Jade plants are incredibly versatile and they can sustain a lot. However, this does not mean that these adorable plants are immune to problems during the rainy season. In fact, constant rain can cause root rot to the jade plants. This commonly is the problem especially if jade plants are planted in soil with poor draining abilities…
Let me say it straight: Because constant rain can cause damage to jade plants, the best way to save them during the rainy season is by bringing them inside. This is the most you can do to keep your plants safe from excessive rainwater. If you have some extra space indoors, this is definitely the easiest way to make sure your Jade Plants survive the rainy season.
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Light can be a problem in a rainy season
Under normal conditions, jade plants need at least four hours of sunlight exposure per day. They just love direct sunlight. At temperatures as high as 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, they can still thrive and look amazing. On rainy days though, it will be a different story…
During rainy season, when the sun hides behind thick clouds, you can use grow light (check my recommended grow light on Amazon) to give your jade plant the light it needs. In my experience though, I found that jade plants can survive several days without direct sunlight. They are hardier than other succulent plants. But if the rainy days go for weeks, jade plants definitely need some light source.
Another thing to remember is that jade plants are not frost tolerant. When the temperature drops during winter, bring them inside. During rainy days or winter, jade plants are dormant. Meaning they are not actively growing. During this season, they do not need much water as they are in summer, so keep it on your mind during the rainy season. It is also important to make sure that you are using the fast-draining soil for your plants (click here to check my recommended succulent soil on Amazon), because you do not want to have them in a soil that retains too much moisture.
Watering the jade plant during the rainy season
Like other succulents, jade plants do not like wet soil. When watering, make sure to soak the soil and not the leaves and stems. This is very important during colder seasons. When the leaves and stems are wet, it can cause mold, rot, and other issues.
During the rainy season, I suggest you to use the soak and dry watering method for your jade plant. Soak the soil and leave it dry. Do not water the plant until the soil gets dry for a couple of days. This way you make sure your jade plant is safe from over-watering. To be honest, I found this watering technique most effective, regardless of the season and amount of rain.
Pests and diseases are more common in rainy days
During rainy days and colder seasons, succulents are prone to many pests and diseases. Some of the common pests are mealybugs. They usually hide under the leaves and stems. Luckily they are easy to get rid off. You can eliminate them by spraying them with water with alcohol. You can also wipe the insects with a paper towel with some alcohol on it. Repeat the process several times if the mealybugs stay on the leaves after your first intervention.
If the plant is generally affected by these pests, you can take a more serious remedy. Just throw the affected plants away and propagate a new one. Powdery mildew is another pest you should keep your jade plant from. However, it is less common in the indoor environment.
Final thoughts
Jade plant is one of the hardy succulents. But this does not mean that it is safe from problems during rainy reason. Too much water can definitely cause health problems, such as root rot, infestation with pests, etc.
Caring for jade plants in the rainy season involves making sure that the plants are planted in the fast-draining soil. Secondly, the amount of water and the watering frequency should be regulated. During the rainy season, jade plants are dormant so they do not grow actively. It means they need just minimal amount of water. Finally, look for possible pests and diseases, such as mealybugs, aphids, etc.
FAQ
Q: Is it OK to leave jade plants in the rain?
A: Jade plants can survive in rain for a couple of days. However, when the rain lasts for weeks, jade plants are better off inside. Remember that jade plants are succulents that cannot endure wet soil in a long run. It can only cause root rot and other health issues in them.