You might be wondering…

How to save a dying Jade Plant?

Before jumping into that question…

Let’s us hear the story from Jenny…

I do love gardening…

It heals me somehow…

It helps me to deal with my mental health…

…that I have been struggled with throughout the years…

I have not faced any failure when growing my plants…

till one day when I got my Jade dies…

Maybe for most people, it is a usual thing..

But for me…

it is something stressful…

as it remembers me to my past….

A similar thing that reflects may failure

a small thing yet disturbs my mind…

And the more I tried to prevent it from dying…

I don’t know why…

the same thing keeps on happening..

it keeps on getting limp…

I’m afraid that it will bring me…

..to the point where I’m no longer interesting in doing gardening…

How To Save A Dying Jade Plant?

What’s the bottom line?

You must first know…

Why does your Jade Plant appear to be dying…

Well, I am here to tell you some of the reasons why and offer to help you bring it back to life!

Be Aware of The Symptoms

Here’s the deal…

How to save a dying Jade Plant?

The answer is simple: Care.

Renewed care!

When we take a look at Jenny’s story above..

I could say… simple,

…she doesn’t know how to take the right care of her Jade…

..and it’s definitely wrong to keep on blaming herself for it…

Once you know the root problem..

you will realize it is that easy to solve it!

If the problem was overwatering, take steps to dry out your jade plant.

If it was root rot, prune out the dead roots.

Understanding the problem helps us come up with solutions.

Jade plants don’t just wither and die overnight.

It takes time.

Succulents like the jade plant are easy to propagate and grow.

But you can easily overdo as well as neglect care for the jade plant…

…and it will result in your jade plant wilting and dying. 

One of the most observable symptoms that show…

…your jade plant to be dying is the falling off of its branches.

Mature jade plants have woody trunks and plump taut-looking leaves.

Healthy plants shoot up its branches from the main trunks.

They normally project upwards and slightly outward. 

If your jade plant extends too widely and its branches…

…appear to be hardly able to carry the weight of its leaves…

it may be a symptom of a problem.

If its branches are stooping downward and bowing to the ground…

…that may also be a symptom of a problem.

If young leaves fall off untimely, it may be a symptom. 

Yellowing Leaves on Jade Plant

Why is this important?

So, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

Another obvious symptom that your jade plant is dying is the yellowing of its leaves.

Though this is also a symptom of general neglect….

…yellowing doesn’t happen overnight, it is a clear symptom that your jade plant is dying. 

There is a natural yellowing of leaves that is not a real problem.

Older leaves are naturally yellow because of maturity or disease.

In this case, all you have to do is to prune the yellowing leaves out. 

What we are concerned about is the general appearance…

…of your jade plant whose leaves are all turning yellow in various stages.

When young leaves turn yellow.

This is a symptom that your jade plant is dying. 

This is sometimes accompanied by the leaves turning soft.

Jade plants leave, like all other succulent plants, feel firm and taut to the touch.

Its leaves are not soggy though it is water-filled.

When the leaves become soft and squishy and break with slight finger pressure….

…it is a sign that the plant is dying.

Root Rot

Well, is it true?

Again, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

Be aware of another symptom…

A third symptom is root rot.

This is not the most obvious symptom because root rot manifests under the soil.

You need to remove the plant from the pot, shake off the soil, and examine its root system more closely…

…to see if your jade plant is suffering from root rot. 

However, if you have been seeing a general yellowing of the leaves…

…or a breaking off and weakening of leaves and branches…

then it is high time to also check your jade plant’s roots..

…to see if it is experiencing a rotting of roots (not all, but some).

Jade Leaves Are Still Falling Off, why?

This is crazy…

In relation to its falling leaves, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

To ensure correct drainage first check the pot size –

…there should be at least an inch of soil around the jade plant’s roots.

When you water, water should drain from the bottom of the pot.

If it drains right away the root ball may be compressed.

If your plant needs more space to replant it into a larger pot with good drainage holes…

…a succulent mix is a good choice for potting soil. 

Since jade plants are succulents they should dry out completely…

…between waterings, up to 10-14 days between.

If any parts of the plant (leaves, stems, etc) are mushy it’s getting too much water.

If the leaves wilt, it’s not getting enough water.

You can also check the roots, they should be white and firm.

If the roots are rotted you will need to replace the plant.

You can propagate a new jade plant from a healthy leaf on your plant. 

Jade plants need plenty of light and do well in a sunny window.

You can also add artificial light if needed. 

Heat can cause jade plants to lose leaves, especially older leaves.

Moving the plant to an area with good air movement and/or lower temperatures can help the plant.

We have found this unique pot and we put our succulents. The result is surprising!
It is somehow managed to keep our plants nourished and keep the soil sufficiently humid at the same time! We highly recommended this to you:

6″ Self Watering + Self Aerating High Drainage Deep Reservoir Round Planter Pot Maintains Healthy Roots for Indoor & Outdoor & Windowsill Gardens (White)

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Why Has My Jade Gone Limp?

