I did some searching online and found one possible cause of these 'freckles' is mold. The solution was to rub the leaves with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, and I did this last night. Already the spots are beginning to clear on all but a couple of leaves, which will be getting another rubdown shortly. I do have a couple of questions, though, that I had asked on another thread that went unanswered. I currently have the plant beneath a flourescent bulb where I've kept my Christmas cacti, which have done -beautifully-. Will the Jade do well here, or are there other preparations I need to make for it? I know they like lots of light, and so I figured the flourescent bulb would be a good source. Also, would having my Jade outside in the summer be a good idea...? It tends to get quite humid in the summer, though, to the point of making it hard to breathe when combined with the heat(80-100 degrees F). Though, also, in the summer, we have the air conditioner on, and any table with sufficient light is by the air duct, which I know probably wouldn't do the plant any favors to have a constant stream of cold, dry air going across it.

Smooche's I don't know why you can't discuss Crassula ovata, here, you are on topic, and these people now are experts and knowledgeable. I think this forum was set up for the discussion of succulents. Okay my friends I want to send more plants to those who have already received some from me. You all have been kind and civil. I will need your address again, I kept a record of who I sent them to before, I want to send to the same people, and especially you Andrew and Mike. You have been very patient with me. I will invite you to celebrate my 80th birthday party. Andrew, so I see that you know how to read and follow directions, LOL He he he, ha ha ha, I noticed that I was accused of not giving my source. I always give credits to my source, and If I don't know because I can't read I call them up. I am horrible on the computer, and I can't spell but if I catch it I use a dictionary. I wish others who complain about me, would give their references on their information. When I ask they don't replay, so plase folks if you do have a reference give it. It is only fair so others may benefit as well. I hate the guessing. Norma

I think your trees will be OK. As for pinching off the new shoots/leaves?--I don't think this will kill the tree. If there was too much root loss resulting in severe and persistent wilting, I prefer to selectively prune off the less important branches, such as lower branches that you will want to prune off anyway, branches that by chance are growing very close to each other and/or crossing each other (the smaller of the two), and some smaller branches carrying foliage in the interior ot the tree--to thin it out a bit. And, of course, if there are two leaders, cut one off. It is normal for red maples newly planted not to grow much for the first year of two. As for the wilting appearance--this is also normal if it just means that the leaves seem a bit limp in the afternoons. If this wilting persists and worsens, even in the mornings, then some pruning as described above can help. And, of course, keep the trees well watered. If they were groqn in pots, sometimes the soil in the pots is thin and does not hold much water. Because the trees don't yet have their roots growing much into the surrounding soil, you must be careful to keep them well watered, maybe as much as every other day if the soil in the pot is a light thin soil and the soil you have planted them in is well drained (meaning the water soaks through it fairly quickly). --Spruce

Thanks for the nice compliments. I really enjoy trying to capture all the vivid colors. Guess most of it is just luck. You have to be in the right place at the right time. The clouds have to be just right and it all comes together or falls apart.