Blut... Jades can take a whacking any old time, really. I've whacked them spring, fall, winter. It doesn't seem to make much difference, realy. Now is probably a good time, as we're going into spring when growth will be optimal.

You can prune them when they're big enough to have a trunk, even a little one. Just be sure to prune above a "joint" (as I call it...) Trunks tend to have places where it's obvious a set of leaves once were. As long as you have a "joint" or two, it'll sprout new growth.

It's probably best not to whack right after or just before repotting. A few weeks before/after is better. After whacking, just treat it pretty much the same - let it dry between waterings.

Of all the succulents I grow, Jades have to be the hardiest, so don't feel intimidated at all by pruning. In the end, you'll be glad you "whacked away!" I used to be a little leary of pruning. But (as I'm sure a lot of you have heard over and over!), my first German Shepherd taught me the value of pruning. His big ol' overly enthusiastic tail would periodially "prune" a plant by knocking it silly. Initially, I would be so pi$$ed!! But after it happened a couple times (and I saw the results a few months later), I figured out that in the end, I had a remarkably more beautiful plant! Oh the things we learn from our pets (and I'm sure mischevious children, too!)

Denise in Omaha

Thanks Denise. It might take a few weeks of getting my courage up, but I'm going to give it a shot.

BTW, I saw my first jade 'tree' today, and it was in bloom to boot. It was at a really neat nursery/greenhouse in the Philly 'burbs. Definite inspiration.