Limbs falling off of my jade bonsai

[Thanks!]

Is there anyone that can help with this. My jade tree is having a really tough time. It started with the leaves are shriveling up/turing grey and falling off and now whole limbs are falling off consistently. I attached pics so you could understand what I’m saying, but have absolutely no idea how to fix this. I really would like to save this tree before everything falls off. Thanks in advance.

 

[Thanks!]

 

[Thanks!]

 

[oneeye]

That looks like a water management issue caused by too much or too little moisture. Heres what I would do, I would very gently tip the plant out of the container and get a good look at the roots and soil. If the contents are overgrown with roots, it means the plant is not getting enough water. If the soil and roots are small and saturated or wet after watering, then the roots are suffering from excess moisture. You will lose leaves tipping it, but thats the only way to find out whats happening.

Just by looking, but not seeing, I think your plant needs a small increase in root space. If the root ball is large, up-pot only 2 inches in size. Using too big of a container to up-pot will hurt the plant, as it raises the water holding capacity too much. The only other thing that could be a problem is mealy bugs. Take a magnifier and look the plant over very closely.

 

[cpp gardener]

How often do you check the moisture?
HOW do you check the moisture?
Does the pot drain after watering?
What kind of lighting does it get?
How bright is the light?
How long are the "days"?
How long has it been in that container?
Have you fertilized it recently?

 

[Thanks!]

How often do you check the moisture?
HOW do you check the moisture?
Does the pot drain after watering?
What kind of lighting does it get?
How bright is the light?
How long are the "days"?
How long has it been in that container?
Have you fertilized it recently?

Answering the best I can. Im new to in depth care for plants so sorry in advance if I sound dumb or if im blatantly doing something wrong. For all I know I could be wrong to every questions you asked. But I appreciate the help a lot & just trying to learn all I can.

Every couple weeks.
Just using my finger to feel the soil. (I’ve tried to water barely any because I thought this jade didnt need much at all)
Typically no
Indirect light from sun, close to a indoor(low powered) grow light
The plant has been in the container for about 1.5 years.
No haven’t fertilized it lately.

 

[Thanks!]

That looks like a water management issue caused by too much or too little moisture. Heres what I would do, I would very gently tip the plant out of the container and get a good look at the roots and soil. If the contents are overgrown with roots, it means the plant is not getting enough water. If the soil and roots are small and saturated or wet after watering, then the roots are suffering from excess moisture. You will lose leaves tipping it, but thats the only way to find out whats happening.

Just by looking, but not seeing, I think your plant needs a small increase in root space. If the root ball is large, up-pot only 2 inches in size. Using too big of a container to up-pot will hurt the plant, as it raises the water holding capacity too much. The only other thing that could be a problem is mealy bugs. Take a magnifier and look the plant over very closely.

Wow, thanks for the in depth answer. I really dont know all that much about in depth care. I can try to upload some more pictures of the plant & the plant out of the pot tonight if that would help. But I will do some investigating tonight and report back.

 

[cpp gardener]

I guess I should have asked if there are holes in the bottom of the pot that water can come out of. It sounds like there are, so that’s good.
It would be best if a significant amount of water comes out every time you water. That way you know that it is getting enough water. Then let it dry out a lot before you water it again. A drip here and there is not enough for healthy growth.
As far as light goes, you CAN’T give it too much light. Full, direct, unshaded sun is the minimum requirement. If it isn’t getting that much light now you need to give it more. In more light it is difficult to give it too much water. When I worked in nurseries we even watered them every day because there was usually something right next to them that needed it. As long as they were in full sun we couldn’t overwater them.