Question
Hello, my jade tree is fairly healthy and blooming now.  It is in a sunny location.  The issue is the bark or the branches have a white soot on it, that I can clean off but I'm wondering if it is a disease?  There are some leaves that are shriveling up but I increased it's water and that seemed to help.  What do you think the soot on the bark or branches (only) is?

Answer
Hi Deb,

That white, powdery stuff is probably residue from leaves and stems that have previously gotten too dry. Just rinse or wipe off this residue and keep your Jade from drying out completely. It is best to water a Jade when the top half-inch inch of soil feels dry or top inch if the pot size is 8-inches or larger.

If the white stuff has a cotton-like texture, then it is mealybug and should be sprayed with a solution of 5 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. But from your description, I don't think that your Jade has mealybug.

I have written an article on Jade care 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.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC