Isilwen
Mame
I just noticed this when I brought into the office this morning anyone know what it is?
What Is On My Mini-Jade's Leaves?
- Thread starter Isilwen
- Start date
Gabler
Masterpiece
How dry do you let the dwarf jade get between waterings?
Isilwen
Mame
Maybe the top inch or a little more. Is that not enough dryness?
Gabler
Masterpiece
How many hours of direct sunlight is it getting where you keep it outside?
Arizona bonsai
Shohin
It needs water
Isilwen
Mame
It's been under a grow light. I was told this is a good tree for in an office. It was in my home under a grow light and now just brought to the office. No direct sun.
Isilwen
Mame
I was told to wait for the leaves to get wrinkly. Bad advice?
Isilwen
Mame
I was talking about the raised brownish spots.
Gabler
Masterpiece
Sometimes older leaves just get spots on them. My Portulacaria afra had some spots on its older leaves when I got it, but the new leaves have been healthy since I put it outside in the sun and watered it daily.
It looks like what this jade really needs is more light, water, and airflow. A healthy Portulacaria afra will grow fast and consume lots of water. You can water them every day if the soil drains and there's good light and air, but if they aren't getting enough light and air, their roots end up sitting in stale water and they rot.
Isilwen
Mame
That is why I wait for the leaves to wrinkle and then I water it.
This is my office desk plant. I am gonna see if I can get a grow light for it, but they may not let me.
Gabler
Masterpiece
You can buy small grow lamps that look a lot like desk lamps. I can't imagine your boss would object to a desk lamp. But then I can't imagine why your boss would object to any kind of lamp, unless it's some sort of elaborate hydroponics setup that takes up half the floor space in your office and interferes with your ability to do your job.
Isilwen
Mame
I work for the State of Florida. Many of the rules that we have don't make sense.
I went with this size Jade because the pot can be no larger than 6 inches and the plant can only be so high.
Gabler
Masterpiece
Weird. Imagine being the guy who has nothing better to do than write rules restricting the size of office plants for state employees.
Almost as bad as being the guy who installs turn signals at the BMW factory.
Isilwen
Mame
I get it, but it is what it is. I have to follow the rules, especially as a new employee.
Gabler
Masterpiece
Yeah. I'm not suggesting you break the rules and risk your job over an office decoration, but the rules are definitely laughable. If you live in an absurd world, the best response is often to point and laugh.
Mammal
Seedling
The brown spots look like something got sprayed on the leaves that the plant didn't like. Maybe some kind of cleaning fluid? Soft drink?
Agree that the plant badly needs water. They shouldn't get that wrinkly before watering.
P. afra needs a LOT of light. They do well indoors under grow lights. They can survive in a sunny windowsill (though they tend to get rather sparse and leggy after a while), but if you've just got that thing under the office fluorescents, I don't think it's gonna live long.
Agree that the plant badly needs water. They shouldn't get that wrinkly before watering.
P. afra needs a LOT of light. They do well indoors under grow lights. They can survive in a sunny windowsill (though they tend to get rather sparse and leggy after a while), but if you've just got that thing under the office fluorescents, I don't think it's gonna live long.
ShadyStump
Imperial Masterpiece
You can find full spectrum LED grow bulbs that will fit a normal light socket, and produce normal white light, though incredibly bright. I was keeping a ficus on my desk under a regular desk lamp with one of these.
This is the one I used, but there are other options out there too. It's bright as hell, so watch where you aim it.
Portulacaria can do well with relatively little light, but do prefer plenty of it.
In stead of waiting until the leaves are visibly wrinkled, give them a gentle squeeze no and then. They'll soften up as they lose moisture. You'll start to get a feel for when it needs water fairly quickly.
Portulacaria also dislike high humidity. That can cause spots on the leaves also.
This is the one I used, but there are other options out there too. It's bright as hell, so watch where you aim it.
Portulacaria can do well with relatively little light, but do prefer plenty of it.
In stead of waiting until the leaves are visibly wrinkled, give them a gentle squeeze no and then. They'll soften up as they lose moisture. You'll start to get a feel for when it needs water fairly quickly.
Portulacaria also dislike high humidity. That can cause spots on the leaves also.
Eckhoffw
Masterpiece
If you’re concerned, just put it in direct sun and let it grow. Water once a week if in descent draining soil. These spots and blemishes are common on stagnant foliage.
Isilwen
Mame
Even if I wanted to, I couldn't put it in direct sun. I live in an apartment with windows that are shaded by trees. Our balcony is screened in and gets about 3-4 hours of sun, but the sun is filtered by screen.
I was told this particular bonsai would be good for an office environment.
I am looking into getting a grow light and hopefully I'll be allowed to use it in the office.
