Black Spots on Jade Plants: Causes, Treatments, FAQs & More

Have you noticed black spots on your jade plant? Don’t worry! This is a common issue that many plant owners face. I’ve seen it many times in my own jade plants too. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about those pesky black spots.

Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are beloved for their glossy leaves and easy care. They can live for decades with the right care. But even the most well-tended jade plants sometimes develop black spots that can worry their owners.

Let’s dive into what causes these spots, how to treat them, and most importantly, how to keep your jade plant healthy and spot-free in the future.

What Causes Black Spots on Jade Plants?

Black spots on jade plants can stem from several issues. Let’s look at each one so you can figure out what’s happening with your plant.

Overwatering

Overwatering is the most common cause of black spots on jade plants. Jade plants are succulents that store water in their leaves. When you give them too much water, their cells can burst. This leads to black spots that look wet or soft.

Signs of overwatering include:

• Soft, mushy black spots
• Leaves that feel squishy
• Yellow leaves that drop easily
• Wet soil that doesn’t dry out

Jade plants need to dry out between waterings. If the soil stays wet for too long, the roots can rot. This root rot then shows up as black spots on the leaves.

Sunburn

Yes, plants can get sunburned too! Jade plants love bright light, but they can burn if moved too quickly into direct, hot sun. Sunburn first appears as red or brown spots, which then turn black.

Signs of sunburn include:

• Black spots on the side facing the sun
• Dry, crispy spots (unlike the soft spots from overwatering)
• Spots that appear after moving the plant to a sunnier spot

Sunburn often happens when moving indoor plants outside for summer or when placing them in a south-facing window without time to adjust.

Cold Damage

Jade plants come from warm areas of South Africa. They don’t like cold at all! When exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), jade plants can develop black spots. Cold damage looks a lot like sunburn but happens in cold weather.

Signs of cold damage include:

• Black spots that appear after cold nights
• Soft, dark areas that eventually dry out
• Damage on parts closest to windows or doors

Even a brief cold draft can harm jade plants, so keep them away from drafty windows in winter.

Fungal Infections

Several fungi can infect jade plants. The most common are:

1. Black Spot Fungus: This causes round black spots with yellow rings around them.
2. Anthracnose: This starts as small dark spots that grow larger. The centers may fall out, leaving holes.
3. Sooty Mold: This looks like a black coating on leaves. It often grows on sticky honeydew left by insects.

Fungal infections spread in humid conditions with poor air flow. They can move from leaf to leaf if not treated.

Pest Damage

Some pests can cause black spots on jade plants too:

1. Mealybugs: These small white bugs suck sap from plants. The damage can look like dark spots.
2. Scale Insects: These tiny pests have a hard shell. They leave dark spots where they feed.
3. Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling that looks like small dark dots.

Pest damage often comes with other signs. Look for sticky residue, tiny bugs, or webbing.

Physical Damage

Sometimes black spots form after the plant gets bumped or injured. Jade plant leaves bruise easily. This can look like dark spots on the leaves.

Signs of physical damage include:

• Black spots that appear after moving the plant
• Spots near edges or tips where bumping happens
• Spots with a dent or mark in the leaf

Unlike disease or pest issues, physical damage won’t spread to other leaves.

How to Identify the Type of Black Spots on Your Jade Plant

To treat black spots, you need to know what’s causing them. Here’s how to tell the difference:

The Touch Test

Feel the black spots. Are they:

• Soft and mushy? Likely overwatering
• Dry and crispy? Probably sunburn or cold damage
• Raised and crusty? Could be a fungal infection
• Dented or bruised? Might be physical damage

Location Check

Where are the spots on your plant?

• All over the plant? Likely a watering or temperature issue
• Only on one side? Probably sunburn or cold exposure
• Lower leaves first? Often overwatering
• Random scattered spots? Could be fungal or pest issues

Recent Changes

Think about any recent changes:

• Did you water more lately? Could be overwatering
• Move the plant to more sun? Might be sunburn
• Had a cold snap? Possibly cold damage
• Brought in new plants? Could be pests or fungus that spread

Look for Additional Clues

Check for other symptoms:

• Yellow leaves falling off? Typical of overwatering
• Sticky residue on leaves? Look for pests
• Fuzzy growth on spots? Fungal infection
• Spots spreading to new leaves? Active infection or pests

Treating Black Spots on Jade Plants

Now that you know what’s causing those spots, let’s look at how to treat each issue.

Treating Overwatering

If overwatering is the cause, take these steps:

1. Stop watering right away. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.
2. Check the roots. Gently remove the plant from its pot. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan. Black, mushy roots need attention.
3. Trim damaged roots. Use clean scissors to cut away any black or soft roots.
4. Repot in fresh soil. Use well-draining cactus or succulent mix. Add extra perlite or sand for better drainage.
5. Remove badly damaged leaves. Cut off leaves with large black spots to help the plant focus energy on healthy growth.
6. Wait to water. Don’t water for a week after repotting. Then water sparingly.
7. Adjust your watering schedule. Wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.

