For light infestations, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to each mealybug. The alcohol kills them on contact.<\/p>\n
In the case of larger infestations, neem oil or insecticidal soap work well.<\/p>\n
You may need to repeat treatments every five to seven days for several weeks to completely eliminate the pests, as eggs can hatch after initial treatment.<\/p>\n
Our guide to battling mealybugs<\/a><\/strong> has more information.<\/p>\n Scale insects appear as small, brown, oval bumps on stems and leaves. Like mealybugs, they suck sap from the tissue and can weaken it over time.<\/p>\n These pests are less common than mealybugs but can be more stubborn to eliminate.<\/p>\n Remove scale manually by scraping them off with your fingernail or a dull knife, then follow up with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to kill any you missed.<\/p>\n Learn more about scale here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Spider mites occasionally appear, particularly when conditions are warm and dry with poor air circulation.<\/p>\n These tiny arachnids are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you\u2019ll notice their webbing between leaves and stems.<\/p>\n Infested specimens may have stippled, yellowing leaves or a dusty appearance. Increase humidity around the plant by misting or spraying it off with water.<\/p>\n For persistent problems, neem oil or insecticidal soap can help.<\/p>\n Check out our guide to spider mites<\/a><\/strong> to learn more.<\/p>\n Root rot is the most serious problem you\u2019re likely to encounter. This happens when plants sit in waterlogged soil, creating conditions that starve the roots of oxygen and encourage pathogens.<\/p>\n Symptoms include yellowing or blackening leaves, soft or mushy stems, and a generally declining appearance.<\/p>\n If you suspect root rot, unpot immediately and examine the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan, while rotted roots are brown, black, and mushy with an unpleasant smell.<\/p>\n If you catch it early, you can sometimes save the plant. Remove all affected roots with clean scissors, let them dry completely for several days, and repot into fresh, dry soil.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t water for at least a week. Unfortunately, severely affected specimens may not recover.<\/p>\n Prevention is key: always use well-draining soil, pots with drainage holes, and allow soil to dry completely between waterings.<\/p>\n Learn more about managing root rot here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n While not a disease, leaf drop can result from overwatering, underwatering, sudden temperature changes, or insufficient light.<\/p>\n Assess your growing conditions and adjust as needed.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re adding to an established succulent collection or looking for a forgiving first houseplant with personality, \u2018Gollum\u2019 aka Shrek ears or E.T. fingers fits the bill.<\/p>\n Once you nail down the basics: bright light, well-draining soil, and a hands-off approach to watering, \u2018Gollum\u2019 will reward you with years of reliable growth and those distinctive finger-like leaves that never fail to spark conversation.<\/p>\n Are you growing \u2018Gollum\u2019 jade? Let us know in the comments section below!<\/p>\n And for more information about growing plants in the Crassula<\/em> genus<\/a><\/strong>, check out these guides next:<\/p>\nScale<\/h4>\n
Spider Mites<\/h4>\n
Disease<\/h3>\n
E.T. Phone Home<\/h2>\n
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