Brown Spots on jade plant
What's Happening
Edema in jade plants occurs when the succulent leaves absorb water faster than they can transpire it, causing cells to rupture and create corky brown spots. This is often triggered by inconsistent watering patterns (long dry periods followed by heavy watering), poor drainage, or high humidity combined with low light. Unlike sunburn which appears on exposed surfaces, edema spots appear randomly on leaf undersides and are slightly raised.
How to Fix It
- 1
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings (typically 2-3 weeks)
- 2
Repot in well-draining cactus mix with 50% perlite if drainage is poor
- 3
Remove affected leaves to prevent bacterial colonization of damaged tissue
- 4
Switch to soak-and-dry method: water thoroughly until it drains, then wait for full dryness
- 5
Increase air circulation around the plant to promote leaf drying
How to Prevent It
Water jade plants only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are completely dry. Use terracotta pots with drainage holes to wick excess moisture. Avoid misting or high-humidity environments. Maintain bright indirect light to promote steady transpiration and prevent water retention in leaves.