Most jade plants can bounce back from overwatering if you catch it early. However, if the main stem is black and mushy, it might be too late to save the whole plant. Still, you can often propagate healthy cuttings.

Treating Sunburn

For sunburned jade plants:

1. Move the plant to shade. Do this right away to prevent more damage.
2. Leave damaged leaves alone. While ugly, they still help the plant. They’ll eventually fall off.
3. Gradually reintroduce to sun. Start with morning sun only, then slowly increase exposure over weeks.
4. Add a sheer curtain. If the plant is in a window, a thin curtain can filter harsh light.

Sadly, sunburned black spots won’t heal. But the plant will grow new, healthy leaves with proper care.

Treating Cold Damage

For cold-damaged plants:

1. Move to a warmer spot. Make sure it’s away from drafts and cold windows.
2. Hold off on water. Cold-damaged plants need less water until they recover.
3. Don’t prune right away. Wait until spring to see what parts recover before cutting.
4. Maintain warmer temps. Keep the plant above 50°F (10°C) at all times.

Just like with sunburn, cold-damaged spots won’t heal. But the plant can grow new leaves if the stems are still healthy.

Treating Fungal Infections

For fungal black spots:

1. Isolate the plant. Keep it away from other plants to prevent spread.
2. Improve air flow. Place in an area with good circulation.
3. Remove badly infected leaves. Cut them off with clean scissors.
4. Apply fungicide. Use a fungicide safe for succulents. You can buy these at garden centers.
5. Make a DIY treatment. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water and a drop of mild soap. Spray on the plant.
6. Keep leaves dry. Water at the soil level, not from above.
7. Treat weekly. Continue treatment until no new spots appear.

With consistent treatment, most fungal issues can be resolved in a few weeks.

Treating Pest Damage

If pests are causing black spots:

1. Isolate the plant. Keep it away from other plants.
2. Wash with soapy water. Use mild soap and water to remove pests.
3. Apply rubbing alcohol. Dab pests directly with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
4. Use insecticidal soap. Spray the plant thoroughly, following package directions.
5. Apply neem oil. This natural pesticide works well for many pests. Mix as directed.
6. Check often. Look for new pests every few days and treat as needed.
7. Repeat treatments. Most pest control needs multiple applications 1-2 weeks apart.

Persistence is key with pest treatment. It often takes 3-4 treatments to fully resolve an infestation.

Treating Physical Damage

For bruised or damaged spots:

1. Leave them alone. These spots won’t spread and will heal on their own.
2. Move the plant to a safer spot. Keep it where it won’t get bumped.
3. Allow time to heal. New growth will eventually replace damaged leaves.

Physical damage is the easiest to deal with because it doesn’t spread. Your plant will recover on its own given time.

Preventing Black Spots on Jade Plants

The best way to deal with black spots is to prevent them in the first place. Here’s how:

Proper Watering Techniques

Watering correctly is key to jade plant health:

1. Water only when soil is completely dry. Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil – if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
2. Water deeply but infrequently. When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes.
3. Reduce watering in winter. Jade plants need much less water during dormant periods.
4. Water the soil, not the leaves. This helps prevent fungal issues.
5. Use room temperature water. Cold water can shock the plant.
6. Check drainage. Make sure water doesn’t sit in the saucer under the pot.

A good rule is to water jade plants every 2-3 weeks in summer and once a month in winter. But always check the soil first!

Light and Temperature Management

Getting light and temperature right helps prevent many issues:

1. Place in bright, indirect light. Jade plants love light but need to be eased into direct sun.
2. Acclimate slowly to more light. Add 30 minutes of direct sun each day when moving to a sunnier spot.
3. Keep temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Jade plants don’t like extremes.
4. Avoid cold drafts. Keep away from air conditioners, drafty windows, and doors.
5. Move inside before first frost. If kept outdoors in summer, bring in before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
6. Use grow lights in winter. If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, supplement with grow lights.

Remember that seasons affect light intensity. A window that’s perfect in winter might be too intense in summer.

Soil and Potting

The right soil and pot make a big difference:

1. Use well-draining soil. Mix regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand in a 1:1 ratio.
2. Choose the right pot. Terra cotta pots are ideal as they allow soil to dry out better.
3. Make sure pots have drainage holes. This is non-negotiable for jade plants!
4. Don’t use too large a pot. Jade plants prefer to be slightly root-bound.
5. Repot every 2-3 years. Fresh soil helps prevent nutrient deficiencies.

When repotting, wait a week before watering to allow any root damage to heal.

Regular Maintenance

Ongoing care helps catch problems early:

1. Inspect regularly. Look at your plant weekly for any signs of spots or pests.
2. Clean the leaves. Dust with a soft cloth to keep leaves healthy and spot problems.
3. Prune as needed. Remove dead or damaged parts with clean scissors.
4. Rotate the plant. Turn it quarterly so all sides get even light.
5. Quarantine new plants. Keep new additions away from existing plants for 2-3 weeks.
6. Wash your hands. Clean hands and tools between plants to avoid spreading problems.

