Have you noticed yellow leaves on your jade plant? This can feel scary when it happens. Your once bright green plant now has spots of yellow. What does this mean? Is your plant sick? Can you save it?
I asked these same questions when my own jade plant started to show yellow leaves. I love my jade plants. They’ve been with me for years. So when those first yellow leaves showed up, I had to find out why.
The good news is that most causes of yellow leaves can be fixed! Jade plants are tough. They can bounce back from many problems if you catch them early. The key is to find out what’s causing the yellow leaves in the first place.
In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about why jade plant leaves turn yellow. I’ll walk you through all the common causes. I’ll also tell you how to fix each problem. By the end, you’ll know just what to do to get your jade plant back to its healthy green self.
Let’s dive in and save your jade plant!
Table of Contents
Understanding Jade Plants
Before we talk about yellow leaves, let’s talk about jade plants. Jade plants (Crassula ovata) come from South Africa. They grow in hot, dry places. Their thick leaves store water to help them live through dry times.
In the wild, jade plants can grow up to six feet tall! They look like small trees with thick, woody stems. Their round, green leaves grow in pairs. The leaf edges may turn red in bright sun.
People keep jade plants for many reasons. They are pretty. They live a long time. Some grow them for good luck. Jade plants are also called money plants, lucky plants, or friendship trees.
Jade plants are succulents. This means they store water in their leaves. This is why healthy jade plant leaves feel thick and firm. If the leaves feel soft or look thin, the plant may have a problem.
When jade plants are well cared for, they live for many years. Some jade plants pass down through families for decades! They need less care than many other house plants. But they still need the right care to stay healthy.
Now, let’s talk about why those green leaves might turn yellow.
Common Causes of Yellow Leaves on Jade Plants
Yellow leaves on jade plants can come from many things. Each cause has its own signs. Here are the most common reasons your jade plant might have yellow leaves:
1. Overwatering
This is the top cause of yellow leaves in jade plants. Jade plants don’t need much water. They store water in their leaves. Too much water can harm them.
Signs of overwatering include:
- Soft, mushy yellow leaves
- Leaves that fall off with a slight touch
- Wet soil that takes a long time to dry out
- Black spots on stems or leaves
- A bad smell from the soil
Jade plants like to dry out between waterings. When soil stays wet too long, roots can’t get the air they need. Roots begin to rot. When roots rot, they can’t take up water or food for the plant. This leads to yellow leaves.
I made this mistake with my first jade plant. I watered it every week like my other plants. Soon it had yellow leaves that fell off when touched. I learned that jade plants need much less water than other house plants!
2. Underwatering
While less common than overwatering, too little water can also cause yellow leaves. Jade plants can go a long time without water. But they do need some water to live.
Signs of underwatering include:
- Wrinkled yellow leaves
- Very dry, hard soil
- Leaves that feel thin and bend easily
- Brown, dry leaf tips
If your jade plant is underwatered, it will use water stored in its leaves. This makes the leaves thin and yellow. They may look wrinkled, like raisins.
The good news is that underwatering is easy to fix. And it’s much less likely to kill your plant than overwatering.
3. Light Problems
Jade plants need lots of light to stay healthy. Too little light can cause yellow leaves. Too much direct sun can also harm them.
Signs of light problems include:
- Pale, yellow leaves on the side away from light
- Leaves that stretch toward the light
- Leaf burn (brown spots) from too much direct sun
Jade plants do best with 4-6 hours of bright, indirect light each day. They can take some direct sun too, but need time to get used to it.
If your jade sits in a dark spot, its leaves may turn yellow as the plant tries to make more food with less light. This is a cry for help from your plant!
4. Temperature Stress
Jade plants like warm temps. They don’t like cold drafts or frost. They also don’t like being too hot for too long.
Signs of temperature stress include:
- Yellow leaves after a cold snap
- Leaves with yellow spots after frost
- Yellow leaves near air vents or drafty windows
- Wilted yellow leaves in very hot weather
Jade plants do best in temps between 65-75°F (18-24°C). They don’t like big swings in temp. Keep them away from heaters, air vents, and cold windows.
I once put my jade plant too close to an air vent. When the AC came on, the cold air hit the plant. Soon it had yellow leaves on one side. Once I moved it away from the vent, it got better.
5. Soil Problems
The soil your jade plant grows in matters a lot. Wrong soil can lead to yellow leaves.
