There are several varieties of Crassula ovata ‘Jade’ plants and most are prone to developing white spots like these. Don’t worry though because it is simply excess salt mineral deposits being exuded by the leaves through their stomata (pores).
Rainwater and groundwater both contain salts and sometimes tap water does too. Some non-organic drainage materials do as well. To verify it’s not pests you can wipe it with a tissue and it will come off white. Mealybugs bugs will leave a red-orange to yellow blood. (If you’re really curious like me, you can taste the spots and verify they taste salty!)
Simply wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and water with filtered water to help prevent future deposits from forming.
I have a theory that this is more common in locations closer to a salt water body. If you have this happen to your Jades please comment your location below!
Thank you for this article. My Jade Plant has these white spots and i live in Romania.