You might think to yourself:

In relation to the time where it goes limp, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

When the foliage on a jade plant is drooping or you appear to have a dying jade plant…

…the usual cause is improper watering.

In spring, summer and fall, keep the soil lightly moist.

The plant takes a rest break in winter and needs less water. 

Overwatering in winter is the most common reason for a dying jade plant.

This is because the roots begin to rot when you give them more moisture than they can absorb.

How to Avoid a Limp Jade Plant

Keep reading…

In winter, try watering your jade plant by spraying it with..

…a generous amount of water from a spray bottle…

…or by drizzling water from a squirt bottle such as those used for dishwashing liquid.

Make sure you clean and thoroughly rinse the containers before using them to water your jade plant.

Spraying the plant also helps prevent spider mites, which are common problems with jade plants. 

You’ll know if your jade plant isn’t getting enough water because the leaves will shrivel…

…but they quickly rehydrate when you water the plant.

Here’s how!

The best way to rehydrate the plant in winter is…

…by watering it lightly two or three times rather than flooding the pot with water. 

In spring, summer and fall when the plant needs more moisture, water the plant by soaking the soil thoroughly.

Allow the excess moisture to drain through the holes in the bottom of the pot and then empty the saucer.

Never leave the plant sitting in a saucer of water. 

So,

You should also allow the top inch or two (2.5 to 5 cm.) of soil to dry out before watering it again.

Watch for shriveling and dropping leaves,

…which indicate that the plant isn’t getting enough water, and limp leaves…

…which indicates that it is getting too much.

Insect and disease problems with jade plants often gain a foothold…

….when the plant is stressed by improper watering. 

Many people believe that jade plants and other succulents can withstand long periods of drought…

…living off the moisture stored in their thick, fleshy leaves.

While many succulents need less water than other plants…

…allowing them to dry out results in discolored…

…or shriveled leaves that drop from the plant.

Regular watering at the appropriate times is essential to keep them attractive and healthy. 

How To Revive An Overwatered Jade Plant

I’m not going to lie to you…

In relation to its species, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

Succulents, as you may know, are water-filled plants.

They thrive in arid climates and dry soil conditions.

Jade plant is a type of succulent plant.

This is the reason they are very susceptible to overwatering.

Under normal conditions, you only need to water your jade plant every few weeks.

They don’t normally dry up or wilt with little (neglect) watering under cool or normal temperatures.

Same thing with Jade Plants.

This may be the reason why your jade plant appears to be dying.

Your jade plant may be overwatered.

The symptoms of over-watering are often similar to the symptoms of too little watering.

One of the symptoms of overwatering a jade plant is the yellowing of the leaves.

Yes, it’s true that the yellowing of leaves is a symptom of too little watering.

However, you cannot dismiss this symptom simply as your jade plant getting too little water.

Because if you do that, then you will water your jade plant more, thinking it will solve the problem.

But it will not.

What you just did worsen the problem.

The best thing to do if you see yellowing of the leaves is to check the soil:

Is the soil dry or wet?

If the symptom is a result of overwatering, the soil will be wet or soaked.

Either the jade plant is being too frequently watered, under cool climate conditions…

…or the pot has poor drainage leaving the soil soaking wet. 

If the soil is dry to the touch, then the jade plant is getting too little water,

…especially if the climate condition is hot and dry.

A little water will do the job.

Overwatered jade plants can be revived.

They can recover.

However, you must be careful.

First, check the pot’s drainage.

Make sure that your pots have enough holes for good drainage.

If your pot has a drain tray, empty it regularly. This helps prevent overwatering.

Feel the soil.

If it is soaked, remove the jade plant from the pot and shake off the soil clinging to the roots gently.

After you have made sure that any rotting roots have been pruned off, repot your jade plant.

Jade plants need only a limited amount of space for its roots…

…just enough allowance for the root ball to be contained.

Repot the jade plant in a suitable pot.

If you’re not sure about the soil material itself, you can simply get a new succulent soil mix with this one right here. Our editor’s pick!

Harris Premium Succulent and Cactus Potting Soil Mix, Fast Draining with Added Nutrients, 4 Quarts

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How To Prune A Jade Plant

Here’s the interesting part…

In relation to the pruning system, how to save a dying Jade Plant?

Pruning is the nature of grooming for plants.

If you don’t prune, its branches and leaves will grow wild.

Prune the lowest leaves first.

They are the oldest and more mature ones.

They will be the ones to fall off first anyway if you leave them.

New growth appears at the top and on the ends of the branches.

Prune long leggy branches off completely.

These are the branches that will droop in time.

You want a jade plant that appears tight and upright, and pruning off scrawny sagging branches helps you attain that. 

There may be times when your jade plant has matured into a woody trunk and woody branches…

…that you can prune off all new growth leaving a bare trunk and bare branches.

You can do this in order for the plant to renew itself.

But you need expert advice on this. 