Signs of soil problems include:
- Yellow leaves with no other clear cause
- Soil that stays wet for days
- Soil that forms a hard crust when dry
- White crust on the soil or pot
Jade plants need fast-draining soil. They do best in soil made for cacti and succulents. This soil lets water flow through quickly. It also lets air reach the roots.
Regular potting soil holds too much water for jade plants. If your jade is in this kind of soil, its roots may stay too wet, leading to yellow leaves.
6. Rootbound Plants
Jade plants can live in the same pot for years. But at some point, they need more room. A rootbound jade plant may get yellow leaves.
Signs of a rootbound plant include:
- Roots coming out of the pot’s drain holes
- Water running straight through the pot when watering
- Hard soil that won’t take up water
- Top-heavy plant with a small pot
- Yellow leaves with no other clear cause
When a jade plant uses up all the space in its pot, roots have no place to grow. They circle around and around. This makes it hard for the plant to get water and food. The oldest leaves may turn yellow as the plant uses up stored food.
7. Pest Problems
Bugs can harm jade plants and cause yellow leaves. While jade plants get fewer bugs than many plants, they can still be hit.
Signs of pests include:
- Small bugs on the stems or leaves
- Sticky spots on the leaves or nearby surfaces
- Yellow leaves with tiny spots or dots
- Webs on the plants (spider mites)
Common jade plant pests are:
- Mealybugs (look like tiny white cotton balls)
- Spider mites (very tiny, make webs)
- Scale (small brown bumps that don’t move)
- Aphids (tiny green or black bugs)
Bugs suck sap from the plant. This takes away food and water. When bugs attack, leaves may turn yellow as the plant loses key nutrients.
8. Fertilizer Issues
Too much or too little plant food can cause yellow leaves. Jade plants don’t need much fertilizer to thrive.
Signs of fertilizer problems include:
- Yellow leaves after feeding the plant
- White crust on soil (too much fertilizer)
- Slow growth with pale leaves (not enough food)
- Leaf burn (brown edges) from too much fertilizer
Jade plants need just a little fertilizer in spring and summer. They don’t need any in fall and winter. Too much can burn the roots. This leads to yellow leaves that may drop off.
9. Disease
While not as common as other causes, jade plants can get sick. Root rot is the most common disease. This comes from too much water.
Signs of plant disease include:
- Black or brown spots on stems or leaves
- Soft, mushy stems
- Many yellow leaves that fall off easily
- Bad smell from the plant or soil
Fungal diseases like black spot or powdery mildew can happen too. These are less common. They show up more when air flow is poor and the plant stays wet.
10. Age and Natural Shedding
Not all yellow leaves mean trouble! Jade plants drop old leaves as they grow. This is normal. The plant takes food from old leaves and moves it to new growth.
Signs of natural shedding include:
- Only the oldest, lowest leaves turn yellow
- Just a few yellow leaves at a time
- The rest of the plant looks healthy and strong
- No other signs of stress
If just a few old leaves turn yellow now and then, your plant may be fine. It’s just doing what comes naturally!
How to Fix Yellow Leaves on Your Jade Plant
Now that we know why jade plant leaves turn yellow, let’s talk about how to fix each cause. Most problems can be solved with a few simple steps!
Fixing Overwatering
If your jade plant has soft, yellow leaves from too much water, act fast. This is the most common killer of jade plants.
Steps to fix overwatering:
- Stop watering! Let the soil dry out fully.
- Check the roots if you can. Healthy roots look white or tan. Black or brown mushy roots mean rot.
- If you find rot, you need to repot. Take the plant out, cut off any black or smelly roots with clean scissors, and let it dry for a day.
- Repot in fresh, dry cactus soil in a pot with drain holes.
- Wait at least a week before watering again.
- Going forward, only water when the soil is fully dry. In winter, water half as often.
Some yellow leaves may still fall off as the plant heals. This is okay. Focus on the new growth, which should be green and firm.
Fixing Underwatering
If your jade plant has thin, wrinkled yellow leaves from too little water, the fix is easy!
Steps to fix underwatering:
- Give the plant a good, thorough drink. Water until it runs out the drain holes.
- If the soil is very dry, it may not soak up water well. Try bottom watering: Sit the pot in a dish of water for 30 minutes so it can soak up from the bottom.
- Check the soil with your finger before watering again. Wait until the top 2 inches feel dry.
- Water more often in hot weather and less in cool weather.
Jade plants bounce back fast from underwatering. Within a week, leaves should start to plump up again. Yellow leaves may stay yellow, but new growth will be green.
