Let’s get to the bottom of why your Jade plant’s leaves are turning red and learn everything about the good and bad signs.
Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are considered the jewels of the succulent world because of their tiny oval-shaped thick and fleshy leaves. Being so adaptable and extremely low-maintenance these plants have very less demands but you may wonder why their leaves are turning red. Explore the diverse answers here!
Why Your Jade Plant’s Leaves Are Turning Red?
Environmental stress it is! The primary reason for a Jade plant turning red. When it receives a long duration of exposure to direct sunlight this is what happens—the plant tries to protect itself and as a response to that it produces a lot of anthocyanins.
It is a pigment-containing phytochemical compound found in plants. Many succulents like Jade plants contain anthocyanins. They are also responsible for red, purple, and blue hues in many plants. When exposed to environmental stressors, these pigments become more prominent.
However, this response can be beneficial or problematic, depending on the underlying cause. Let’s learn the good and bad causes!
Good Signs—When Red Leaves Are Normal
1. Exposure to Bright Sunlight
Jade plants develop red edges or an overall reddish tint when exposed to intense light, especially direct sunlight. This adaptation helps protect the plant from excessive UV radiation. If your succulent is placed near a sunny window or outdoors, the red coloration is a sign of a healthy, well-adjusted plant.
However, if you are someone who prefers green leaves more than anything then you can move the plant to an area with filtered light.
2. Seasonal Changes & Temperature Fluctuations
Cooler nighttime temperatures in the fall and winter seasons can intensify red hues in many plants and the Jade plant is one of them. Don’t worry if you see such changes since they are a natural response of plants to temperature fluctuations and do not harm the plant.
Caution: Ensure your plant is not exposed to frost, as extreme cold can damage the leaves.
3. Nutrient Stress (Mild Phosphorus Deficiency)
Phosphorus is an essential mineral for plants—to maintain their growth, color, and other functions in response to abiotic stress. A slight deficiency in phosphorus can lead to several responses, one of which is the change of color to red in leaves is one of them without negatively affecting the plant.
This often happens when Jade plants grow in nutrient-poor soil or when they are in need of occasional fertilization.
Pro Tip: Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer in the growing season to maintain proper nutrient levels.
Bad Signs—When Red Leaves Indicate Problems
1. Too Much Direct Sunlight (Sunburn)
Generally, Jade plants are sun lovers but too much of anything is never good for anyone! Similarly, too much sun exposure, especially in hot summer months, can lead to sunburn. If the leaves turn deep red or brown with scorched patches, it’s a sign of stress.
The only way to deal with this is to move the plant to an area with partial shade or use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight.
2. Overwatering or Underwatering
Both overwatering and underwatering can contribute to red leaves. If a Jade plant’s leaves are red, shriveled, and dropping, it may be too dry. On the other hand, if they are red, mushy, or have dark spots, overwatering and root rot could be the problem.
For this, follow a proper watering schedule—only water when the topsoil is dry. You can always check the moisture of the soil before watering. Lastly, don’t forget to ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging as well.
3. Temperature Stress
Jade plants thrive in almost all kinds of temperatures, however, the most favorable range is considered to be 65–75°F (18–24°C). So, exposure to extreme cold or sudden temperature drops can cause stress-induced redness.
Keeping the plant indoors during harsh winters and away from drafty windows or air conditioning vents is the best way to keep it thriving happily.
4. Pest Infestations
The peculiar unwanted guests—Pests like spider mites and mealybugs can stress a Jade plant. Due to their infestation, it leads to red or yellow spots along with leaf curling in the plant’s leaves. This looks nothing like the healthy color changes if you might be wondering how it looks!
The one-stop solution for this issue is to inspect regularly and treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap as soon as you observe anything unusual.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Jade Plant
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
- Water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- You should use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
- Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Keep the plant in stable temperatures and away from harsh conditions or frequent fluctuations in light and temperature.
So, by identifying the cause, you can always determine whether your plant is thriving or in need of care. That comes from proper attention only—and your Jade plant will continue to grow beautifully, whether its leaves stay green or develop a reddish hue. Let us know if you need any more help in the comments below!
