Short answer
Your Jade plant is likely suffering from a spider mite infestation, which thrives in the dry indoor air that Jades prefer. The most effective fix is to isolate the plant immediately and treat it with multiple applications of neem oil or insecticidal soap while washing the leaves thoroughly.
Spider mites are the most common pests for Crassula ovata because they flourish in the dry, low-humidity conditions required for healthy Jade growth. You will typically see tiny, silvery-white stippling on the leaves and fine, dusty webbing around the leaf axils; while unsightly, it is a manageable issue if caught before the foliage sustains severe damage.
Spider mites love the dry environment that is ideal for Jade plants. They suck the sap from the leaves, leaving behind small, pale dots known as stippling.
Check: Look closely at the undersides of the leaves or the crevices where leaves meet the stem with a magnifying glass to see tiny, moving mites or fine silk-like webbing.
Fix: Rinse the entire plant under lukewarm water, then spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5-7 days for at least three weeks to catch new eggs as they hatch.
Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that leave behind a white, cottony substance that can sometimes be mistaken for spider mite webbing. They hide in the tight junctions of the jade's thick stems and leaves.
Check: Check for white, fuzzy, cotton-like clumps, particularly in the leaf axils or on the underside of stems.
Fix: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the pests to kill them, or use a systemic houseplant insecticide labeled for succulents.
While webbing is almost always pests, old lower leaves can sometimes shrivel and look patchy as the plant sheds them. However, true webbing is never a normal part of the Jade's life cycle.
Check: If you see leaf drop without any signs of silk or movement, examine the soil moisture; if it's very dry, the plant may just be thirsty.
Fix: Prune away dead leaves and maintain a consistent watering schedule where the soil dries out completely between waterings.
When to worry
You should take immediate action if you see active webbing or if the leaves start to yellow and drop prematurely, as the mites can quickly spread to your other succulents.
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Diagnose my Jade PlantWhile spider mites dislike humidity, increasing it to levels that kill them would likely cause root rot in your Jade plant. It is safer to treat the infestation directly and keep the plant in its preferred dry environment.
Neem oil is generally safe, but you should apply it in the evening or out of direct sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.
The stippled spots are permanent scarring and will not turn green again. However, if treated successfully, your plant will continue to grow healthy, new, unblemished leaves.
Consistent with guidance from: American Horticultural Society, University of California Integrated Pest Management Program.