Fixing Light Problems
If your jade has yellow leaves from light stress, try these steps:
For too little light:
- Move the plant to a brighter spot. South or west-facing windows are best.
- If no bright window is available, try a grow light 12-14 hours a day.
- Turn the plant every week so all sides get light.
- Be patient. It may take a month or more to see full green color come back.
For too much direct sun:
- Move the plant back from the window or to a window with less direct sun.
- Use a sheer curtain to filter strong sun.
- In summer, watch for signs of sunburn and move plants as needed.
Jade plants that get the right amount of light have compact growth and bright green color. Leaves may show red edges in good light.
Fixing Temperature Issues
To fix yellow leaves from temperature stress:
- Move your jade plant away from drafts, heaters, and air vents.
- Keep temps between 65-75°F (18-24°C) if possible.
- In winter, move plants back from cold windows. Even near the glass can be too cold.
- If plants must stay in a cold spot, water less until warmer weather returns.
- Protect plants from hot sun in summer by moving them back from south-facing windows.
Most jade plants bounce back fast from minor temperature stress. Remove any leaves that turn fully yellow, as they won’t turn green again.
Fixing Soil Problems
To fix yellow leaves from poor soil:
- Repot your jade plant in a mix made for cacti and succulents.
- You can make your own mix: Use 2 parts regular potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand.
- When repotting, gently remove old soil from the roots.
- Use a pot just a bit bigger than the root ball. Too large a pot can hold too much water.
- Make sure the pot has drain holes.
- After repotting, wait a week before watering.
Good soil will prevent many common jade plant problems. It’s worth taking the time to get this right!
Fixing a Rootbound Plant
If your jade plant has yellow leaves from being rootbound:
- Choose a new pot 1-2 inches wider than the current pot.
- Gently remove the plant from its old pot.
- Loosen the root ball with your fingers. Don’t worry if some roots break.
- Place in the new pot with fresh cactus soil.
- Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light.
- Wait a week before watering again.
Jade plants don’t mind being a bit rootbound. But when roots circle the pot or come out the drain holes, it’s time for a bigger home.
Fixing Pest Problems
If bugs are causing yellow leaves on your jade plant:
- Isolate the plant from your other plants to stop bugs from spreading.
- For small bug problems, wipe the plant with a cloth dipped in soapy water. Use mild soap like dish soap.
- For bigger problems, spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Follow the product directions.
- Repeat treatment every 7-10 days for at least three times.
- Check all your plants, as bugs can move from one to another.
Most bug problems can be fixed if caught early. Check your plants often to spot pests before they do much harm.
Fixing Fertilizer Issues
To fix yellow leaves from fertilizer problems:
Too much fertilizer:
- Flush the soil with lots of clean water to wash away excess fertilizer.
- Let all water drain out.
- Don’t fertilize again for at least 6 months.
Too little fertilizer:
- Feed with a balanced fertilizer made for succulents.
- Use at half the strength listed on the package.
- Fertilize only in spring and summer, not fall and winter.
- Don’t fertilize a sick plant. Wait until it shows new growth.
Jade plants don’t need much food. When in doubt, use less rather than more.
Fixing Disease Issues
If your jade plant has yellow leaves from disease:
- For minor fungal issues, remove affected leaves and stems.
- Improve air flow around the plant.
- Water at the soil level, not on the leaves.
- In severe cases, you may need to take cuttings from healthy parts to start new plants.
- For root rot (the most common disease), follow the steps for fixing overwatering.
Some diseases can’t be cured. But you can often save part of the plant by taking healthy cuttings and starting over.
Prevention: Keep Your Jade Plant Healthy
The best way to deal with yellow leaves is to prevent them! Here are my top tips to keep your jade plant healthy:
Water Properly
- Water only when the soil is completely dry. Check with your finger first!
- Use the “soak and dry” method: water deeply, then let dry out fully.
- Water less in winter, maybe once a month.
- Never let the plant sit in water.
Give the Right Light
- Place your jade in a spot with bright, indirect light.
- Some morning direct sun is good.
- Turn the plant every so often so all sides get light.
Use the Right Soil
- Use cactus and succulent soil.
- Add extra perlite or sand if the soil stays wet too long.
- Repot every 2-3 years with fresh soil, even if using the same pot.
Maintain Good Temperature
- Keep temps between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Avoid cold drafts and hot air vents.
