Will these bugs kill my jade?

If left untreated, they can weaken the plant significantly and cause leaf drop. However, they are usually easy to manage if you act as soon as you see them.

Should I use a systemic pesticide?

It is usually unnecessary for jade plants. Manual removal with alcohol is safer and very effective for this species.

Jade Plant: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the crevices where leaves attach to the main stem.
Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
Look for small white insects crawling on the soil surface.

Likely causes

Mealybug infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see white, waxy, or cottony masses tucked into the leaf axils. The leaves might also look sticky or start to drop.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to each bug to kill it instantly. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with a mixture of water and a few drops of mild dish soap once a week for a month.
Scale insects
Possible
How to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps on the stems or leaves that do not move. They act like tiny shields protecting the insect underneath.
What to do: Gently scrape the bumps off with your fingernail or a soft toothbrush. Wipe the area down with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your jade plant

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant and leaves are falling off rapidly, it is a serious situation. A few isolated bugs are easy to manage if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your jade plant in a spot with good airflow and inspect it every time you water. Always quarantine new plants for two weeks before placing them near your jade.

Jade Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your jade plant and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my jade?: If left untreated, they can weaken the plant significantly and cause leaf drop. However, they are usually easy to manage if you act as soon as you see them.
Should I use a systemic pesticide?: It is usually unnecessary for jade plants. Manual removal with alcohol is safer and very effective for this species.

Why are there white fuzzy spots on my jade plant?

Check these first

Likely causes

Mealybug infestation

Scale insects

Find out what's wrong with your jade plant

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Jade Plant: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Jade Plant