying attention to the presence of white spots.
- Swab the infested leaves with a cotton ball dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply specific horticultural oils to reduce infestation.
If the problem isn’t caused by parasites, it could be fungal diseases or root rot. Check for brown spots or white residue on the leaves and, if necessary, remove damaged foliage and replace the soil.
Natural aging of Jade Tree leaves: an inevitable process
Another possible explanation for yellow leaves is natural aging. Like many plants, the jade tree occasionally sheds its older leaves, which turn yellow before falling. This process is part of the natural cycle of the plant and does not necessarily indicate a health problem.
However, if the yellowing is limited to the lower leaves and occurs slowly, you don’t need to worry. This phenomenon is perfectly normal and favors the development of a more robust appearance and tree-like in time.
By regularly monitoring the plant and intervening promptly in case of problems, you will be able to guarantee your jade always looks lush and green.
Photo © stock.adobe
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