20 Year Old Jade Tree Growing Tiny Shoots
Question:
I have a Jade tree that is over 20 years old. For the past few months, it has been dropping its big leaves, and growing tiny spindly little shoots instead. I haven't done anything different with it at all. I do put it outside in the summer, and bring it back in in the wintertime, but that I have been doing for years as well. There does not seem to be any insects of any kind, or spider mites, although I did see spider webs when this first started. However, I have seen that before as well. I thought Jade trees were indestructible, but apparently not. Also, whatever this is affects several younger Jade trees that I have as well, and the smaller ones have all died. Any ideas?Hardiness Zone: 2b
Louise from Nipawin, SK, Canada
Answer:
Louise,Has this tree been in your care the entire 20 years? If so, you have obviously been giving it great care. Has ANYTHING changed lately, like the light exposure, soil, temperature conditions, or even the type of can you use to water it with? Is there a possibility of chemical drift from a new cleaning product your using around the house?
If not, I suspect a watering problem. Succulents need to dry out between watering, and too much water is the usual culprit causing leaf drop. Root rot is common in Jade plants and is sometimes evident by changes to the root crown (it gets pulpy looking). The tiny, spindly little shoots your plant is sending out are called aerial roots. Growing aerial roots is a common reaction in succulents (especially in humid areas), but this behavior is seen less often in Jade trees. Sending out aerial roots could be a sign your plant needs to form new roots. The question to ask is why? Are the potted roots water logged, pot bound, etc.? Are the leaves drying up before they drop? Perhaps the soil roots are not able to absorb water properly.
How long has it been since you repotted this plant? I would recommend repotting it to a pot filled with a neutral soil formulated especially for succulents. If you find any, remove any soft, decaying root material with a clean, sterilized knife.
Good luck!
Ellen
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