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Cacti & Succulents

Jade plant brown spots, seeking advice to save the plant

2 years ago

A friend gifted me some pots of established succulents, which have sat on my balcony throughout the year, in the sunshine, wind and rain. Some of the succulents have been thriving, even flowering, but one of the jade plants has developed brown spots. They appear on almost all of the upper leaves, are irregular in shape and look they the leaf has been nibbled and then browned as the spots are slightly sunken into the leaf. They only appear on the topside, not the underside of the leaves. I've tried a bit of detective googling, but have found differing advice (too much water, not enough water, fungi, mites, remove leaves, don't remove leaves). Anyone know how I should proceed to save the plant? Thank you.

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

2 years ago

It almost looks like a bird damage! Did you see any birds around, maybe some wanted to nest in that pot? It is difficut to tell what has been munching on your plant. Few marks look like bites, most look like 'pokes'. I doubt it has anything to do with watering, that kind of damage would look different. If other plants in the same pot have similar damage, it must be the 'favoured' pot for a bird or something...I would suggest that plant will recover, but it may take a while. All those leaves will eventually fall off & be replaced with new ones - after quite some time. In the memantime, I would put something like a bird cage over it (or a fine mesh), to see if it will stop bird or squirrel or chipmunk...or whatever is eating your jade.

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Comments (6)

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
2 years ago
Yes, it looks like something has been munching on it.
Julia Jones thanked Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
Roger
2 years ago
Yes, it seems very clear to my eyes too. You can even see fresh bites still green, maybe from the day before
Julia Jones thanked Roger
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Julia Jones
Original Author
2 years ago

Thanks for your replies. It doesn't look like there's been any fresh nibbles, and I've looked over the plant and cannot spot any insects. But as you can see from this updated photo, the plant really looks like its been attacked, along with the other succulent in the same pot. Adjacent pots are all fine though. Do you think the plant can recover? Would you know what insect enjoys munching Jade plants and what I could to deter it?
Julia Jones
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks Rina. I'm on the East coast of Australia, so no squirrels or chipmunks, but you got me thinking now, it could be a possum. I'll give the cage idea a go - thank you for the suggestion.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
2 years ago
Julia

I do have chipmunks & squrrels & I have seen some voles too. I have witness chipmunk running away with a Lithops! I started using a gravel topdressing (years ago) because squirrels kept digging in the pots...it did help a lot. But still find a plant with bite marks. Usually it is plants that have juicier leaves, like jades. Apparently, some creatures will nibble on plants if they are thirsty. I always keep several birdbaths around with water. If it is a possum, bird cage def. helps.

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