These simple steps can prevent most jade plant issues before they start.

Special Care Tips for Jade Plants

Beyond spot prevention, here are some tips to help your jade plant thrive:

Seasonal Care Changes

Jade plants need different care through the seasons:

1. Spring and Summer: This is the growing season. Water when soil is dry and feed monthly with diluted succulent fertilizer.
2. Fall: Start cutting back on water and stop fertilizing to prepare the plant for winter rest.
3. Winter: Water sparingly – just enough to prevent shriveling. Don’t fertilize. Keep away from cold drafts.

Remember that indoor temperatures still reflect seasonal changes, even if less extreme than outdoors.

Fertilizing Safely

Too much fertilizer can burn jade plants, causing black spots. Here’s how to fertilize safely:

1. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Look for one made for succulents or cacti.
2. Dilute to half strength. Jade plants need less fertilizer than most houseplants.
3. Apply only during growing season. Spring through summer is best.
4. Feed no more than once a month. Less is more with jade plants.
5. Never fertilize a dry plant. Always water first, then apply fertilizer.

If you see white crust on soil, it may be fertilizer buildup. Flush the soil with plain water occasionally.

Pruning for Health and Shape

Proper pruning helps jade plants stay healthy:

1. Remove dead or damaged leaves whenever you see them.
2. Pinch growing tips to encourage branching and bushier growth.
3. Prune in spring before the growing season starts.
4. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid tearing the plant tissue.
5. Let cut areas dry for a few days before watering.

Pruning not only shapes your plant but also helps air flow, reducing fungal issues.

Propagation from Healthy Parts

When your jade has black spots, you can still propagate from healthy sections:

1. Select healthy stems or leaves. Make sure they have no signs of spots or damage.
2. Cut stems just below a leaf node. Use clean, sharp scissors.
3. Let cuttings dry for 2-3 days. This forms a callus to prevent rot.
4. Plant in slightly moist succulent soil. Or lay leaves on top of soil.
5. Wait to water. Don’t water cuttings for a week after planting.

Propagation is a great way to save a plant that’s severely damaged by black spots.

When to Repot a Jade Plant with Black Spots

Should you repot a jade plant with black spots? It depends on the cause:

1. For overwatering: Yes, repot right away in fresh, dry soil.
2. For fungal issues: Repot if the soil seems contaminated or doesn’t drain well.
3. For sunburn or cold damage: No need to repot unless it’s also time for regular repotting.
4. For pest issues: Consider repotting if pests might be in the soil.

When repotting a stressed plant:

• Use a clean pot with good drainage
• Choose a pot just slightly larger than the root ball
• Use fresh, well-draining soil
• Be gentle with the roots
• Wait a week before watering

A stressed plant needs gentle handling during repotting. Work quickly to minimize root exposure.

Common Questions About Black Spots on Jade Plants

Will black spots go away on their own?

Usually, black spots won’t disappear from affected leaves. The damage is permanent on those leaves. However, with proper care, your plant will grow new, healthy leaves. You can remove badly spotted leaves once new growth appears.

Can a jade plant with black spots be saved?

Yes! Most jade plants with black spots can be saved. The key is to identify the cause, fix the problem, and give proper care. Even badly affected plants can often be propagated from healthy parts.

How often should I water my jade plant?

Water only when the soil is completely dry. In summer, this might be every 2-3 weeks. In winter, it could be once a month or less. Always check the soil rather than following a schedule.

Can I cut off leaves with black spots?

Yes, you can remove leaves with black spots. Use clean scissors and cut close to the stem. This helps the plant focus energy on healthy growth. However, don’t remove too many leaves at once, as the plant needs them for photosynthesis.

How do I know if my jade plant is dying?

Signs a jade plant might be dying include:

• Main stem turning black or mushy
• Most leaves falling off
• No new growth for months
• Foul smell from the soil or plant

Even then, you can often save parts of the plant through propagation.

Can black spots spread to other plants?

If the spots are caused by fungus or pests, yes, they can spread to other plants. That’s why it’s important to isolate affected plants right away. Spots caused by sunburn, cold damage, or overwatering won’t spread to other plants.

Final Thoughts

Black spots on jade plants may look scary, but they’re usually fixable. The key is to find what’s causing the spots and take the right steps to solve the problem.

Remember that prevention is easier than treatment. Good plant care habits will keep your jade plant healthy and spot-free. Pay attention to watering, light, temperature, and regular checks to catch problems early.

Don’t lose heart if you see black spots on your jade plant. These tough succulents can bounce back from many problems. With a bit of care and the tips in this guide, your jade plant can return to its glossy, green beauty.

Have you dealt with black spots on your jade plants? What worked for you? Share your experience in the comments below!

Remember, every plant problem teaches us something new. Each challenge helps us become better plant parents. Your jade plant may have black spots today, but with the right care, it can thrive for years to come.