- Move plants in from balconies when temps drop below 50°F (10°C).
Check Regularly for Problems
- Look at your plant weekly for any changes.
- Check for bugs, yellow leaves, or soft spots.
- The sooner you catch problems, the easier they are to fix!
My Personal Experience with Yellow Jade Plant Leaves
I made the classic new plant owner mistake: I watered it more! I thought yellow meant thirsty. But the leaves kept turning yellow and falling off. Soon the stems got soft too.
When I took it out of the pot, the roots were black and smelly. Classic root rot from overwatering! I felt so bad.
I learned jade plants need special care. They are not like other houseplants. They need much less water. I also learned they need very sunny spots to thrive.
I tried again with a new jade plant. This time, I followed these rules:
- I only watered when the soil was bone dry.
- I put it in my brightest window.
- I used special cactus soil.
The result? A healthy jade plant that has grown from 6 inches to over 2 feet tall! It’s now one of my oldest and most loved plants.
When it does get yellow leaves (which still happens now and then), I don’t panic. I check the soil, the light, and look for bugs. Almost always, I can spot the cause and fix it before the plant suffers much.
Special Cases: Other Reasons for Yellow Leaves
Let’s look at some special cases that might cause yellow leaves:
New Plant Stress
Just bought a jade plant? It might get yellow leaves from the move. Plants get stressed by:
- Changes in light
- New temperature
- Travel stress
- Being handled
Give a new plant time to adjust. Keep care simple. Don’t repot right away. Yellow leaves should stop once the plant settles in.
Seasonal Changes
Jade plants can get yellow leaves when seasons change. In fall, days get shorter and light changes. Some yellow leaves are normal.
In winter, jade plants rest. They grow very little. They need much less water. A few yellow leaves in winter is often normal leaf shedding.
After Repotting
Your jade plant might get yellow leaves after repotting. This is normal stress. The plant needs time to grow new roots in its new home.
To reduce stress when repotting:
- Use similar soil to what the plant had before
- Don’t water right after repotting
- Keep the plant in similar light conditions
- Be gentle with the roots
Yellow leaves should stop once the plant settles in its new pot.
Water Quality Issues
Some jade plants get yellow leaves from tap water. This happens if your water has:
- Lots of chlorine
- High fluoride
- Lots of minerals (hard water)
If you suspect water quality issues:
- Let tap water sit out overnight before using
- Try filtered water or rainwater
- Don’t use softened water (too much salt)
When to Worry About Yellow Leaves
Not all yellow leaves mean trouble. Here’s how to tell when to worry:
Normal Yellow Leaves
- Just a few old, lower leaves turn yellow
- The rest of the plant looks healthy
- Yellow leaves fall off easily and cleanly
- New growth is green and firm
Worry About Yellow Leaves When
- Many leaves turn yellow at once
- Yellow leaves feel soft or mushy
- Yellow leaves have black spots
- Stems also turn yellow or soft
- No new growth for months
If you see the worry signs, check all the possible causes we’ve talked about. Act fast to fix the problem!
Conclusion: Yellow Leaves Are Often Fixable!
Yellow leaves on jade plants tell us something is wrong. But the good news is that most causes can be fixed if you catch them early!
The most common cause is overwatering. Jade plants need less water than most houseplants. When in doubt, wait a bit longer before watering.
Other common causes include light problems, poor soil, and temperature stress. Check these things first when you see yellow leaves.
Remember that jade plants are tough! They can bounce back from many problems. Even if your plant loses some leaves, it can grow new ones once the cause is fixed.
I hope this guide helps you solve the mystery of your jade plant’s yellow leaves. With the right care, your jade plant can live for many years. It might even become a family treasure to pass down!
Have you dealt with yellow leaves on your jade plant? What worked for you? Share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy jade plant growing!
Quick Reference: Yellow Leaf Fixes
Here’s a quick guide to fixing yellow jade plant leaves:
Overwatering: Stop watering, check for rot, repot if needed in fresh dry soil.
Underwatering: Give a good drink, check soil more often.
Light Problems: Move to brighter spot or filter strong sun.
Temperature Issues: Keep away from drafts, vents, and cold windows.
Soil Problems: Repot in cactus soil that drains well.
Rootbound: Move to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil.
Pests: Isolate plant, treat with soap or neem oil.
Fertilizer Issues: Flush soil if too much, feed lightly if too little.
Disease: Remove bad parts, improve air flow, take healthy cuttings if needed.