Did you know that your beloved jade plants require pruning too?
Jade plants are very common and can be found in most people’s homes all over the world. They are succulent, squishy houseplants with thick, woody stems and oblong leaves. If you already have one, you must be aware that these plants need to be pruned because they can soon become lanky and sparse after a certain time. If your Jade plant is leggy, don’t panic because, in this article, we will explain everything to you about how to fix this issue. So without much further delay, let’s begin!
Let us first know the reasons why you should prune your plant!
Reasons To Prune Your Jade Plant!
Pruning is very essential for removing sick or dead foliage from your jade plants. Additionally, trimming makes your plants more resistant to pest infestations and encourages the growth of healthy blooms and foliage. Also, pruning might lengthen the life of your plant. Let us know the most important reasons to prune your jade plant that we have mentioned below!
- Keep your jade plants at a manageable size.
- Trim the jades if they tend to grow big, wild, or lanky.
- Their size and shape are quite easy to manage, which is why they are so popular to keep at home.
- Keep them healthier by removing any dead or damaged branches and leaves to keep them free from fungus and diseases.
- They become fuller and bushier as a result of routine pinching and pruning, which produces dense clusters of new leaves.
Now, you know the reasons to prune your jade plant but what is the right time to prune and how often should you prune your jade plant? Let us discuss it!
When Should You Prune A Jade Plant?
Jade plants grow most actively in the spring and early summer, therefore these are the best times to prune them. During those warm months, jade plants heal more readily by developing a callus over each damaged spot. Feel free to prune the plant whenever necessary to eliminate any damaged areas because doing so helps in warding off diseases and pest infestations. Whatever may be the season, lopping off no more than 25 to 30% at a time helps the plant recover very fast. Wait for a few weeks or perhaps longer before pruning the plant again if a large portion is removed all at once and to be sure it has recovered.
How Often Should I Prune My Jade Plant?
Although the optimal times to trim your jade plant are in the spring and summer, you should do pruning the whole year around. Strong growth occurs during this period for the plant. As a result, it may recover from the strain of pruning and produce vigorous new growth. When jade plants become overgrown, they will also require pruning. Therefore, be cautious of any drooping branches. It implies that the sturdy stems could snap! After properly watering the plant, we advise you to watch it from time to time. When the foliage on certain weak branches becomes wet with water, you will notice them sagging.
That is why we have mentioned some of the following points to keep in mind before pruning your jade plant:
- Trim hefty stems. More branches will grow from a bigger stem than a tiny one, which can only produce new shoots. Also, strong lighting leads to thicker stems.
- When the plant gets eight to ten elder leaves, prune it.
- Wait until your jade plant is around a year old before pruning because doing so too soon might stunt the central trunk and roots.
Let us now know the types of pruning and the steps to follow before pruning your jade plant!
Types of Pruning
Do you know there are many types of pruning that you can give your plant? If not, then why not check the pruning types below?
1. Managing Growth
Don’t just cut down an overgrown plant to the desired shape while pruning it. A jade plant is not a hedge. For general harmony and future development, prune very slowly. Take advantage of the opportunity to resize a plant to correct uneven development and to widen its interior.
2. Adding Strength to Leggy, Weak Branches
A plant that has become crowded or has not received enough light, will grow sparse, lanky stems that are not strong enough to hold the foliage. Reduce the length of these slender branches to one-third of their original size. With the right care, this will help the plant to conserve energy and promote healthy growth.
3. Restoring a damaged plant
Sometimes it takes drastic cuts to save a sick plant. Remove any limbs that are infected, becoming yellow, or infested with pests. This includes any branches that have leaves that have been sunburned or have experienced other leaf damage. When you have to severely prune a jade plant, it can be discouraging, but keep going! Pruning a jade plant can be amazing sometimes.