Your jade plant really needs little care.

It thrives on a little neglect.

But with too much neglect, your jade plant will die.

You may try to prune the root but try not to trim more than one-third of the root system.

Then repot it in nutrient-rich soil that is mixed with an equal amount of organic compost.

Make sure the bottom of the pot is well-drained.

Succulent has sturdier branches and leaves. Make sure you wouldn’t tear your scissors apart by cutting them with a proper pruner like this :

Mueller Heavy Duty Garden Shears, Hand Pruner, Bypass Shears, Durable Hardened Titanium Blades, 1.2" Cutting Diameter, Blade Lock, Ergonomic Grip

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Let’s sum it all up!

Now:

Let’s us sum all the tips and tricks on: How to save a dying Jade Plant?

…also by taking into account the importance of ‘care’ that has been reflected from Jenny’s experience above!

Adjust Your Watering Frequency & Apply the revive/ prune technique if necessary

Jade plants prefer dry conditions.

If you overwater your jade…

…it will quickly develop root rot and other problems that can cause it to droop.

However, if you underwater your jade, it can wither, lose leaves, and droop.

To master watering, give your jade a good soaking,

…and then don’t water it again until the soil completely dries out.

Watch out!

When in doubt, remember it’s better to be underwater than overwater a jade plant….

….as long as you don’t leave it in bone-dry soil for extended periods of time. 

As you know…

The jade plant, scientifically referred to as Crassula ovata,

…is a succulent shrub native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

This drought-tolerant tree grows green foliage, has reddish and purple hues,

…and blooms pink and white flowers.

Because jade grows easily and resists most diseases and predators,

…wilting or distressed jade plant is easily cured. 

Here are the steps:

• Use sharp, sterile scissors to prune away any dead branches.

• Make an angular cut as close to the branch as possible to ensure rapid healing.

• Avoid pruning away any withering foliage as these leaves may rejuvenate.

• Remove the jade plant from its potting container and place the plant on a clean, flat surface.

• Gently remove excess soil from the roots. 

• Hold the distressed root in one hand and trim back the individual root at the base of the system.

• Avoid trimming more than one-third of the root system.

• Repot the jade plant using clean, nutrient-rich soil mixed with an equal amount of organic compost.

• Line the bottom of a well-drained potting container with a layer of prepared soil.

• Position the jade plant in the center of the container and fill it with the potting soil. 

Adjust the Lighting

“Nothing causes a spindly, droopy jade like poor lighting. “Jade plants need to spend at least four hours each day in bright or direct sunlight. Try moving your drooping jade to a window with southern exposure. If you can’t place it in a sunnier window, supplement the lighting it gets by placing it under a lamp with a fluorescent bulb. If lack of light is the problem, your plant should start to perk up within a few weeks.”

Clemson University Cooperative Extension.

Check for Disease

If your jade is drooping so much that it’s touching the side of the planter or the soil…

…you’ll likely have to cut it back to save the rest of the plant.

To do so, use sharp scissors or a sharp, clean knife to cut the drooping stem..

….where it meets the main part of the stem.

If left unattended, the drooping pieces can rot and harm the rest of your plant.

Let cuttings dry for a few days and then place in new soil…

…they are likely to grow roots and create new plants. 

Staking

When most plants begin to droop, you can stake them to offer additional support..

…and to correct the direction of growth.

“Jade plants have delicate stems that injure easily if placed against stakes, walls, twine and other objects. So, it’s best not to try to support them in this way. Instead, try to correct the drooping. If you can’t correct it, you’ll most likely have to prune your plant.”

Ron Smith, a horticulturist at NDSU Extension Service. 

Conclusions

I hope this post is able in answering: How to save a dying Jade Plant?

Now I’d like to know what you have to say.

You already know How to save a dying Jade Plant? in the easiest and fastest ways….

…that I’m sure they’ve all been underestimated by common people…

So, are Jade Plants prone to die?

Um, not really!

As now you, yourself, are able to prevent it too, right?

If you still have any questions on our topic of How to save a dying Jade Plant?

…or even you need to know more detailed steps to do in dealing with it….

…feel free to contact me!

If you encounter other jade plant problems, such as saving a frozen jade plant…

…or perhaps removing brown leaves that your jade plant has…

…we might be able to help you with those, too, so explore away!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of jade plant death?

There are many symptoms of jade plant death.

Some common symptoms of jade plant death include the leaves becoming yellow and dying, the plant not producing new leaves, and the roots becoming dry and rot.

What should I do if my jade plant is already dead?

If you notice the jade plant wilting, drooping, or having yellowing leaves, then it is likely that the jade plant is dying and should be pruned or removed.

However, if your jade plant is already dead and the steps you take to revive it does not succed, it is time to let go of it and grow a new one.

What are the three most common diseases that affect jade plants?

The three most common diseases that affect jade plants are root rot, aphids, and spider mites.

This is similar to three of the most common diseases found in other houseplants like snake plants, as well.

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