Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/8/2006

Question
I have had my jade plant for about 10 years, and it was given to me by a family friend.  I estimate its age to be about 15.  A few weeks ago the plant started to drop its leaves.  At first I thought it was because I had overwatered it, so I let it dry out.  While drying out, it continued to drop leaves at the slightest touch and now some of the branches look blackish.  I have really enjoyed having this plant, but now that I've lost about 90% of the leaves on it, how can I save it?

Answer
Dear Ellen,

It sounds like rot to me. Blackness of a stem or trunk is usually an indication of that. Generally speaking, if the rot has spread to the roots or more likely from the roots up into the plant, it may be time to buy another one abd start over. Here is a webpage that deals with this very issue. Hopefully you will find some help.

http://www.thegardenhelper.com/jade.html

Sorry for the bad news.

Sincerely,

Greg