Bumps on Jade Plant Leaves

Scale Insects

• Scale insects are a common pest on jade plant stems and leaves. They look like small, raised bumps on the stems and leaves and are 1/16 to 1/2 inch in diameter. Scrape off all scales that you can see with a fingernail. If the problem persists, dab any remaining scales with a paintbrush dipped in a 70 percent solution of rubbing alcohol. Treat severe infestations of scale with a systemic insecticide.

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are similar to scale insects, except that they are covered in white powder or threads. Treat them by dabbing them with rubbing alcohol on a paintbrush or cotton swab. Rinse the plant with room temperature after using rubbing alcohol to prevent it from damaging the leaves.

Natural Salt Crystals

• Jade plants excrete excess salt taken up by their roots from their leaves. It forms small, white dots or bumps. There is very little you can do to prevent them other than rubbing them off with a damp cloth. Flush out your plant's soil with plenty of water to eliminate excess salts if the white dots appear continuously.

Oedema

• Oedema is caused when jade plants absorb water faster than it evaporates from their leaves. It starts as small, raised blisters on the surface of the leaves. These eventually burst and dry out, leaving a corky yellow-to-brown or blackish bump. Oedema is most common during the winter when evaporation is slower. Limit the amount of water you provide a jade plant showing signs of oedema. The bumps cannot be removed but reducing water prevents more from appearing.