Hi Catherine,

Thanks for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline and sharing the photos.

From what I can see, the most likely cause of the brown, scaly spots is a physiological condition called edema (sometimes referred to as corking). This is common on jade plants and other succulents.

Edema occurs when the roots take up more water than the leaves can use or release. Leaf cells rupture and heal by forming corky, scab-like tissue. That tissue is permanent, and scraping it off typically leaves an indented scar, which matches what you observed.

I also notice tiny sparkly or crystalline specks on the leaf surfaces. That is often a sign of hard water residue or excess fertilizer salts being pushed out through the leaves. Over time, this can stress the plant and contribute to the corky spotting you are seeing.

Because this is not caused by insects or disease, neem oil will not help and can sometimes add additional stress to the foliage.

Conditions that commonly trigger edema include:

• watering too frequently or unevenly

• low light combined with moist soil

• cool temperatures that slow water use

• salt buildup from fertilizer or hard water

• Older potting soil that has accumulated salts

When is the last time you repotted the plant?

The good news is that this condition is cosmetic and does not threaten the life of the plant. Once conditions improve, new growth should be normal, even though existing spots will remain.

What I recommend:

• Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings

• Make sure the pot drains freely and is never sitting in water

• Provide bright light and good air circulation

• Pause fertilizing for now

• Plan to repot with fresh potting mix this spring if it has been more than a couple of years

• After repotting, wait until mid-summer to resume feeding and then fertilize only at half strength, about once per month

• Avoid foliar sprays or oils

Light is especially important for jade plants. When we say “bright light,” we mean:

• a full east-facing window, or

• a west-facing window, or

• set back a short distance from a south-facing window

A north window is usually not bright enough for a jade plant to thrive long term. Insufficient light slows growth and water use, which can worsen edema and salt buildup.

The existing spots will not disappear, but once conditions improve, new growth should emerge clean and healthy. That is the best indicator that the plant is back in balance.

For more information here are some helpful links

University of Maryland Extension – Edema on Indoor Plants

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/edema-indoor-plants

University of Illinois Extension – Physiological Disorders: Edema

https://ipm.illinois.edu/diseases/rpds/629.pdf

Royal Horticultural Society – Oedema (plant physiological disorder)

https://www.rhs.org.uk/problems/oedema

Hi Catherine - can you share a picture of the whole plant?

Catherine - 

Thank you for your follow-up a few additional thoughts may help you get it back on track.

In addition to the edema and salt buildup we discussed earlier, the plant may also be experiencing excess salt accumulation in the soil. This can come from fertilizer, hard water, or even softened household water, which can be just as stressful to plants as hard water. Yes, super frustrating, I know. Over time, salts build up in the potting mix and can damage roots and leaf tissue.

If you notice a white crust on the soil surface or around the rim of the pot, that is often a sign of salt buildup.

Here are some steps that can help:

1. Remove surface salt buildup

If the top layer of soil appears crusty or whitish, gently remove and discard the top one to two inches and replace it with fresh potting mix.

2. Flush the soil (when weather allows)

A thorough soil flush can remove accumulated salts. This is best done when temperatures are warm enough to take the plant outdoors.

• Place the pot on bricks or a rack so it can drain freely.

• Slowly run distilled water (or rainwater, if available) through the soil for several minutes, allowing it to drain completely.

• This helps wash out excess salts and mineral buildup.

• Let the pot drain fully before bringing it back indoors.

3. Pause fertilizing

Hold off on fertilizing until mid-summer, and then only at half strength about once a month. Over-fertilizing jade plants kept indoors can cause long-term stress.

4. Consider repotting

If the plant has been in the same soil for several years, repotting with fresh mix later this spring or summer will help reset nutrient and salt levels.

5. Prune if growth is leggy

If the plant looks stretched or sparse, pruning will encourage branching and fuller growth. Jades respond well to pruning and will often develop stronger trunks and more compact foliage.

Any cuttings can be easily rooted to grow new plants.

6. Provide strong light

Good light will support recovery and compact growth. Aim for:

• a full east window,

• a west window, or

• set back slightly from a south window.

Adequate light helps the plant use water efficiently and reduces future edema or salt stress.

The existing corky spots will not disappear, but with improved soil conditions, light, and watering, new growth should come in healthy and clean. That will be the best sign that the plant is recovering.