I have a Jade plant which has been in the family over 55 years. The main root stem has rotted and the trunk that is left has been repotted, it does have some root left. It was a beautiful plant and thrived well until the last year or so. I try to be careful with watering and probably do not repot as often as I should and from what I read it needs to be planted in inorganic compost, 75% grit and 25% peat. I put it outside in the summer time and try to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Some of the branches are drying up. Is there anything in particular that I need to do to save this old plant?
May be the plant is just too old to do well. Check on the Net what is the lifespan for a Jade plant. It is also possible that it is dying of starvation in the grit and peat mixture, both devoid of nutrients. If the plant is too old there is nothing simpler than to start it afresh from cuttings.
RuthC, I'm really sad for you to hear that you have a 55-year old jade plant that has not been doing too well! I do not agree that the plant is "too old" to thrive, but I do believe that the mixture might have something to do with it. My jades do really well in 50-50 sand and potting soil. I even add small pebbles in the mixture just to make sure the soil drains really well. I would suggest you repot the plant and water only when the soil IS DRY, but wait for others to respond. They may be of better help than what I'm suggesting. Good luck with your jade!
