GARDEN CAPSULE
The challenge: This winter your formerly healthy jade plant suddenly developed corky brown spots on the leaves.
The solution: Blame overwatering, the most likely culprit. Jade’s succulent leaves sometimes take up so much water that the tissue inside the leaves swells, a condition called edema.
Don’t water a jade plant before the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole for excess water to seep out. Don’t let water stand in the saucer.
Move your jade to the brightest light you have available and avoid overfertilizing, particularly in winter. If the soil is old and compacted, plan to repot your jade this spring into loose, well-drained potting soil. Pluses: The cure for this non-infectious disorder is simple and free. No pesticides are required. The jade plant should recover and sprout new, healthy-looking leaves.
Minuses: The problem with too much available water tends to be worse in winter when less water is needed by a jade plant. Edema also can occur if the plant is placed in a humid location, such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Jade plants are sometimes attacked by mealy bugs, which look like strands of white cotton on the leaves or stems; dab each cottony spot with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Sources: Check your public library for books on houseplants; most include a trouble-shooting section. For tips from Clemson University on caring for jade plants, see clemson.edu (search “jade plant”).