Why Is My Jade Plant Curling? (Causes+Fix)

Jade plants are resilient and durable plants, perfect for beginners. They are popular among plant owners as they are low maintenance and hardy. 

However, this does not mean that they will never face any troubles. They can face issues like curling, drooping, browning, etc., for several reasons. 

But what could be the potential causes behind the curling leaves of the jade plant? Let’s find out. 

Incorrect watering techniques, cold drafts and low temperatures, pest infestation, and low light can lead to curly leaves in the jade plant. To prevent curly leaves, provide the plant with bright light, water when the soil is dry, and use neem oil spray occasionally to prevent pests.

After knowing the causes of your jade plant curling, the next step is to diagnose the cause and apply appropriate remedies to the plant.

This article will cover the causes of curling jade plants and remedies for the same. Further, we will also discuss how to prevent such a condition.

What causes jade plant leaves to curl?

Jade plant leaves may curl due to one or more reasons. Though jade plants are low maintenance and grow well in little ignorance, ignoring their needs for a long time can lead to various issues.

The potential causes for your jade plant curling are:

• Inadequate watering
• Cold conditions
• Low humidity
• Pest and insect infestation
• Not enough light

Below we have listed all the possible reasons for the curling of jade plant leaves.

Overwatering

Jade plants do not like to be kept in too much-wet soil; hence you should keep the plant in a state where it has the liberty to breathe appropriately and avoid the soil from being continuously saturated with water.

In case of overwatering, your jade plant’s leaves will curl downwards beneath themselves. 

Not only that, but overwatering also causes root damage, and in the worst condition, your plant may die.

To fix this problem,

Make sure that you have used well-draining soil. 

The container must have the proper drainage hole so that the extra water can pass through this passage. 

And only water the plant when the top layer of the soil becomes dry.

Also read: How Often To Water Jade Plant?

Underwatering

In case of under-watering, the leaves will curl downwards to exhibit it is dehydrated. Water your plant immediately.

Too much less water makes the soil dry, and the leaves use all its stored water. 

As a result, different plants lose all their water and become vulnerable to the external environment.

Jade plants can stand dryness to some extent, but ignorance is not the proper way to grow a healthy plant. 

This situation generally arises during the summer and makes the soil dry.

Repeating the same mistake of under-watering, again and again, will be hazardous for their health. It is important to regularly water the plant to keep them healthy and good.

To fix this problem:

1. Increase the humidity level around the plant and water them thoroughly.
2. Make sure you water according to the requirements of the plant.
3. Always check the soil moisture before watering.

Cold temperatures

Jade plants like to be in a warm temperature, which is why they mainly grow in the summer and spring seasons. 

Jade plants may develop curly leaves due to a drop in the temperature.

They suffer in conditions where the temperature level keeps fluctuating. Jade plants do not appreciate too low temperatures. 

The plant leaves curl, and gradually the plant suffers from other issues like browning and slow growth.

To fix this problem

Keep your jade plant at a favorable temperature. The ideal temperature for your jade plant is from 55°F to 85°F. 

People living in areas where the temperature keeps changing must keep the plant inside during the evening and outside during the day. 

When the temperature drops below 50°F, keep the plant inside in a warmer place. It will also protect the plant from the cold wind of the winter.

Also read: How To Care For Jade Plant In Winter?

Low humidity

A lot of plant owners ignore this factor believing that it will not affect their plant’s health. Humidity affects your plant when it is consistently unfavorable. 

Humidity can become a reason for your jade plant leaves curling. 

Yes, you read it right—when not favorable, humidity can lead to several issues in the plant.

Jade plants prefer low to moderate humidity and need some moisture to stay healthy. 

Keeping the jade plant in too low or too high humidity can lead to slow growth and curling of leaves.  

To maintain appropriate humidity:

1. Group plants that prefer low humidity.
2. Avoid frequent misting as the jade plant does not like too much moisture.
3. Use a humidifier to maintain the ideal humidity level.
4. Ensure the plant is at proper room temperature.

Also read: Do Jade Plants Like To Be Misted?

Pest and insect infestation

Pest and insect infestation is one of the reasons for your jade plant curling. 

Spider mites and scales mealybugs are the most common bugs in your jade plant. 

Although the jade plant is hardy but may still suffer from pest attacks due to unfavorable situations, treating these pests as soon as you notice them is essential. If the number increases, the condition may go out of control.

We have given below some instructions to help you deal with those pets:

Mealybugs, spider mites, and scales penetrate the plant and feed on the plant’s sap. 

Mealybugs cover themselves with a cotton ball and will linger at the corner of the leaf. 

Spider mites are tiny insects that create around the plant, as suggested by its name. 

Scales are mini bugs covered with armor-like shells and will be around the stems.  

To treat these pests, wash the plant with warm soap water. You can also use neem oil solution depending on the intensity of infestation. 

Horticulture oil is also helpful in eradicating stubborn pests. It would be best if you kept repeating the treatment until the plant was free of problems. 

Also read: How To Get Rid Of Bugs On Jade Plant?

Not enough light

Light is essential for any plant to grow and develop properly. To maintain good health, the jade plant also needs adequate light. 

If there is a lack of light available for the plant, the plant tends to become weak, leaves curl, and have slow growth. 

Light directly affects leaf development and the health of the leaves. If the light exposure is not enough, the leaves droop and curl.

If there is no natural light in your space, use an artificial light source to fulfill the plant’s light needs. 

Also, proper light for the jade plant means indirect bright light. Avoid direct light as it can cause sunburn, curling, etc.

Also read: How Much Light Do Jade Plants Need?

Will curl leaves recover?

Curled leaves of the jade plant may or may not recover, and its recovery depends on the extent of damage taken. 

If you notice the curl on the plant in the early stage, it might be possible to recover with proper remedies.

In the case of a severely damaged plane, the recovery is complex, and the affected leaves may soon fall. 

The quickest way to recover the damage is by identifying the cause of curling. 

Half of the problem is solved when you know the actual cause of the damage. The next step is to treat the plant with proper remedies.

How to prevent the curling of the jade plant leaves?

To keep your jade plant healthy and happy, give them your time and effort with a pinch of love. Jade plants are hardy but need some care to keep up with the changing seasons. 

During summer, jade plants need water more frequently as compared to winter. 

They grow and develop during summer, so proper care during this time is essential for the plant’s growth and health.

Warm temperatures and indirect bright light are necessary for a healthy jade plant. 

Along with it, low to moderate humidity is equally important, and high humidity can cause issues in the plant.

Following are the tips to prevent the curling jade plant leaves:

1. Keep your jade plant in warm temperatures ranging between 55°F and 85°F.
2. Keep a weekly check on your plant to avoid any severe issues.
3. Avoid direct sunlight and use an artificial light source if no natural light is available.
4. Maintain low to moderate humidity levels around your jade plant.
5. Allow good airflow around the plant and ensure a proper drainage system.

Final Words

Jade plants are hardy, and if you find something kosher with them, it means it is bearing unfavorable situations for a long time.

Water jade plants only when the soil is dry, and watering them without checking the ground may lead to overwatering.

Proper lighting is essential for your jade plant’s development. Adequate lighting will prevent the plant from sitting in wet soil for extended periods. You can keep it in the morning direct sun as it is weak.

You can spray neem oil solution monthly as a preventive measure, and it will keep pests and bacteria at bay.

Also, a lot of movement can hinder the jade plant’s health. Avoid moving them frequently, and when you want, acclimate the plant to the new conditions gradually.

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Source: NYBG, The University of Arkansas, University of Florida, Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Activity of Jade Plant, CABI, University of Minnesota, The University of Missouri.