Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Crassula ovata, Jade Plant is a native of South Africa and, therefore, doesn't fall into the usual realm of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Our focus is on the preservation and propagation of plants native to North America. However, we are always happy to help out with plant care information when we can. Click on this link to an excellent website from the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service, which gives very good information on the care of your plant. We looked through several research sites trying to find the specific problem causing the yellowing leaves. Crassula ovata is a succulent, of course, and its water and feeding needs as an indoor potted plant are not going to be the same as an outdoor plant in the ground. The plant does go through a dormant stage in winter, but it seems a little early for that. After you have read the material on care of this plant, you will be able to examine the cultural practices you have been using, such as how much moisture the plant needs and how often, feeding, etc. and judge what is best to do to continue its life. One source that we found suggested that the Jade Plant should be transplanted to a new pot every two or three years. It sounds as though your plant might be too big for that sort of treatment, but you could certainly consider cloning new plants from cuttings. Instructions for this also appear on the Clemson University site. We did not find a usual length of life of this plant, so we hope that it is not dying of old age. If that is the case, cloning it will permit you to continue growing it and sharing it with others.