Black Leaves on a Jade Houseplant

Cultivation

Plant jade houseplants in light soil, with a little sand mixed in to provide drainage. The plants must be kept at temperatures above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and wide temperature fluctuations may damage jade. Many houseplants require humidity to stay healthy and moist, but jade plants do not. It is not necessary to leave water in the drainage tray; empty it whenever water appears. Give the plant average light and keep it out of direct sunlight during the summer. In winter, jade plants should receive more light. If the edges of the leaves begin to turn brown or black, the plant is probably getting too much sunlight. Simply move it away from the window to improve overall health.

Watering is an important part of caring for the jade houseplant. Soil should be neither too dry nor too moist. The leaves of the plant are a good indication of water levels. When jade plants are receiving too little water, leaves begin to wither. If jade is getting too much water, rot may develop. In most home environments, a monthly watering schedule is enough to keep jade plants happy. When the plant begins to take too much water too quickly, edema may occur. Small blisters in shades of white, brown and black appear on the undersides of leaves. As the problem worsens, the leaves will turn yellow and fall from the plant.

Pests, including spider mites, may attack jade houseplants, though the problem is less common with indoor plants than those placed outdoors. Spider mites feed on foliage, causing jade leaves to lose their green color. Foliage may turn dusty or blackish in color when spider mites are present. Treat the plant with insecticide to eliminate the problem. Black ring, caused by a virus, creates black rings on the underside of jade plant leaves. Prune away affected areas of the plant to eliminate black ring problems.

Mealybugs, scale and rot are common problems among jade houseplants. Rot and insect damage may create black spots on leaves and eventually kill foliage. When these problems are present, clean jade house plants by spraying the leaves with water and wiping them off gently with alcohol. Do not use soap, which may further damage the leaves of the plant.