4. Pruning a Jade Plant with Craftsmanship
Pruning a jade plant naturally results in growing the desired shape, which is achievable. If you hire a professional, they will carefully remove foliage to accentuate the interior branching structure, but that’s only one possibility. The spherical, bushy appearance and the columnar structure that resembles a tree are the two most common shapes for jade plants.
Steps to take before pruning a jade tree!
When building a tree structure, take your time. Make sure the plant receives enough light, and give it time to recover in between tasks.
1) To start, locate a stem that is essentially upright and cut off the majority of its foliage. Leave a few healthy branches but cut away any that are drooping. Keep a few leaves on the stem’s lowest portion to encourage thickening.
2) Pinch off the top of the core stem once it has grown to a suitable height to promote new branching growth. Make lower branches shorter than higher ones to give the appearance of an organic tree.
3) In the future, regularly prune the top branches to promote more branching.4) Once the plant’s top has enough foliage and the trunk has the right thickness, cut off the lower leaves.
How to prune a jade bush!
Pruning slowly, consistently, and over time will help your jade bush develop into a full-bodied specimen. Watch the plant’s responses and let the new stems slightly thicker in between rounds. Given below are some steps you should follow before pruning a jade bush:
1) To start, prune the plant to give it the general form you desire. The lower branches can be pruned, leaving most of them alone.
2) To promote the growth of new branches with vibrant foliage, prune lanky, sparse stems down to their source trunk.
3) Trim down tall branches to just above the spot where you want fresh stems to grow.
4) Cut back branches that are drooping or growing inward to keep the plant growing upward and outward.
5) Trim tangled branches to thin the plant’s centre.
What Tools Are Needed To Prune A Jade Plant?
When pruning jades, it’s crucial to use the right equipment. To prevent crushing or tearing the stems, make sure your cutting tool is both clean and sharp. Additionally, make sure the tool you choose is appropriate for the size of the stems you are cutting. Use precision pruners, a micro-tip snip, or bonsai shears to cut off tips and smaller branches. Heavy-duty pruners, a lopper, or even a hand saw for exceptionally large ones will make it much simpler to cut through thick branches and remove larger stems.
How To Prune A Jade Plant
Jade plant pruning typically only affects older, overgrown plants. We have mentioned some of the precautions you should take while getting ready to prune your jade. Why not check it out below?
- Jade plants are solely pruned for cosmetic purposes; it is not important for the health of the plant.
- Whenever you prune a plant, you face the risk of exposing it to bacterial harm, which could weaken or even kill the plant.
- Even though there is very little chance of damage from jade plant trimming, you should consider it while determining whether or not your jade plant has to be clipped.
- If trimming is necessary, begin by visualising which branches you want to cut from your jade plant.
- When pruning jade plants, never remove more than 20 to 30% of the plant’s branches.
- When choosing which branches to cut, bear in mind that trimmed jade plant branches will die back to the next node (where the branch’s leaves emerge) on the branch, and that two new branches will normally sprout from the node.
- After deciding which branches will be pruned, the next stage in jade plant trimming is to remove those branches with a sharp, spotless set of pruning scissors.
- Keep in mind to cut the branch flush with the main branch or, if you are pruning the jade plant branch, to the nearest node.
- Cutting back stems and branches or pinching out the tips are the two fundamental methods for trimming jade plants.
- You must cut off whole stems and branches from jade plants.
- In some circumstances, you might need to make some quite big cuts to restore its healthy appearance.
- The kinder method for preserving their general size and form is pinching. Simply pinch out the sensitive young leaf tips and leaves. Most people merely use their fingers for this, but you could even cut them off.
How to prune small jade plants
If your jade has no branches and is still extremely small (less than 6 inches), you can prune it by topping off the trunk. Your cut will produce two new sets of leaves, which will initiate two new branches. As a bonus, you may plant the jade’s top piece in the ground next to your original jade or just put it in its container to spread the plant. To start fresh jades, you should plant the tops and clip leaves in the soil.
