Why does your Crassula ovata have yellow leaves? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Jade plants are succulents that store water in their leaves; excessive soil moisture prevents roots from breathing, leading to cellular breakdown and yellowing. This is the most common cause of leaf drop in Crassula ovata.
A lack of nitrogen prevents the plant from producing chlorophyll, causing older leaves to turn pale yellow before dropping. This often occurs in jade plants grown in depleted, sandy potting mixes for extended periods.
Sudden exposure to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can shock the Crassula ovata metabolism, triggering a yellowing response as the plant attempts to shed stressed foliage.
Insufficient sunlight prevents the plant from maintaining its metabolic processes, leading to etiolation and yellowing of leaves as the plant struggles to photosynthesize.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: