Question
I have had a Jade plant for  about 3 years when all of a sudden Have tiny black specs all over my ledge where my jade is.  I  have tried insecticide soap, watering with dish soap, and still getting these tiny black specs all over.  the jade is also starting to loose leaves.  Please help, I don't won't to loose it.

Answer
Dear Sandy, I'm so glad that you wrote, because I can absolutely help you save your jade plant.  You definitely have scale, a non-moving insect which sucks juices out of your plant.  The usual insecticides don't affect them because they are protected by their shell or scale.  To kill them, spray with a horticultural oil or biorganic oil product.  These kill the scale by smothering them and you will know they are dead when they fall off with light water pressure.  I would look for the horticultural oil first (SunSpray is a good one# or the new biorganics will also work.  You may have to spray a few times to get complete control, but this method will work.  Jade plants are very recoverable, so they will sprout new growth once the scale is controlled.  I hope this information helps.  Please let me know if you need more information, or if you have trouble getting the oil #Don't use cooking oil!).  I live in the United States, but I answer questions from all over the world, so I try to be aware of products available in most countries.  Good luck, Melissa