Troubleshooting
Gollum Jade problems — and how to fix them
Gollum Jade (Crassula ovata 'Gollum') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Wrinkled, dropping leaves from overwatering
Counterintuitively, soft mushy leaves and stem rot signal too much water. Let soil dry fully and improve drainage.
Stretching and leaf drop
Insufficient light. Move to a sunny window or supplement with a grow light to keep growth compact.
Mealybugs
White cottony pests gather in leaf joints. Wipe off with alcohol on a cotton swab and treat repeatedly until clear.
Black spots or soft trunk
Rot from cold, wet soil. Cut away affected tissue, dry out, and re-root healthy cuttings if needed.
Prevent gollum jade problems before they start
Most gollum jade issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for gollum jade in general rather than its problems? Read the full gollum jade care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Gollum Jade problems — FAQ
Why is my gollum jade wrinkled, dropping leaves from overwatering?
Counterintuitively, soft mushy leaves and stem rot signal too much water. Let soil dry fully and improve drainage.
Why is my gollum jade stretching and leaf drop?
Insufficient light. Move to a sunny window or supplement with a grow light to keep growth compact.
Why is my gollum jade mealybugs?
White cottony pests gather in leaf joints. Wipe off with alcohol on a cotton swab and treat repeatedly until clear.
Why is my gollum jade black spots or soft trunk?
Rot from cold, wet soil. Cut away affected tissue, dry out, and re-root healthy cuttings if needed.