Hi Bonnie,
I am not absolutely sure as to the cause of the sticky substance, especially since it is also on the shelf under the plant. My guess would be that it is sap which the plant is producing in an attempt to protect itself from drying out. While it is true that Jade plants (Crassula argentea) do not need as much water as a typical houseplant, it does require quite a bit more than most succulents and cacti. If the plant is to dry, the leaves will become thin and drop with the slightest touch. I would recommend that you increase the watering, both in frequency and quantity. When the plant is actively growing, it should get a thorough watering every 7-10 days, depending on the conditions such as room temperature and humidity and the size of the plant. Let the soil become completely dry before you water again. During the winter months when the plant growth slows, decrease the water quantity, and the plant can be left dry for a longer period of time (about once a month)
After the first thorough watering I think that you will notice a very definate thickening of the leaves and stems. You should then be able to carefully wash the sticky sap from the leaves with a damp cloth.
Jade plants can be propagated with either leaves or stem cuttings. Leaves which have fallen from the plant will often root by themselves, and produce a tiny plantlet. If you would like to start new plants, you can remove a couple healthy leaves and simply set them on top of a pot of fast draining potting soil, and after a week or so the leaf will begin to root itself. It may be a couple of months before you actually get a new plant. If you want to start with a stem cutting, use a clean knife or razor blade and make your cut just below a stem joint. You must allow the cut to callous over (3-4 days) before you insert the stem an inch or two into the moistened soil in which the plant will grow. This method will produce a larger plant much faster. Keeping the soil temperature at about 80 degrees F. will speed the rooting process along considerably.
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