jade plant question

9 years ago

I saw a beautiful jade plant at my holistic vet's office and now cannot stop thinking about getting one. My house is full of plants and generally speaking I do a good job. However, twice over the years I have got a jade and it ended up with a white fuzzy pest on it and died (same thing with african violets). Just curious if there is some way to avoid this happening. None of my plants have any disease or bugs so it should be safe but hate to be disappointed again. I think I would put it with my other succulents as they are in a bright window (no direct sunlight though) and have been very happy. Thanks for any tips. brit

Comments (8)

greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
9 years ago
Hi there, sound like the pesky mealy bugs have been at it again! Not checked out your location at the mo, but US folks use what they call 'rubbing alcohol' on a cotton bud and dab the little critters with the bud. If they don't die they have giggly time with all the alcohol! Some store bought insecticide sprays will work too but I cant tell you the names as I'm from over the pond to you I suspect. Some others I'm sure will chime in with further info.

Gill UK
bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
9 years ago
Given your statement about your plants being pest free, I would venture to say the pest, most probably mealy bug from your description, came in with the jade. The infestation may have been minimal and went unnoticed until it consumed the plant. For the most part jades are pretty easy to grow and are tolerant of most conditions. Next time, inspect the plant carefully before bringing it into your home. You haven't listed your location, but if you are interested in trying to root your own plant, I will be whacking my stock plant this coming spring. I usually offer the cuttings to anyone interested in paying the postage.
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bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
9 years ago
Gill, you're just too fast for me... must be my age catching up on me!!!! LOL
deva33 Z8 Atlanta
9 years ago
I say give it a go. You can get a plant from any of our cuttings in the spring. I also have 5 rooted jades that are all the same size (about 6"). I could send you one if you could just pay postage. But I wouldn't send it until spring. It wouldn't make it with the weather being as cold as it is.

Otherwise I second what the others said. Inspect before buying. Quarantine until you are certain there are no bugs. Then you can move it in with your other succulents.
brit1
Original Author
9 years ago
thank you all so much for responses. Bikerdoc I would LOVE to have some in the Spring,please contact me when available, I am in Maryland btw.
bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
9 years ago
Trust me, Brit when I say I'll never remember so how about you remember and remind me.
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
9 years ago
Howard, if I recall correctly I'm not that far behind you, if at all....lol! Think I need to change my user name to Grannygreenclaws, ha-ha!

Gill UK
bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
9 years ago
Cute, Gill, but I'd bet your brain functions every bit as well as mine if not better. Must be something about your country living...