How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Jade Plant
Table of Contents
- The Causes of White Spots on Jade Plants
- Excess Salt and Edema
- Powdery Mildew
- Insect Infestation
- 1. Spider Mites
- 2. White Flies
- 3. Mealybugs
- How to Care for and Maintain Jade Plants
- Watering Jade Plants
- Sunlight
- Temperature
- Fertilizing
- Transplanting Jade Houseplants
- The Best Fungicide for Jade Plants
- 1. Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide
- 2. Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide
- 3. Regalia Bio-fungicide
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How can I prevent powdery mildew on my jade houseplants?
- Can white spots on my jades make them die?
- Is my jade plant vulnerable to mealybugs?
- Bottom Line
Jade plants are succulent indoor plants which makes them relatively resilient and easy to grow. These succulent plants have a tiny and tree-like appearance due to their oval-shaped leaves and thick stems. These appearances make them appealing for use as attractive indoor plants.
They have a long lifespan and are often passed from one generation to the next. They can grow up to a height of three feet or more, depending on care. They acclimate well in dry and warm weather conditions that are always found in most houses.
It's significant to keep these plants under bright light and watered during spring and summer (growing) seasons and dry in the winter season. Nevertheless, during the summer and spring season, the soil needs to be fully dry between watering because they are vulnerable to rot.
Jade plants "Crassula ovata" are prone to developing white spots. You can still find white spots on jade leaves, but you don't have to worry if the houseplant has good health. White spots on jade plants are an indication of a bigger problem that requires immediate care and attention.
You can use the table of contents above to have a whole look at the article. If you want to be time-saving, please check the comparison table to go to our top recommendations about the best fungicide for jade plants. Let's get started:
| Image | Features | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Bonide 811 Copper 4E Fungicide | - Brand: Bonide - Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches - Item Weight: 1 pounds - Control powdery mildew, downy mildew, black spot, peach leaf curl, rust, and many other listed diseases. - Designed for use on listed vegetables, roses, fruits, nuts, herbs, ornamentals and turf - Product instantly mixes with water and should be applied using either a hose-end sprayer or tank sprayer | Check Latest Price |
| Bonide BND141 | - Brand: Bonide - Product Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches - Item Weight: 1 pounds - Controls a variety of insects and diseases - Use on fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals - Control fleas and ticks on dogs, horses, cattle, swine, sheep, and goats - Active ingredient: sulfur - required by plants for normal, healthy growth | Check Latest Price |
| Regalia CG Biofungicide | - Brand: Marrone Bio - Product Dimensions: 7.48 x 3.54 x 1.18 inches - Item Weight: 4.9 ounces - Protection against a broad spectrum of foliar and soil-borne fungal and bacterial diseases: Powdery mildew, anthracnose, black spot, botrytis, crown rot, pythium, phytophthora, rhizoctonia and many more - 4-hour REI, 0-day PHI, MRL tolerance exemption, OMRI Listed | Check Latest Price |
The Causes ofWhite Spots on Jade Plants
Jade plants with white spots is a clear indication of excess water on their leaves. It removes this water through "sweating," leaving these spots behind, which are easy to wash off.
However, they don't destroy the houseplant. Jade plants always develop white spots naturally due to various issues such as excess salt, fungal diseases, insect infestation, and powdery mildew.
Excess Salt and Edema
Jades always store water in their leaves. During watering, they absorb water through the roots, and transpiration occurs through the leaves. Water has some salt contents; therefore, when the evaporation process occurs, excess salt remains on the leaves' surface. The presence of salt residue is not harmful; hence, you should use a moist cloth to wipe out the spots.
Edema is another cause of white spots on jade plants. It happens when they absorb excess water. Overwatering results in the formation of blisters on the leaves. The best thing to do is to reduce watering sessions, although the blisters remain for quite a long time.
