Why are my jade plants having black spots? Is it dying? How can I save it?
If you are having such questions in your mind, and overthinking them, then rest assured that your plant is not dying. Many causes can make black spots on your jade plant. Today, in this article, I will discuss why your jade plants have black spots and how to prevent them.
So, keep reading this article till the end to get a better understanding of these plants!
Jade Plants Overview
Jade plants which are scientifically called Crassula Ovata are commonly seen in any plant lovers’ houses. Every variety of Jade plants has the same requirements for healthy growth. They can be maintained at home with low care. Also, they are drought resistant and can survive with less water because while watering them, the leaves and the stems of the plant store water, and thus they look bulbous. This capability of storing water sometimes causes some diseases. Storing excess water may lead to black spots on the leaves, also there are some more causes that I will discuss below.
Why Black Spots Occur On A Jade Plant
If you give enough sunlight to jade plants, watering, fertilizing or any other problems will not affect them. If not cared for properly, some problems arise and they turn into dangerous diseases if ignored. The growth of black spots on the leaves of the Jade plants can be observed in some cases, which may severely damage the growth of the plant. If neglected, it may even lead to the death of the plant.
Why Is My Jade Plant Turning Black?
Jade plants love to stay in hot, dry, and low humidity conditions with less watering and fertilization. Black spots or the leaves are commonly observed if they are not provided enough care. If it is watered more than enough or the pot has no proper drainage system, which lets the water stay in the pot and creates damp conditions that result in black spots on the leaves or the discoloration of leaves. Now, let us know the detailed reasons for this problem.
Reasons for the black spots on the Jade plant:
1. Watering And Drainage Issues
As we discussed above, the Jade plant is mostly affected by watering and drainage issues. Jade plants originated in the rocky hills. They love to grow in sandy and dry soil or mixed. Make sure that your soil mix should be a well-draining one and should not hold water for a long time. It cannot grow healthy in waterlogged soil. Prefer the soil mix that contains grit. Use a terra cotta pot or a clay pot that helps in evaporating the water in the water inside the surface of the pot. Select the pot with the proper drainage system. It is better to fill the bottom layer of the pot with gravel as it does not allow the soil to get stuck in the drainage holes.
The most important aspect of caring for your jade plant is watering. Jades do not consume more water, so water only once in 10-14 days (depending on your environment) which is enough. To know the quantity of water, immerse the pot in a tray of water. Do not over-water your plant. If you do so, the roots of the plant absorb all the water and transfer the water to all the parts of the plant. The excess water in the leaves forms corky bumps on them which are usually black or brown. This is called Edema. Also, over-watering results in root rot that makes the leaves of the Jade plant turn black.
Given below is an example of formation of black spots on the leaves of a jade plant due to underwatering or overwatering!
How to fix this issue
Repot the plant with a suitable pot that has a good drainage system. Make sure that the soil mix is well-draining. It is better to use cactus mix for planting your Jade plant. Avoid watering the plant before the soil dries.
2. Pests and Insects
Although the Jade plant is a hardy plant that can resist many diseases, some pests and insects can trouble your plant in cold conditions. If you grow your jade plant indoors then the insects like whiteflies, spider mites, aphids, and mealy bugs may attach to your plant. They can suck all the nutrients of the plant and make it weak, affecting the growth of the plant. Most of them can look like black spots on the leaves, but they are insects. They mostly lie on the back side of the leaves and it is difficult to find them.
Pest and diseases can frequently occur on your jade, if not cared for properly. Don’t forget to check out the image below!
How to fix this issue
Gently wipe them with the rubbing alcohol or apply neem oil to the plant. If you can hold them then remove them from the leaves. You can also spray soap water on the part of your plant to get rid of them. Let the plant get enough sunlight. Use pesticides to avoid this problem.
3. Wounds And Mishandling
While you prune your plant, you may injure it by mistake. These wounds can bring black spots to your plant’s leaves. Or else, the complete leaf may turn black. Do not mishandle it in any case or injure it, to keep it healthy.
Given below is an image of a jade plant stem having wounds and turning black!
