Clear Tentacles on Jade Plant: Aerial Roots from Low Light

What Are the Clear, Root-Like Growths on My Jade?

Those "clear tentacles" are aerial roots. They appear on the shaded side of jade plants (Crassula ovata) when the plant senses higher humidity or seeks contact with soil due to insufficient light.

Why They Form

• Jades need bright light with some direct sun (south/west window).
• In low light, stems elongate and produce adventitious roots as a survival mechanism.
• The shaded side gets even less light, triggering more roots.

What to Do

1. Pinch or snip off the aerial roots—they're not needed indoors.
2. Rotate the plant weekly so all sides receive equal light.
3. Move to a brighter location—ideally 4+ hours of direct sun.
4. Prune leggy stems back to a leaf node to encourage compact growth.

Result

With better light, the plant will stop producing aerial roots and develop thicker, sturdier stems with closely spaced leaves.