Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Press on the base of the stem.
- Check if the pot has drainage holes.
- Smell the soil for a sour odor.
Likely causes
Poor drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The stem near the soil line is turning black or mushy.
What to do: Remove the plant from the pot and trim away any black, slimy roots with clean scissors. Repot in a pot with drainage holes using fresh, dry succulent mix.
Excessive watering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil stays damp for weeks and the plant looks wilted despite wet soil.
What to do: Adjust your watering to every 14 to 21 days. Only water when the soil is completely dry from top to bottom.
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 stem is mushy all the way to the top, the plant may be too far gone to save. If only the roots are affected, you have a good chance of recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Use a terracotta pot to help the soil dry out faster and always use a well draining soil mix.
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 plant with root rot?
- If you catch it early and remove all the rotted parts, you can often save the plant. Let the roots dry for a day before repotting.
- How often should I water?
- Every 14 to 21 days is a good guide, but always check the soil dryness first.
More problems with Jade plant
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.