Question
I have a large Jade tree (approx 20 years old) that is in a very well natural lighted room in a position where it gets indirect light (it has been here for approx. ten years). The problem is that branches have recently started falling off the plant. The leaves are green and turgid but the plant appears to be failing. the plant has not been repotted for some time. What to Do?  Thanks  

Answer
Hi Don,

If your Jade has not been pruned regularly, then the weight of the leaves on the very long branches can break those branches off. In effect, the Jade will self-prune in the absence of your doing it. If the stems appear to be otherwise healthy (not soft and mushy), then this is the likely explanation.

If the stems are soft, then there is a more serious problem, probably relate to the roots. If the soil has stayed just a tad too moist, then gradually over a long period of time, the roots slowly rot without any symptoms until the stems finally start to turn soft and mushy. In that case, you have to prune off the soft stems, reduce the water, and hope for the best.

Repotting would not have prevented this problem and ailing plants should never be repotted.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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