Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press gently on the base of the stem to check for softness.
- Stick your finger two inches into the soil to feel for moisture.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The stem feels soft or squishy to the touch, and the leaves may turn translucent or yellow. The soil often stays damp for weeks.
What to do: Stop watering immediately and take the plant out of its pot to inspect the roots. Trim away any black or slimy roots with clean scissors, then repot in fresh, dry succulent soil.
Poor drainage
PossibleHow to tell: Water sits in the bottom of the pot or the soil stays heavy and wet for a long time. The plant looks like it is wilting despite the soil being moist.
What to do: Ensure your pot has large drainage holes at the bottom. Use a gritty, well-draining cactus mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
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.
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When to worry
If the main stem is mushy all the way through, the plant may be too far gone to save. If only a few roots are affected, you can usually save the plant with a repot.
Stopping it coming back
Wait until the soil is bone dry before watering again, which usually takes 14 to 28 days. When in doubt, wait another week before adding more water.
Jade Plant: root rot? 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a jade with root rot?
- Yes, if you catch it early. You must remove all the rotting parts and move the plant into dry, fresh soil.
- How often should I water my jade?
- There is no set schedule, but most jades need water every 14 to 28 days. Always check that the soil is completely dry first.
More problems with Jade Plant
- Why are there white fuzzy spots on my jade plant?
- Why is my jade plant growing tall and thin?
- Why are my jade plant's leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my jade plant dropping leaves?
- Why does my jade plant have brown tips?
- Why is my jade plant drooping?
- Why does my jade plant have spots?
- Why is my jade plant not flowering?
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.