Are my Jade plants diseased?

Credit: fuentedelateja

Q: I have two jade plants, both with the same problem. The leaves at the bottom of the stem turn a reddish-brown before shrinking and falling off. On both plants, healthy green leaves continue to grow though. Also, there are some brown circles on the back of some of the leaves.

The plants are potted inside close to a south-facing window.

Thanks.

What you are observing on your “Jade” (Crassula arborescens) is the natural aging of the older leaves, which might be more noticeable due less watering and feeding. Jade plants will exhibit more red leaf margins and the overall plant will be more robust if located in direct sun.