Help. I am caring for a neighbors Jade plants while she is out sailing. I have been lightly watering them (1/4 to 1/2 cup of water per my neighbors instructions) every 7 to 14 days but came back from vacation and they looked disastrous. I am in Arizona. I covered the window they have been sitting by with a sheet to filter the heat and light. Some seem to be recovering as there is new growth coming in. Others are collapsing and the trunks/stems look like they are rotting away. Is there anything I can do as far as pruning to try to recover those that don't seem to be coming back?
I would suggest that you stop watering the plant immediately. Check the soil, if it feels wet, let the soil dry out. Jade plants are succulents and store water. Too much water will make it rot. Was the window covered by your neighbour or by you? Maybe this jade plants need more light.
I have been using a moisture meter before each watering, and only water when it indicated they were completely dry; about 1/4 cup for 6" pots and 1/2 cup for 9" pots. When I saw them I had almost thought one of the other neighbors might have been over-watering them, but the meter did not indicate any moisture. Also other plants in the same location were obviously heat stressed. I covered the window after I came back and found the plants collapsing. I also turned the thermostat down as the house was over 90 degrees. I have it set at around 85 now.
