Why Are My Jade Plant Leaves Dropping?

Jade plant leaves usually drop when the plant is stressed. The main causes are overwatering, sudden changes in light, or nutrient deficiencies. While it’s normal for jade plants to shed a few older leaves, excessive leaf drop signals a problem. Regular feeding with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7) strengthens jade plants and helps prevent unnecessary leaf loss.

1. Common Causes of Leaf Drop

Leaf drop can happen for several reasons, but most can be corrected easily:

Overwatering: The number one cause of leaf loss. Jade plants store water in their leaves, so constantly wet soil leads to root rot and falling foliage.
Lack of Sunlight: Jades need bright light. In dim corners, leaves often turn soft and fall.
Nutrient Deficiency: Without potassium and phosphorus, leaves weaken and detach early. Nitrogen imbalances also lead to pale, weak foliage.
Sudden Stress: Moving the plant, temperature drops, or repotting can shock a jade into dropping leaves temporarily.
Pests & Diseases: Mealybugs, scale insects, or fungal issues may stress the plant enough to cause shedding.

Understanding which of these factors is at play is the first step to fixing the issue.

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2. How to Stop Jade Plant Leaves from Falling Off

Once you’ve identified the cause, here’s how to restore your jade plant’s health:

Fix Watering: Only water when the soil is completely dry. Use the “soak and dry” method — water deeply, then let excess drain away fully.
Improve Lighting: Move the jade plant to a bright window or sunny spot with at least 4–6 hours of indirect or filtered sunlight daily.
Strengthen with Fertiliser: Feed lightly every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with Complete Grow’s 2-7-7 Succulent Concentrate. This supports thicker leaves, stronger stems, and prevents nutrient-related shedding.
Reduce Stress: Avoid moving the plant frequently or repotting unless necessary. Let the roots settle and grow undisturbed.
Check for Pests: Wipe leaves and stems with a damp cloth. Use a mild insecticidal soap if mealybugs or scale insects are present.

With consistent care, jade plants bounce back quickly, producing fresh, healthy foliage to replace what was lost.

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3. FAQs About Jade Plant Leaf Drop

Q: Is it normal for jade plants to lose leaves? Yes, shedding a few older leaves is normal. Excessive or sudden leaf loss indicates a problem with watering, light, or nutrition.
Q: Will leaves grow back? Yes, new leaves usually sprout from healthy stems once the issue is fixed and the plant is fed properly.
Q: Can fertiliser stop leaf drop? Fertiliser won’t fix overwatering or low light, but feeding with Complete Grow’s 2-7-7 Cactus Succulent Fertiliser ensures the plant has the nutrients to recover faster.
Q: How often should I fertilise a jade plant to prevent leaf drop? Every 4–6 weeks in the growing season, with no feeding in winter dormancy.
Q: Do jade plants drop leaves in winter? They may drop a few leaves naturally when growth slows, but heavy shedding usually means stress.

Final Recommendation: To stop unnecessary leaf drop and support healthy growth, feed jade plants regularly with Complete Grow’s Cactus Succulent Plant Food Fertiliser Concentrate (2-7-7). Its low-nitrogen formula strengthens roots and leaves, making the plant more resilient to stress.