Jade plants, also known as Crassula ovata, are popular indoor and outdoor plants that are easy to care for. These plants have thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them drought-tolerant. However, sometimes jade plant leaves can start to curl, which can indicate a problem.
Curling leaves can be caused by a variety of factors, including environmental stress, pests or disease. In this article, we will explore the different reasons why your weeping jade plant leaves might be curling and what you can do to fix it.
Jade plants are native to arid environments and are adapted to grow in hot, dry conditions. If you are growing your jade plant indoors, it is important to mimic these conditions as much as possible. Here are some environmental factors that can cause your jade plant leaves to curl:
Jade plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. If your plant is not getting enough light, its leaves may start to curl and droop. Move your plant to a brighter spot or provide additional light with a grow light.
Overwatering is one of the most common causes of weeping jade plant leaves to curl. These plants are adapted to store water in their leaves and can go long periods without being watered. If you overwater your jade plant, the soil can become waterlogged and lead to root rot, which can cause the leaves to curl. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
On the other hand, if you are not watering your jade plant enough, the leaves will start to curl and shrivel up. Make sure you water your plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Jade plants prefer warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). If your plant is exposed to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C), the leaves may start to curl.
Jade plants can also be susceptible to pests, which can cause the leaves to curl. Here are some common pests that can affect your weeping jade plant:
Spider mites are tiny insects that can infest your jade plant and suck the sap from the leaves. This can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To get rid of spider mites, wash your plant with a solution of soapy water and spray it with an insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that can also infest your jade plant and cause the leaves to curl. They feed on the sap of the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. To get rid of mealybugs, wipe your plant down with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of your jade plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To get rid of scale insects, wipe your plant down with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Jade plants can also be susceptible to disease, which can cause the leaves to curl. Here are some common diseases that can affect your weeping jade plant:
Root rot is a fungal disease that is caused by overwatering. It can cause the roots of your plant to rot, which can lead to wilting and curling of the leaves. To prevent root rot, make sure you allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of your jade plant. It can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To get rid of powdery mildew, spray your plant with a solution of baking soda and water.
A: Jade plants are drought-tolerant and can go long periods without being watered. Water your plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.
A: Jade plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. Place your plant near a window that receives plenty of sunlight or provide additional light with a grow light.
A: Yes, you can use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize your plant during the winter months.