Jade plants are tree-like succulents that you’ll find in homes all around the world. It’s originally from South Africa and it can live for several decades. Jade is thought to bring luck and prosperity and that’s why it’s also known as a money plant.
Although known as a very hardy plant, some plant parents tend to overwater their jade plants. Too much water can have a very negative effect on your money plant.
This is why, in this article, we will discuss the topic of watering a Jade plant properly in more detail.
Now, without further ado, let’s get straight into it.
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What does an overwatered Jade plant look like?
If your jade plant has soft, yellowing leaves that keep falling off then this might be a sign of overwatering. It’s normal for the old leaves of a Jade to turn yellow, though. The leaves on an overwatered jade may also appear brown and dry, which isn’t what you’d expect from an underwatered plant.
But don’t worry, we’ve created this simple guide to help you get your watering levels just right. If you want to know if you’re overwatering your Jade then continue reading to find out.
Signs of an Overwatered Jade
Most of the signs of an overwatered Jade plant can be found on its leaves. And if your jade has yellow leaves then this could be a sign of overwatering.
It’s normal for the old leaves of a Jade to turn yellow. But if your plant has lots of yellow leaves that tend to drop off early, then this can be a sign of overwatering.
Another tell-tale sign that your jade plant might be overwatered is when you find leaves that appear dry or brown. Which isn’t what you’d expect from an underwatered plant.
The next thing you need to investigate on the leaves is their texture. The leaves of a normal, healthy Jade plant will be rigid and firm to the touch.
If the leaves of your Jade are soft and a bit squishy then this could be a sign of a severe overwatering problem such as root rot. This is a deadly fungal infection that affects the plant’s roots.
That said, soft leaves on a jade can also be a sign of underwatering. So if your jade has soft leaves you must check its soil by sticking your finger into it.
If your Jade has soft leaves and dry soil then this is a sign of underwatering. But if your jade has soft leaves and its soil is wet then this is a definite sign of overwatering.
Jade, just like all succulents are very susceptible to root rot. So if your plant is showing all the symptoms of overwatering and the soil is damp then you must check its roots.
If the roots are slimy and discolored then this is an indication of root rot. And you must act quickly to save your plant.
How to Save an Overwatered Jade
If your jade is only showing mild symptoms of overwatering then the first thing you should do is stop watering it. Then you must move your plant to a warm, bright space and let it dry out before watering it again.
But if you think that your jade has root rot then you need to take more drastic action. Root rot isn’t an easy illness to treat, but if you catch it in the early stages then you might have a chance of saving your plant.
The first thing you should do if you suspect root rot is to remove your plant from the damp soil. Then you must cut away all of the affected roots with a clean pair of clippers.
When it comes to repotting your plant then choose a well-draining compost. A succulent mix is ideal for a Jade plant.
If you’re going to put the Jade back into the same pot then you must sterilize it first. This will cut down on the chances of reinfection.
But you might also want to consider using a different pot to prevent overwatering problems in the future. Terracotta pots are better at draining than plastic and ceramic pots for example.
Whatever pot you choose, you must make sure that it has adequate drainage and that it’s the right size for your plant. If the pot is too large for your plant then it won’t dry out very well.
Tips on Watering a Jade Plant
Generally, Jade plants can survive much easier on too little water than too much. So bear this in mind when it comes to watering your Jade.
The first rule when it comes to watering a Jade is that you shouldn’t water it if the soil feels wet. Instead, you should wait for the top one or two inches of soil to dry out first.
The next thing to remember is that you should never leave your Jade sitting in water. So make sure that you always empty the drip tray after watering.
Jade plants will need more water in the growing season, spring and summer than they do in the fall and winter. In fact, Jade will need very little water during its winter dormant period.
This means that you should be particularly careful about overwatering your jade plant in the cooler winter months.
And finally, you should make sure that your Jade is in a warm, sunny place. This will help the soil to dry out. A south-facing window is an ideal location for your Jade plant.
It’s not always easy to gauge exactly when you should be watering your plant. If you’re finding it difficult then you should invest in a digital moisture meter.
Frequently Asked Questions About Overwatered Jade Plant
How often should I water my Jade plant?
This depends on the size of your plant and its living conditions. But as a general rule, you should water your jade plant when the top one or two inches of soil are dry. Don’t water your Jade if the topsoil is still wet.
Can I save an overwatered Jade?
In mild cases of overwatering, you have a good chance of saving your jade. But if your Jade has been watered so much that it has root rot, then it might be a bit more difficult to save it.
How much water does a Jade plant need?
Jade plants need more water in the summer and spring than they do in the fall and winter. So you should be careful not to overwater your Jade in the winter.
Daniel has been a plant enthusiast for over 20 years. He owns hundreds of houseplants and prepares for the chili growing seasons yearly with great anticipation. His favorite plants are plant species in the Araceae family, such as Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium. He also loves gardening and is growing hot peppers, tomatoes, and many more vegetables.