Greenfly, blackfly, aphid – whatever you call them, these tiny insects can be a major pest on Jade plants. They suck plants sap, stunting their growth, and can transmit viruses and fungal infections to your plants. Thankfully, aphids are straightforward pests to deal with.
How to get rid of Aphids on Jade Plant? To rid your Jade plant of aphids, prepare a solution of water, rubbing alcohol, and dish soap in a spray bottle. Meticulously spray the plant with diluted alcohol. The soap will help the mixture stick to the plant. Do not use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap on the Jade plant as it damages it.
Aphids reproduce exponentially. A few of these pests on the growing tips can quickly become a full-blown infestation. It is imperative to act as soon as you notice them.
Here, we discuss how to deal with an aphid problem on your Jade plant and how to keep these annoying little bugs away from plants.
How To Identify Aphids On Jade Plants
Aphids range in size from 1-7mm, so they are easy to identify with the naked eye. Aphids are light green, yellow, black, or pink wingless insects that crowd together on the plant. Most often, they affect plants’ growing tips. They latch onto the undersides of leaves and drain the sap.
Aphids excrete a colorless, sugary substance called honeydew. This is visible on affected plants as shiny, little drops. The sticky drops attract sooty mold spores from the air. This, in turn, attracts ants. Therefore, aphids often go hand-in-hand with ants.
Sometimes it is difficult to spot aphids on a plant because they hide. If your Jade plant is showing signs of stress, thoroughly inspect it for aphids. Often people notice the honeydew or sooty mold before the actual aphids.
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Why Are Aphids Attracted To Jade Plant?
Aphids are sapsuckers that are attracted to tender new growth. If you overwater or over-fertilize a Jade plant, it will initially cause a growth spurt that will lure in aphids.
When Jade plants are in flower, or the flower buds are developing, they are much more susceptible to aphids. To lower the risk of aphids attacking your Jade plant, snip off the flowering shoots close to the base.
Aphids are also more attracted to plants that are stressed. This is why it is crucial to ensure your Jade plant is not overwatered or underwatered. If you care for plants and keep them healthy, they are less likely to attract pests.
Eliminate An Aphid Infestation On A Jade Plant
If your Jade plant has developed a severe aphid infestation and most of the plant’s surface is affected, it may be better to throw the plant away. You can take stem cuttings from unaffected parts to propagate a new Jade plant.
For infestations that are not too bad, you can physically kill the aphids by rubbing over them gently with your finger. Their bodies are quite delicate, and you do not have to use much force to crush them. Do this every second day for a week until you do not see any more aphids.
If the idea of killing aphids with your bare hands is a bit much for you, in a spray bottle, mix together 70% alcohol and water in a one-to-one ratio. For a severe aphid infestation, add a squirt of dishwashing soap.
Spray every inch of your Jade plant with this concoction. The alcohol will kill the aphids on contact, and the soap will help the mixture adhere to the leaves. Spray the plant every 2nd or 3rd day for two weeks, or until you see no more aphids.
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How To Keep Aphids Away From Your Jade Plant
Jade plants sustain damage if there are drops of water on the leaves. Water your Jade plant around its base, only wetting the soil. It also helps to wipe the leaves monthly to keep them clean.
Moisture attracts aphids, so it is critical to avoid overwatering. Do not water your Jade plant too often, and ensure your plant gets enough warmth and light. Jade plants need to grow in free-draining soil and require a pot with adequate drainage holes.
Do not let your Jade plant get drought-stressed. Aphids are more enticed by plants that are struggling than healthy plants.
Use beneficial insects to control aphids. Ladybugs have a voracious appetite for these little bugs. Plant flowers that attract ladybugs around your Jade plant – marigolds, dill, alyssum, and calendula.
Read How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs On Jade Plants
Other Pests That Affect Jade Plants
Other common pests that attack Jade plants are mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and fungus gnats.
Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects are also sapsuckers, and you can treat them in the same way you would aphids. Either use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to wipe them off or mix a diluted alcohol spray.
Fungus gnats look similar to fruit flies and affect plants living in boggy soil. To avoid this pest, be wary of overwatering your Jade plant. Fungus gnats can be treated with a nematode biocontrol. These microscopic flatworms feed on fungus gnats.
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Avoid Using These Products On Jade Plants
Jade plants are sensitive to certain insecticides like organic horticultural oil or soap. These products cause further damage to the plant, burning the succulent leaves. Some insecticides are designed for more sensitive succulent plants, like Jade.
Do not treat aphids or any other pest on your Jade plant using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap that is not labelled “safe for Jade plant”. It is better to use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to treat aphids, scale, mealybugs, or spider mites on Jade plants.
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Conclusion
It is simple to identify and treat aphids on Jade plants – just use rubbing alcohol. In a spray bottle, combine 70% alcohol with water and a little dishwashing liquid. Spray your plant twice a week until the aphid infestation disappears. Wiping your Jade plants’ leaves down regularly and being mindful of overwatering helps plants stay healthy and makes them less susceptible to all kinds of pests.
I’m Elsa, and I love gardening. I started GardeningElsa.com as a resource for other gardeners, and I offer expert advice on gardening topics such as plants, flowers, herbs, and vegetable gardening. On my website, I share my latest tips and tricks for creating beautiful gardens. When I’m not working on my website, you can find me in my own garden, tending to my plants and flowers. Read more about me.