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Why Is My Jade Plant Losing Leaves – 6 Common Reasons!

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If you’re asking yourself the question, why is my jade plant losing leaves? You have come to the right place for the answers.

It is very common for jade leaves to start falling. This problem particularly pertains to bonsai jade, dwarf jade and Gollum jade.

In this article, we will discuss some of the reasons why jade plants start losing leaves.

So let’s get right to it!

Why Is My Jade Plant Losing Leaves
My jade plant is dropping all of its leaves and I don’t know why – via Reddit

Why Is My Jade Plant Losing Leaves

The jade plant can drop leaves for several reasons. Here we will discuss each one in detail.

The plant drops older leaves which is completely normal. However, if you notice a big change in the number of leaves falling, it may be due to a number of reasons listed below.

1. Overwatering

One of the main causes of a jade plant dropping leaves is overwatering it. It is common knowledge that cactuses and succulents can store water inside their stems for a longer than usual period of time.

This is why they survive easily in hot places like deserts with little to no water.

Overwatering doesn’t only cause your jade plant to lose its leaves; it can also cause root rot. If you don’t take care of this problem, it will lead to the jade plant falling over.

The plant hates to be just left in wet soil, which is waterlogged. Ensure that you are using a container with proper drainage holes so that the water doesn’t stay inside the container for long periods of time.

If you overwater your jade plant, it will lead to the plant dying, and it will start attracting pests like scale insects and fungus gnats. This will seriously hinder the growth of your plant and will probably have you second-guessing the length jade plants grow to.

2. Underwatering

Just as bad as overwatering, underwatering is also a common cause for the jade plant to start shedding leaves.

The trick is finding a healthy balance to exist in. Another thing that underwatering does is cause the leaves of the plant to turn red.

For succulents, you should always wait for the soil to dry out completely before you even consider watering the soil again. You have to follow the rule of “more water, less often” and have to overflow the soil when you do give the plant some water.

You have to make sure that there’s enough water in the soil that it would start coming out of the drainage holes.

When it’s summertime, make sure you only water when the topmost 2.5 inches of soil are dried out. This is the peak time when a jade plant shoots and grows.

An underwatered jade plant will begin to shed its leaves very fast. The lower leaves of the plant will start looking shriveled. This is one indicator that you need to change your watering routine.

Why Is My Jade Plant Losing Leaves 2
Jade Plant losing leaves – via Reddit

3. Insufficient Sunlight

Another possible factor in the jade plant losing leaves is a lack of natural light. Succulents usually are used to a spot that is very brightly lit. If you have an indoor houseplant, try and position it in front of a south-facing window.

If you notice the jade plant shedding leaves at the start of winter, it means that the plant is not getting enough light. You should consider changing the position of the plant and positioning it in such a way that it is neither too far nor too close to the window.

If you live in a particularly cold area, you have to use artificial light to make sure that your plant is getting everything it needs.

When a jade plant is kept away from sunlight for too long, it will start suffering from succulent etiolation. This means that the plant will start growing abnormally. It will look like your plant is stretched out.

So if you find yourself asking the question of why is my jade plant losing leaves, the answer might just be more sunlight.

4. Temperature

Another factor that can affect the health of the jade plant is the temperature of the environment it’s in. Jade plants thrive in the temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

A sudden change in temperature can also damage the plant. It will start dropping its leaves. The plant takes some time to adjust to its surroundings, but once it has done so, the leaves will start to grow back slowly.

If you want to move your plant to a new location, do that gradually over time. Otherwise, the leaves will start dropping off.

5. Pests

A very dreadful opponent, pests are something every gardener hates. The word boils their blood and leaves them in anger. The damage pests can cause to plants is immense, and everything should be done to keep them away from plants.

If you think you have a pest problem with your jade plant, immediately remove it from the other plants. Doing so will keep the infestation from spreading.

The two most common pests found on jade plants are spider mites and mealybugs.

An infestation that includes any of these insects has to be dealt with at the earliest.

6. Potting Soil

Another problem that can exist is the potting soil you use. Using the wrong potting mix will also cause your jade plant to lose leaves.

The jade plant wants airy and fast-draining soil. If it’s something too dense, it will probably not fit well with the plant.

You can consult your local garden center and ask them the best soil to use with jade plants. You can then start using that instead.


Conclusion

If you keep asking yourself the question, why is my jade plant losing leaves? This article probably covered your case already.

See if you’re doing anything that we advised against in the article, and try to change your routine if you are.

Plants are every gardener’s prized possession. If you don’t take proper care of them, they will wither away.

Prevent your jade plant from shedding leaves by following this article.

Best of luck!