Jade Plant Stem Rot: Southern Blight or Crown Rot?

White Mold on Jade Stems = Fungal Crown Rot

A jade plant (Crassula ovata) with white mold on stems, falling over while tops stay green, has advanced crown rot—likely Sclerotium rolfsii (Southern blight) or Phytophthora/Pythium. The fungus girdles the stem at the soil line, cutting off water.

Immediate Triage

1. Take cuttings NOW: Snip healthy stem sections (3–4 inches) above the rot. Let callus 2–3 days. Root in dry cactus mix or perlite. This preserves the genotype.
2. Discard the mother plant: Soil, pot, and rotted stem are contaminated. Do not compost.
3. Sterilize pot: 10% bleach soak 30 min, rinse, dry.

Fungicide Option (Low Success at This Stage)

• Daconil (chlorothalonil) 1% soil drench might slow spread if caught very early, but once stems are mushy and falling, it’s too late.
• Biological: Trichoderma harzianum (RootShield) as preventive for future plants.

Prevention for New Plants

• Use gritty, fast-draining mix (50% pumice/perlite).
• Water only when soil is bone-dry to bottom of pot.
• Pot with drainage holes; no saucers holding water.
• Avoid organic mulch on soil surface.

Jade plants are propagation superstars. Focus on saving clean cuttings—the mother plant is a loss.