Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the leaves for small, hard brown bumps that can be scraped off.
- Look for fuzzy white cottony masses in the leaf joints.
- Check if the soil stays damp for more than a few days after watering.
Likely causes
Fungal Leaf Spot
PossibleHow to tell: You will see small, dark, or sunken circular spots on the leaves that may spread if the plant stays wet. This happens when water sits on the foliage for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Ensure your plant has better air circulation and avoid misting or getting water on the leaves when you irrigate.
Scale Insects
PossibleHow to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps that you can scrape off with a fingernail. They suck sap and leave behind discolored spots where they feed.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto each insect to kill them. Repeat this process every 7 days until you no longer see any bumps.
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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
When to worry
Worry if the spots are spreading rapidly or if the leaves are turning mushy. A single small spot on an old leaf is usually nothing to fear.
Stopping it coming back
Always water at the base of the plant rather than over the top, and keep the foliage dry.
Jade plant: spots? 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 use neem oil on my jade plant?
- Yes, you can use neem oil to treat pests, but apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct sun. Test it on one leaf first to ensure the plant reacts well.
- Are these spots permanent?
- Yes, once a leaf is damaged or spotted, it will not heal back to its original green color. You can prune off the worst leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
Guides to these causes
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.