Powdery Mildew
Jade houseplants always suffer from severe fungal diseases known as powdery mildew. White spots on these houseplants are due to this powdery mildew. You can also notice some of their leaves turning yellow and eventually fall off.
Mildew is fuzzy and sporadic, and it competes for essential nutrients from the plant leaves with your houseplant; hence it is very harmful. The white spots often form very slowly on the leaf surface, but infestation usually starts with at least one leaf. Mildew thrives well under dry and warm weather conditions, particularly during the summer season.
The winds spread the spores, thus making infection between various plants severe. During the winter season, this fungal disease forms white spots on the houseplant due to cold temperatures and excess humidity. During this period, the sun is limited, and there is low light intensity, resulting in insufficient air circulation.
Spraying your jade plant with milk diluted with water is the best remedy for powdery mildew. Although, fungi might develop some resistance to the treatment. Another alternative is using the solution of baking soda mixed with horticultural oil and water against the mildew.
You can reduce powdery mildew by increasing air circulation via fans in your home. You can as well cut off the leaves affected by mildew and apply the solutions mentioned before.
Insect Infestation
It is rare for jade plants to be affected by insects. Nevertheless, if you notice white spots on the leaves, it might be due to insect infestation. The most common insects that always affect these plants are spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs:
1. Spider Mites
Spider mites are not insects; instead, they are arachnids. They hide under the jade leaves and stems, and they feed on their juices. Given that spider mites are difficult to detect; they can cause severe damage to the plant.
The affected plants always have some tiny spots on the leaves' surface, which can be brown, white, or yellow. To eliminate spider mites, spray a highly concentrated alcohol solution directly on the infected leaves.
2. White Flies
When whiteflies attack the jade plants, they feed on their water and nutrients and then leave behind a honeydew residue. Whiteflies leave their eggs beneath the plants. Their larvae are white and fuzzy.
Check the plant if it has sticky mildew by touching it to determine if you are dealing with an infestation of whiteflies. The best remedy for getting rid of whiteflies is to use worm casting. Worm casting is just worm manure and can also act as fertilizer. Therefore, it is effective both as a preventive measure and plant treatment.
Chitinase is an enzyme from worm castings. Jade plants absorb these enzymes, which eradicate the whiteflies by breaking down their solid outer shells. Therefore, if whiteflies infest your houseplants, use worm castings as a foliar spray to eliminate them.
3. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are another harmful insect that affects jade plants. They look like tiny cotton balls on your infected houseplants. They infect multiple plants quite easily, either through over-fertilizing or overwatering.
The affected plants often have whitish webs on the leaves. Therefore, the best way to eliminate mealybugs is to soak the small cotton balls into a highly concentrated isopropyl alcohol solution. Otherwise, you can as well spray the alcohol solution directly on the insects.
How to Care for and Maintain Jade Plants
Caring for plants involves several aspects. You need to water your jade plants to ensure that they grow strong and healthy. You must monitor them more frequently to notice if there are any changes.
This enables you to diagnose them before they are significantly infected and affected. It is easy to learn how to care for jade plants with white spots. The most significant elements to consider during propagation are temperature, water, fertilizer, and light.
Watering Jade Plants
One of the essential things to do is to ensure that your jade plants are adequately watered. Never let your houseplant dry out completely, and don't water it regularly to prevent root rot. These plants require more water when they are actively growing, especially during summer and spring.
Water the plant deeply, then waits for the soil to dry out before watering it again. It is imperative to water them once or twice a month, depending on how the soil dries. If you notice some blisters forming on the surface of jade leaves, it shows that the plants are getting excess water.
Jade plants are sensitive to salty nutrients, so water them using distilled water because tap water is not suitable. Avoid splashing water on the jade leaves because it exposes them to rot in a humid environment.
Sunlight
Jade plants require approximately 4 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow strong. You should keep young jade plants in bright indirect sunlight. They can become stunted and weak if you provide them with full sunlight.
