Why Is My Jade Plant Dropping Leaves? 6 Common Causes and Easy Fixes
Finding leaves on the floor instead of on your Jade plant (Crassula ovata) is a clear signal of distress. While Jades are resilient, leaf drop is their way of saying something is fundamentally wrong with their environment.
Here is the expert diagnostic guide to identifying the cause and saving your plant.
1. Overwatering: The #1 Killer
The most common reason for leaf drop is root rot caused by excess water. Because Jades store water in their leaves, they cannot handle “wet feet.”
- The Symptom: Leaves turn yellow, feel soft/mushy, and fall off. The stem may feel squishy near the soil line.
- The Fix: Stop watering immediately. Allow the soil to dry out 100%. If the soil is a swamp, repot the plant in a fresh cactus/succulent mix and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
2. Underwatering: Drought Stress
While rare, extreme neglect can cause leaf drop. The plant “sheds” its lower leaves to conserve the remaining moisture for the core stem.
- The Symptom: Leaves look shriveled, wrinkled, or flat before falling. They usually remain green or turn brown and crispy.
- The Fix: Give the plant a thorough soak until water runs out of the drainage holes. The leaves should plump back up within 24 hours.
3. Lack of Light
Jade plants are sun-worshippers. If they don’t get enough light, they can’t produce enough energy to support a full canopy.
- The Symptom: The plant becomes “leggy” (stretched out), and lower leaves drop to focus energy on the new growth reaching for the sun.
- The Fix: Move your Jade to a South or West-facing window. It needs at least 4–6 hours of bright light daily.
4. Temperature Shocks and Drafts
Jade plants prefer stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C–24°C). Sudden changes can cause the plant to go into shock.
- The Symptom: Sudden, mass leaf drop of otherwise healthy-looking green leaves.
- The Fix: Check for nearby AC vents, heaters, or drafty windows. Keep the plant away from external doors during winter.
5. Natural Aging
If your Jade is dropping an occasional leaf from the very bottom of the stem while new leaves are growing at the top, don’t panic.
- The Symptom: One or two old leaves at the base turn yellow and fall off every few months.
- The Fix: No action needed. This is how the plant creates its signature “woody” trunk look.
6. Pest Infestations (Mealybugs & Scale)
Small sap-sucking insects can drain the life from your Jade’s leaves, causing them to weaken and drop.
- The Symptom: You may see white, cottony puff-balls in the leaf joints (Mealybugs) or small brown, waxy bumps on the stems (Scale). Leaves often become sticky to the touch before falling.
- The Fix: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) and dab the insects directly to kill them. For larger infestations, spray the plant with Neem oil or insecticidal soap, but keep it out of direct sunlight while the leaves are wet to avoid burning.
Updated Quick Diagnostic Table
| Leaf Appearance | Likely Cause | Priority Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow & Mushy | Overwatering | Check roots for rot; dry out soil. |
| Shriveled & Flat | Underwatering | Deep soak watering. |
| Green but Falling | Temperature Shock | Move away from drafts/vents. |
| Stretched/Leggy | Low Light | Move to a sunnier window. |
| Sticky or “Cottony” | Pests (Mealybugs) | Treat with Rubbing Alcohol/Neem Oil. |
Expert Tip: Don’t Throw Away the Fallen Leaves!
If the leaves that fell off are healthy and not mushy, you can propagate them. Simply lay them on top of dry soil in a bright spot. In a few weeks, they will grow tiny roots and a new “baby” Jade plant. It’s the ultimate silver lining to a leaf-drop crisis.