Jade Plant Aerial Roots: Causes and Solutions

Those spikey growths on your jade plant’s stems are aerial roots—a sign of stress, not a disease. They’re harmless but indicate the plant isn’t entirely happy.

Common Triggers

• Overwatering (most common)
• Underwatering
• High humidity

Watering Fix

Jades are succulents. In winter, they go semi-dormant—water only once every 2 weeks, not weekly. In summer, water deeply but let the soil dry completely between waterings. Never leave water in the drainage tray.

What to Do

• Leave aerial roots alone, or trim them off—they don’t harm the plant.
• Adjust watering schedule seasonally.
• Ensure bright light (south window is great) and fast-draining soil (cactus mix + perlite).

Your jade sounds otherwise healthy. Correct the watering, and new growth will be strong and root-free.

Spikey growths: aerial roots on jade plant