Jades look very much like miniature trees and often have an appealing bonsai quality. In the home, plant diseases are very rarely a problem. Too much or too little water plus insects and mites are the main problems. Root rot usually results from a soil mix that does not drain quickly or overly frequent watering. Leaf drop can happen if the plant is allowed to become extremely dry.
Mealybugs are the most common insect pest of jade plants.
They look like white puffs of cotton. Wipe them off with alcohol using a cotton swab. Do not use insecticidal soap, since it may damage jade plants. Spider mites can cause plants to lose their green color and appear dusty or speckled. Jade plants do best where they get four or more hours a day of direct sunlight.