Question
pitted leaves
I have two large Jades that are over 18 yrs old. Since I am in VT they live inside for about 9 months of the year. I have always brought them outside every summer for a little boost and have them in a low sun area of my patio and they have loved it....until now.
I had been noticing that they were getting floppy and droopy and I hoped the outside would perk them up.
Today I see white pitted leaves and hard almost salt like white smaller than pea size residue on the top of the dirt around the plant. Is this a parasite or fungus? I am so sad to see them this ill....please help!!
AnswerHi Mary,
The leaf pitting on your Jade is a result of some kind of physical damage. It is not a fungal or bacterial problem. It is also not caused by common indoor plants pests, such as mealybugs, scale or aphids.
When houseplants are moved outside, they are exposed to a variety of conditions that can cause damage to plants. Possible causes in this instance include water droplets from mist or rain on the leaves, chemical spray drift, unusual air pollution, sudden changes in temperature, too much direct sunlight, unusually warm temps over 80 degrees, or local pests gnawing on leaf tissue.
I understand that you have moved your Jades outside in previous years without this pitting. However, something is different this year. The vagaries of outdoor environments are a primary reason I don't generally recommend moving houseplants outside in summer. It can help, but it is also risky.
Although the pitting is not a disease or pest infestation, the damage will remain and there is no way to remove it. All you can do is try to determine the specific cause from my list above and/or move your Jades back inside to eliminate the cause. Once the cause is removed, new growth will come in undamaged.
I have written articles on Jade care and moving plants outside that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at
[email protected].
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.
Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at
[email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