How to prune too-tall jades or long branches
Look over the jade and divide it into four sections. The top quarter of the plant or branch will be removed by you. Look for brown rings on the stem about 1/4 from the branch’s or jade’s top, then use a sharp set of pruning shears or a knife to cut along the ring. This area of the plant will eventually produce two new branches, but patience is required. If you prefer not to top off your jade but still want to promote branching, you can delicately prune back a couple of the leaves that are emerging from the trunk. This will foster the growth of new branches where the old ones were pruned. Use extreme caution throughout this process, and don’t take out more than two or three leaves at once.
How to prune a jade with a few branches
When a jade plant already has a few branches, pruning it will promote additional growth and help the plant’s symmetry to balance. Simply cut or pinch off the newly sprouting leaves from each branch’s end. Even though it goes against common sense, removing the emerged leaves will promote additional branching and result in a fuller jade plant.
How to prune overgrown jades
You will need to perform a more thorough pruning if your jade plant has overgrown. Also, you should get rid of any branches and leaves that are dead or dying in this situation. However, if you’re a beginner, we recommend following the steps given below very importantly:
Step 1: Remove dead branches and leaves. We like to start by clearing the area of all dead items because it makes it easier to see what you’re dealing with and reduces clutter.
Step 2: Trim damaged stems back to the healthy part of the stem. Look for withering, broken, cracked, or rotting branches and remove them.
Step 3: Trim the remaining branches. Overgrown jades can have numerous long branches with mostly leafless bottoms. To shape the plant, cut back the worst of them.
Step 4: Keep track of your progress. If you clip too much, your plant may end up being uneven or unbalanced. So, after every few cuts, stand back to ensure that you aren’t exerting yourself too much and that the contour is even.
Step 5: As we indicated above, it will take several tries to properly prune a jade plant that has grown out of control and been ignored for a long time. As the clipped branches begin to fill back in again, trim it back a little at a time and then continue these actions.
How to prune a leggy Jade Plant
A jade plant that is lanky but generally healthy can be easily pruned, especially if it is a tiny plant. Cut off the heaviest, lankiest branches first, and pinch out the tips of the shorter ones. You might want to repeat these techniques on an ongoing basis as it branches out, depending on how leggy it is.
- Find the longest branches firstly: Trim the longest branches to a length that is equal to or shorter than the shorter ones. Just trim a few at a time if they are all the same length. However, don’t eliminate them all at once.
- Secondly: Remove droopy or curved stems. Trim any stems that are too long and drooping or curving.
- Thirdly: Pinch the tips, Every few inches, snip off the top two infant leaves or the vulnerable new tips.
Tips For Pruning Jade Plants
You can start pruning your jade plants while they are young and have fewer than ten leaves. With that, you may encourage early branching and start your plant growing out balanced. Additionally, any Jade plant that is too tall and has more than twelve leaves without a branch needs to be pruned. This jade plant is likewise in danger of bowing as it grows heavier. After a lot of discussing with our jade plant enthusiasts, we have finally mentioned some tips to follow to prune jades:
1. Remove leaves or branches with dark spots
The existence of pests or the presence of a disease is indicated by dark stains on your jade plants. If you don’t cure the black patches, they could spread to the entire plant. By completely trimming the area, you can save your jade plant. In between cuts, sterilise your shears with antibacterial gel. By doing this, you can lessen the chance of your jade plant’s healthy sections getting infected.
2. Cut Leggy or Drooping Branches
If your jade plants have grown for a long period without being trimmed, they will resemble an overgrown bush. Resources from the rest of the plant are depleted by the leggy portions and they become unhealthy as a result. So, using a pair of shears, trim the lanky stems to about 1/3 of their length, and I suggest cutting at a 45-degree angle. Therefore, if you might detect light green or yellow leaves on your jade plant. Your plant will be able to refocus energy to develop in a broader pattern when you cut these leaves. Compared to the other branches, these leggy portions are longer and thinner.
