Jade Plant Stem Rot: Overwatering and Fungal Disease

A 12-year-old jade plant fell over; the main trunk was mushy at the break. The expert diagnoses stem rot from a fungus, caused by overwatering. Jade plants are succulents that store water; they need very little irrigation.

Rescue Steps

1. Prune out all mushy, rotted tissue.
2. Let the cut ends callus over for a few days.
3. Repot in well-draining succulent mix.
4. Water sparingly—only when soil is bone dry.
5. Keep foliage dry; avoid misting.

Healthy stems can be propagated as cuttings. The original plant may survive if caught early.