Need some help - first Bonsai - Jade tree green leaves falling off

Left it "too long to water" means you should have watered sooner. You have left it too long before watering.

When you see the little white roots, it means you should have watered by now. It means the plant is dry, not wet.

However, the 'leaf roots' are 'normal' - they're triggered by dryness, and if the plant stays too dry the leaves will drop off and root. It's not a problem - just give the plant some water and it will continue growing quite happily. The little white roots will stay there, unless you decide you don't like the look of them and break them off.

The main sign of overwatering is the plant dying due to the roots turning to rotten mush.

Well hallelujah! I have to fight to avoid over-watering, so I guess I am improving somewhat Thanks for the response, Tom!

Tom wrote:However, the 'leaf roots' are 'normal' - they're triggered by dryness, and if the plant stays too dry the leaves will drop off and root.

botanically brilliant !

as dr. ian malcom says:

Maybe even horticulturally highfalutin'!

good one david !
too bad that trait is spekboomularly species specific