Jade in Need of Help

gbond1967

10 days ago

I sort of inherited what I believe to be a jade succulent that looks like it needs some help. It's at least ten years old. I re-potted it in fresh succulent-specific soil but I'm sure it needs some more help based on the pictures I am seeing of other similar plants!

It is straggly, which I understand can happen when it doesn't get enough sun. I have it in an east-facing window, which is the only option. However, I have read that the red coloration is heat stress. So I am not sure what the best light option is. On a clear day, because we are in an apartment building on a hill, it can get direct sunlight from sunrise to about 11:00 a.m. or so. The rest of the day is indirect since the sun is on the other side of the building. There is a west-facing window, but it doesn't get nearly as much light because of other buildings and trees. The east window is the most practical option for several reasons.

I am also wondering about the wrinkled leaves. Some newer leaves appear plump green, but these seem to be thin and shriveling! There is a plugged hole in the bottom of the pot that I unplug and then put the whole thing into a larger pot of water. I had read somewhere that allowing he soil and roots to draw the water up is better than watering from the top. I let it sit in water for over an hour after re-potting because the instructions said to water it well. I know they don't need a lot of water, especially in winter.

I am very new to succulents, so any observations or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

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Comments (4)

socks
6 days ago
last modified: 6 days ago
Sorry you haven't gotten a reply, and I hope you get one from someone more knowledgeable than I.

I'm not sure it's a jade, but it is a succulent. Water from the top only when dry. Let the water run through a couple times and let it drain thoroughly in a sink or whatever. You can rest it on a stack of newspaper to be sure it's thoroughly drained. You can tell if it is dry by putting a wooden skewer down into the potting mix for a few minutes, and check to see if it is damp when removed. You could do that now because I'm not sure letting it sit in water is you did allowed the plant to take up water properly. I would leave the hole permanently unplugged. Succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so they don't need a lot of water. If you are uncertain about when to water, wait a few more days or a week. More succulents are killed by overwatering than by underwatering.

It will probably need more light, so if you can shift it around during the day when you are home to get more, that would probably help.

I think the red is just the nature of the plant. Not sure about the wrinkled leaves.

If you are getting interested in succulents, there are some good youtube videos, but given your light issue, other house plants may be more appropriate. But there are some succulents which tolerate less light, like sansevieria (mother-in-laws tongue) and some haworthias. Good luck with your plant.
socks
6 days ago
PS If you don't have skewers available, you can use a wooden pencil.
gbond1967 thanked socks
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I have to respectfully disagree. If they were in a standard peat based mix, then yes they may be overpotted. But if the mix is as porous as it appears, then larger pots are a good idea. With a sufficiently porous mix, you could grow cuttings in 5 gallon buckets if you wanted. I use a very porous mix and large pots for all my plants and the root growth is excellent. One problem I have found though, is that they dry out very quickly in hot, sunny weather. And this is where I'm guessing your problem occurred. Even though succulents are quite tolerant of arid conditions, young plants lack the extensive root system and water reserve of mature plants. They can definitely wilt if the soil completely dries out, and this is much easier to do in a gritty soil. I would keep them out of direct sun until they firm up again, and then be careful to keep them well watered when hot and sunny. If the soil mix contains many fines that are not visible from above, then I retract my diagnosis and defer to paracelsus. I'm guessing though, that the lava rock, perlite, and bark you're using is very porous.
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gbond1967
Original Author
5 days ago
Thank you. I tried watering it as you suggested and will see if it improves. I know they don't like a lot of water, but if they store moisture in the leaves and this one has flat, shriveled ones, that might indicate it hasn't had enough. Very little water drained out the bottom, which also makes me think it was just thirsty.
41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)
3 days ago
Soil looks PEATY, PEAT is a terrible mix for succulents (yes, it is a Jade/Crassula argentea). The soil is not getting saturated, peat soils can be very hydrophobic. I would be sure to saturate it and then move it into a better mix. Leaves will revert to normal.

Jade in Need of Help

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41 North (Zone 7a/b, NE, coastal)

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