Stem Rot on jade plant
What's Happening
Stem rot in jade progresses from roots into the central growing point where leaves emerge. The rhizome crown—the modified stem that stores water and nutrients—becomes soft and discolored when compromised by anaerobic bacterial infection. Unlike root rot alone, crown rot threatens the entire plant's structural integrity and ability to produce new growth. The progression appears as yellowing or browning at leaf bases where they emerge from the crown, accompanied by softening of the basal stem.
How to Fix It
- 1
Palpation test: Gently squeeze base where leaves meet soil—healthy rhizomes feel firm like a potato
- 2
Visual inspection: Look for yellowing or browning at leaf bases where they emerge from crown
- 3
Immediate action: Remove from soil, trim all soft/mushy crown tissue until only firm tissue remains
- 4
Sterilization: Treat cut surfaces with cinnamon powder or diluted hydrogen peroxide to prevent reinfection
- 5
Recovery: Allow to callus 3-5 days, then repot in completely dry succulent mix
- 6
Prevention: Switch to shallow pots that match root ball depth to reduce crown moisture exposure
How to Prevent It
Use shallow pots matching root ball size—deep pots retain excess moisture around rhizome; ensure soil dries completely between waterings; avoid watering directly onto leaf bases where water pools; inspect stem base monthly by gently squeezing to detect early softening.