How to fix this issue
Your plant can recover from wounds by itself. The only thing you have to do is to care for your plant and make sure that your jade plant does not get any wounds in the future. You should replace your plant at a safe location only if your plant is often hurt by your pets or children.
4. Black ring Virus
Black ring virus is one of the most common viruses that can bring black spots on your plant, or else the complete leaf may turn black. The leaves of the jade plant may have black spots on the back sides of the leaves. It is not so dangerous, but the growth rate of the plant falls.
How to fix this issue
Spraying some soap water may work for this problem. Apply horticultural oils to avoid this type of virus. Do not propagate the jade plant if it has this type of virus. Viruses spread faster, so take required precautions, if you want to grow them in a group. Let the plant get enough sunlight and water. Proper care will prevent this virus and diseases.
5. Fungal or Bacterial growth on the Jade plant
You can observe black spots on the leaves of your jade plant when it is suffering from a fungal disease. Although succulents are capable of handling fungal and bacterial growth, fungi like Anthracnose can affect the plant’s health in rare conditions. Fungus and bacteria grow on the plants if they get some unwanted wounds. It may be an accidental cut or maybe during the process of pruning. Avoid such cuts.
How to fix this issue
Sterilize the pruning material before you prune your jade plant because the unclean pruning equipment can harm your plant. Bacteria or fungi grow in humid conditions. So do not leave the plant in a moist environment.
Use fungicides to get rid of such situations. Let the plant dry for a while. Place it in a sunny location, if the fungal growth is in the starting stage. But make sure you are not letting it die by providing it with too much sunlight and no water. Gently prune the affected parts of the plant and also clean the pruning equipment in the alcohol. If you observe the mold growth on the soil then it is better to repot and use a well-draining soil mix.
6. Lack Of Winter Care
In winter, your Jade plant needs more care and attention. They grow very slowly during the winters. So, they need less water. Do not water it often as you do on normal days. They do not like to stay in humid conditions. Because humidity can cause pests and fungal growth on the leaves and other parts of the plant, which may result in black spots on the leaves of the plant. Roots of the jade plants often rot in the winter, if you do not provide proper care. Place your jade plant in a dry environment. Let the air pass through all the parts of the plant.
How to fix this issue
Water only when the plant needs to be watered. Also, check the soil moisture. If the top inch of the soil in the pot is completely dry, then gently water your plant. Remember it needs less water during the winter. Remove the damaged parts, if any, and continue to care for them.
How To Treat Black Spots On Jade Plants?
Check out some of the ways that I have mentioned below, so that you can have healthy and strong jade plants at your home.
1. Provide Proper Care
Provide proper care for your plant to avoid the black spots on your plant. Also, give a lot of sunlight as it thrives well in the sunlight, but remember not to leave it in the hot sun for hours. Succulents do not need much water to grow, so water your jade plant after checking out the soil. Do not overwater or underwater it, because both can damage your jade plant.
Prune them with cleaned pruners when it is needed. Fertilization should not be done frequently in the case of jade plants. Fertilize it as per the environment of your place and the fertilizer you use. Especially in winters, you can skip the fertilization for a while because it is not the growing season of the jade plants. As we discussed above, do not water it until the soil gets dry. You should always have a look at your plant and the soil during the winter.
2. Do Not Mishandle It
Keep your plant out of reach of children or pests. Because they may cut the leaves and cause injuries to your plant which results in black spots on the foliage. Avoid crushing the leaves, place them on the windowsills, and do not place them too close to the walls that may crush the plant.
3. Use Fungicides And Pesticides
If any pests, fungus, or even virus attacks your Jade plants, use pesticides or fungicides and spray soap water. Also, apply neem oil and wipe the affected part with rubbing alcohol to solve these issues.
Conclusion
Black spots on the leaves of the Jade plant can bother you and your plant and so, take the required precautions to avoid this. Although there are many reasons behind the formation of black spots on the leaves of the Jade, watering your plant less often can help it to get rid of them from turning black. Be cautious in winter as your plant needs extra pampering during this season.
Follow the tips I have mentioned in this article to avoid the black spots on your jade plant. I hope my article helps you to fix the issues that your jade plant has. If you have any further questions in your mind, then drop them in the comment section down below, and also don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends!
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