As a horticultural consultant, I know three factors can cause stem rot in Jade plants: low soil oxygen, cold temperatures, and fungal and bacterial pathogens. In this post, I discuss all of these causal agents, so stay with me to detect and fix your Jade plant problem.
Stem Rot in Jade Plant and Root Breathing
Roots breathe like foliage. They absorb oxygen from the spaces between soil particles and release Co2 there. If roots cannot breathe, they will die and rot. In this situation, the stems will also rot. In the following, I listed conditions in which the roots cannot gain Oxygen from the soil and show you how to fix them:
- When the soil is very heavy, there isn’t enough space for growing and breathing of the roots. It would lead the roots to die (root rot) and will extend to stems. So, it would help if you planted your Jade in a light potting mix proper for succulents and cacti.
- In soggy soil, the spaces between the soil particles are filled with water and there isn’t enough Oxygen for breathing the roots. Overwatering, pots without drainage holes, and water accumulation inside the saucer for a long time can cause this problem.
- Decreasing air circulation inside the soil is another factor that can cause root and stem rot. Breaking soil surface and soil aeration will improve air exchange in the soil and oxygen content, promoting root development, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity, while reducing soil compaction.
Stem Rot in Jade Plant and Cold Temperatures
I read that these plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night, around 55-60°F (13-16°C). They can tolerate short periods of colder temperatures, but it’s best to avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
The Jade plant is a succulent with fresh leaves and stems. In cold temperatures below 0°C the water inside of stems will freeze and kill the cells, hence you will spot the signs of stem rot. You should move your Jade plant indoors when it is about 50°F (10°C).
Stem Rot in Jade Plant and Pathogens
Some plant pathogens like Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium can attack roots, crowns, and stems. They will cause rot and wilt symptoms in your Jade plant. Almost all of these pathogens are more aggressive in wet soils. So, to prevent them you have to use the sterile potting soil mix and avoid overwatering. I discussed these pathogens in my other post “Fungus on Jade plant” to know how to control them.
Some Bacteria can also cause soft rot in the Jade plant as I discussed it in my other post. The best way to water succulents like Jade plants is to water them heavily and then let drain the excess water from the bottom of the pot completely and don’t water until the top soil dries out.
The End,
According to my experience, to prevent all of the rot types in Jade plants from roots to stems you must choose a terracotta pot of proper size with enough drainage holes and fill it with a light potting soil (a well-drained potting mix like Cocopeat, sand, perlite, and Vermicompost, mixed with a little bit of gardening soil or those are formulated for succulents and cacti).
If you are interested in planting your Jade plant in pots without drainage holes I recommend reading my other post “How to plant in pots without holes” before planting it.
I always recommend sterilising pots and soil and avoiding using second-hand potting mixes that have been used for other plants. I water my Jade plant only when the top soil dries out and let the water drain completely from its bottom. Finally, I always transfer my Jade plant pot indoors before entering the cold seasons.
I recommend reading my other post about Jade plant problems. Don’t forget to ask me your questions in the comments. I will help you as soon as possible.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.