Temperature
These houseplants grow well during the day, with temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. And the cool temperature of 10 to 13 degrees Celsius during the night. Therefore, ensure you provide appropriate temperatures for your houseplants.
Fertilizing
Always fertilize your houseplant using a water-soluble fertilizer at least once in six months. Keep in mind that you should water them according to your regular schedule. Then water them using fertilizer water. Fertilize your jade plants when the soil is moist to prevent damaging the roots.
Transplanting Jade Houseplants
Keeping jade plants root bound in a small pot enables them to maintain their small size; you can manage them easily. Repot the young plants at least once in 2 years to promote healthy and strong growth. Transplant mature jades at least once every 5 years or when you feel it necessary.
Transplant the houseplant before the growing season starts, especially during the spring. After transplantation, don't water your jades for about a week. And you should wait for about a month before fertilizing the young jade plants to prevent burning their fresh roots.
The Best Fungicide for Jade Plants
1. Bonide Liquid Copper Fungicide
Bonide Liquid copper fungicide is a highly effective chemical that helps control powdery mildew, mealybugs, white spots, and several other diseases. This fungicide is designed to be used on roses, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and succulent plants. Copper soap or copper octanoate is the active ingredient in this formulation.
Copper is a chemical that occurs naturally, which makes it the best option for your houseplant application. It is easy to apply because it mixes with water instantly. It is approved and ideal for organic farming needs. Use a hose-end sprayer to spray this chemical to your houseplant.
Pros:
It is suitable for all organic gardening
It contains copper as the active ingredient
Designed to protect jade plants from white spots
2. Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide
Bonide Sulfur Plant Fungicide effectively controls different plant diseases and insects such as whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs. It is also effective against powdery mildew, white spots, and rust. The formulation has fine particles that contribute to a uniform film-forming layer, enhanced adhesion, and even distribution on the leaf surface.
Sulfur is the active ingredient, and it occurs naturally; hence it's perfect for jades' healthy growth. This formulation is highly recommended for organic gardening and is safe for pets. This product can be used on fruits, vegetables, and other succulent plants such as jade plants.
Pros:
It controls a variety of plant diseases and insects
It helps to control insects such as spider mites
3. Regalia Bio-fungicide
It protects your houseplant against various bacterial and fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rot, white and black spots. The formulation of Regalia Bio-fungicide enhances the root development of the jade plant. You can use it on a variety of houseplants, including jade plants.
It gives you maximum operational flexibility, and it is approved for organic gardening. You can apply it on plant roots or in the air. This formulation is easy to use, and it doesn't need spray buffers.
Pros:
Greatly convenient to use
It gives you operational flexibility
It enhances the overall health of your jade plant
It protects your houseplant against a broad spectrum of powdery mildew and other diseases and insects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I prevent powdery mildew on my jade houseplants?
The best way to prevent infection of powdery mildew is to enhance air circulation around your plants. If your jade plants are closely located to other plants, separate them and relocate them to a windy area. Or you can use a fan if you are keeping them inside the house.
Can white spots on my jades make them die?
You can solve White spots on succulent plants if you notice them in the early stages. You must determine the cause of white spots before throwing them away. Your plants can be healthy again if you use the correct steps to white spots problem in your jade.
Is my jade plant vulnerable to mealybugs?
Yes, your houseplants are susceptible to mealybugs because these insects like to feed on them. To prevent these critters from causing harm, keep an eye on them by caring for and maintaining your plants.
Bottom Line
You should do your best to eliminate white spots on jade plants. This way, you can avoid scary spots on your houseplants. First, determine the leading cause of white spots; either it can be due to excess salt, powdery mildew, or even insect infestation.
To prevent these causes, you can follow how to care for and maintain your jade plants. Moreover, you can apply one of the fungicide products reviewed above for healthy growth and protection. If you are not sure of the real cause of white spots, you can consult a gardening expert near you for further assistance.
How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Jade Plant
Source: https://thankyourgarden.com/white-spots-on-jade-plants/