3. Use sharp clippers to prune
To prune, use bonsai pruning shears. When drooping branches come into contact with the trunk, trim them back. If the shape of your plant is your major concern, you can also clip individual leaves or small sections of branches. Try to locate the area where the leaf emerges from the branches so you can prune there. Just remember that when a whole and compact Jade plant will become healthy, and it will regenerate and thrive well, then you should prune it. Make sure the plant’s branches have enough room since if they are crowded, they won’t receive enough light. Never cut the main trunk or branch of your jade plant since it is connected to the roots.
4. Prune your jade plants in the spring and early summer
In theory, you can prune your plant whenever you like. However, these plants do well in warm climates, and sunlight helps them recover from pruning more quickly. Give your jade plants between three and five hours of direct sunlight each day. The plant should be kept where it can receive sunshine, but it shouldn’t be exposed to direct light for too long or it could burn the plant.
5. Trim Branches When They Start to Droop
The plant is a top-heavy species that stores water in its leaves; weak branches may not be able to support the weight of the leaves. If such branches are pruned, the plant will grow stronger, thicker stems. Jade plants spend their first year growing roots and trunks. As a result, premature pruning could result in growth that is permanently stunted.
6. Aiming for Less Pest
Pests are especially drawn to jade plants in the winter because they are most vulnerable to the cold. Therefore, by minimising the amount of leaf cover through pruning, you may completely reduce the risk of pests. If insects harm your leaves, you can treat them by misting them with a little neem oil.
7. Cut off 20 to 30% of the Branches
If you don’t want your Jade plant to regrow the complete plant, be sure to cut roughly 20 to 30 percent of its branches. In cases of disease or frost-damaged plants, pruning down to the roots can be effective.
8. Assess the appearance of your jade plant before pruning
Before pruning your plant, you may visualise the final result. Do you want a strong stem, a branchy image, or anything in between? You can prune the plant’s suitable branches according to your needs. To make it simpler, you can even mark the branches you want to cut using paper, ribbon, or colorful tape.
9. Replant After Pruning
You can clip the branches and leaves of your jade plants so that you can grow more of them from cuttings. So, using clippings, produce fresh, tiny Jade plants. Make sure the branch is three to four inches long, and trim any leaves that extend one inch past the bottom of the cutting.
After that, leave the cutting out in the open to dry for two to three days. Furthermore, root the cutting for about two inches in a sandy, damp soil mixture. Before doing any watering, your first responsibility is to make sure the root is expanding.
FAQs
Q1. How can I get my jade plant to be bushy?
Ans. Pruning your jade plant on a routine basis is the only method to make it bushy. Pinch it back every few months once it reaches the proper fullness to keep the shape.
Q2. Jade plant, can I cut it in half?
Ans. Yes, as long as you don’t take off all of the branches and leaves at once, you can divide your jade plant into two.
Q3. Can you cut a trunk out of a jade plant?
Ans. If the trunk of a jade plant still has leaves and branches on it when you’re done, then yes, you can chop it.
Q4. How should I care for jade clippings?
Ans. It’s up to you what you do with your jade scraps. Of course, you can throw them in the compost or yard waste bin. But why not try spreading them out instead? It’s simple to accomplish and will result in a large number of new births. The greatest approach to managing a jade plant’s form and size to stop it from turning lanky and overgrown, and maintain its health and beauty for many years to come is by pruning.
Conclusion
These plants develop slowly and steadily and the greatest strategy for development is to provide the plant with the finest possible care, which includes adequate light, a sensible watering schedule, and a proper fertiliser. Possessing realistic expectations is the answer to everything in this. If you anticipate a plant that grows rapidly, avoid purchasing a jade plant. As a result, the jade plant can be succulent for you if you’re searching for a simple, long-lasting, low-maintenance plant.
Follow the tips that we have mentioned in this article while pruning your jade plant and you will get a healthy and strong jade easily. We hope our article helps you to fix the issues that your jade plant has. If you have any further questions in your mind, then drop them in the comment section down below, and also don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends!
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