Question
I inherited my grandmother's Jade, which is maybe over 100 years old.  It has done very well for years, but within the last year the main trunk has died.  It is hollow and withered.  I hate to throw it away, and needless to say it has spawned MANY other Jades which are flourishing.  Should I just give up on the mother plant, or do you have any tips for reviving it it?  Thanks so much.

Answer
Judi,

No hints, if the trunk is hollow and withered it was either overwatered or encountered a bacterial infection or insecticide. Jades have to be watered like a cactus and they die from most insecticides. The only insecticide I have found that will not kill them is rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. That will kill any insects on contact. Work with the babies in memory of your grandmother. You can tell your grandchildren when you give them a baby jade that it came from their great great grandmother's jade plant. It is part of their heritage! Give them one as part of a wedding present or when they start their first full time job. Good luck with the babies.

Darlene