Jade plants, or Crassula ovata, are popular houseplants, beloved by plant enthusiasts because of their stout brown trunks which bear thick, glossy, green succulent leaves. They can be formed in to unique bonsai shapes and can grow to about 5 feet (1.5 m.) tall in containers. Generally easy-care, low maintenance plants, there are a few specific jade plant pests that can damage and even kill them if not controlled. Read on for more information on pests of jade plants.
Jade Plant Pests
The most common of jade plant pests is the mealybug. Mealybugs will form white, cottony patches at the joints where leaves are attached to stems. Their mouth parts pierce into plant tissues and they feed upon the plant sap. As they feed, mealybugs secrete a sticky substance, known as honeydew. This sticky honeydew provides an ideal location for the spores of the fungal disease sooty mold to settle upon. Not only do the jade plants suffer from the sap loss from a mealybug infestation, they often end up with a nasty infection of sooty mold. Mealybugs and other jade plant pests are difficult to control because jade plants can be very sensitive to horticultural soaps and oils. These insecticides can be too harsh on the succulent foliage, causing even more damage to the plant. Instead, it is recommended that mealybugs on jade plants be wiped off with cotton balls or Q-tips soaked with rubbing alcohol.
How to Solve Jade Pest Problems
Other common jade insect pests are spider mites and soft scale. Spider mite infestations will cause chlorotic patches or speckling on jade foliage. Again, rubbing alcohol is the recommended treatment for pests of jade plants and horticultural soaps and oils should be avoided. It is important to stay diligent when treating these pests. Mealybugs, soft scale, and spider mites are all very small pests that can go unnoticed for quite some time and can easily hide in hard to reach plant surfaces. It may be necessary to clean infected jade plants with rubbing alcohol several times before you'll finally be rid of these pests. In extreme cases, jade plants with pests may need to be disposed of.
-
Bold & Beautiful Festive Bloomers: 6 Christmas Flowering Plants For A Big Holiday Buzz‘Tis the season for celebration and easy living, so make sure your plants are up to it. These dynamic Christmas flowering plants will help you see out the season in style
-
9 Thoughtful Stocking Stuffers For Gardeners – That They’ll Actually UseStocking stuffers often end up an after-thought, but not these! Explore expert-curated stocking stuffers for gardeners that they'll use for years to come.
-
Jade Plant Turning Red – Reasons For A Jade Going RedWhat does it mean when a jade has red tips on the leaves? Disease, cultivation, insects, and more might be the cause. Read on for more.
-
Jade Plant Looks Wrinkled – Reasons For Wrinkled Jade LeavesIf you notice wrinkled jade leaves, it’s the plant’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. Click here for tips on fixing a wrinkly jade plant.
-
Leggy Jade Plant Care – Pruning A Leggy Jade PlantIf your jade plant is getting leggy, don’t stress. It can easily be fixed. Find tips to help a leggy jade plant in this article.
-
Repotting Jade Plants: Learn How To Repot A Jade PlantIf your jade plant seems to be outgrowing its container, it may be time to for repotting. Click this article for tips on getting it done.
-
Gollum Jade Care – Information About Gollum Jade Crassula PlantsGollum jade succulents are a favorite winter houseplant that may go outside in spring. Similar to its larger cousin ET’s fingers, this jade also has long tubular leaves that curl inward and are tipped in red. If you’re looking for something fun and easy, click here to learn more.
-
Jade In The Garden: Can You Grow Jade OutdoorsWhen most of us think of jade plants, we think of beautiful potted bonsai-like specimens. However, in parts of California, Arizona and other arid warm regions, jade is a popular choice for hedge plants. Click here for more information on growing jade outside.
-
Ripple Jade Plant Info: Caring For Ripple Jade PlantsIf you’re a fan of jade plants, then ripple jade is one that’s certain to capture attention. Compact, rounded heads atop sturdy branches give the plant a bonsai type appeal. Its bluish leaves are twisted and erect, sometimes with purple edging. Learn more here.
-
Care Of ET’s Finger Jade – Tips For Growing ET’s Finger CrassulaWho wouldn?t want a plant that looks like ET?s fingers? Jade, the pleasantly-plump succulent that is such a great houseplant, has several cultivars with unusual foliage, including ET?s Fingers. These fun plants are great additions to indoors or out. Learn more here.
