Thank you for your response. It was priority 2 day from WV to PA and the lowest it's been was about 50ish so we should be good there.

the root mass itself was more of what seems to be a giant rizhome with very few spegheti sized roots coming out. Part of this "rhizome" was dried out and almost hollow like. The roots where mostly quite limp but still living as they would not pull loose and break as I tugged the soil off.

I plan on topping it once it's back to health anyway so the branch condition does not worry me too much. Just hoping to get some new roots going to get it out of shock/ hoping I don't have rot spreading thought.

That was pretty fast! I got some plants by mail in the past & it took longer.

..."Part of this "rhizome" was dried out and almost hollow like"... obviously, I didn't see it, but I would keep close eye on watering. I wonder if 'hollow like' part could have been trunk buried too deep some time ago?

I should have shot some pics before I potted it up. But it very well could be. It could almost pass for a 3 inch wide hunk that was rooted in its side then buried later on to make this mass.

im almost debating whacking it clean off at the soil level and again at the fork and trying to root it in dry medium.

It seems it has seen its share of stress for a while. I would leave it and let it establish a healthy root system.

ez

What kind of sun would be appropriate? Should I cease to water until new growth appears?

I would pay attention to watering since you mentioned 'the rhizome' -like root ball. Less is better - succulents survive under-watering better than over-watering (without going to extreme and prolonged dryness!). You already watered when potting up and the leaves and limp stems should start loosing the limpness. You could also keep checking the mix for moisture by using a bamboo skewer inserted into the pot at least halfway - if it comes up cold and/or small particles sticking to it, there is still enough moisture and do not water. If clean and dry - time to water. Avoid poking skewer into the root ball.

As for light, I mentioned to keep it in good light and moving to stronger gradually, just to make sure it's not too much too sudden (you never know what kind of light the plant was kept before). My jades are all in full sun in summertime and grow very well. As breathnez pointed out, it is stressed from traveling and who-knows-what-prior growing conditions, and all the work associated with cleaning/potting, so let it be without pulling -tugging...it may take few weeks but roots should establish/anchor themselves and new growth should start - it is good time of the year.

The jade is taking a turn for the worse. It's almost like it's all just rotting away. Even a limb I took off the other side is shriveling. Is there any remaining hope here. Honestly I just want to save the trunk

What is your current assessment of the trunk as a whole? Any other soft spots anywhere else? Assuming the trunk is solid, I would chop off that shriveled branch down to where all you see is healthy white tissue in cross-section. Once sure that all that is left is healthy, then look to prune whatever else is needed to shape it.

As I'm sure you're aware, you'll need to be very careful in watering until you see new growth. You may not need to water at all until then- err on the side of dry. It will likely take a number of weeks until you see new growth.

Good luck, fingers crossed!

ez

Chopping off the shriveled branch would be what I would do too.

Is the main trunk still firm, especially at the soil level? I keep thinking about the root ball as you described it. How much-how often did you water the plant so far?

If the main trunk is healthy, all branches could be pruned off and the trunk should start growing many new branches. Here is a jade that was pruned of everything, on Dec. 7/2014 (perhaps not the best time to do it) and same plant today:

But the roots were healthy - here is the photo after some trimming:

Small branches could be pruned off the shriveled branch and potted up if you have space.

Can I see a couple of reddish coloured growth nubs appearing towards the top on the bare arms?

Both Ez and Rina mention the top growth and I agree, I f it were mine , I would prune the droopy branches right back as one especially looks deflated. Not sure of its from thirst, it could well be rotting so maybe best to get rid of it asap, rot can track back to previously healthy wood surprisingly quickly. Needs to be whitish wood with no sign of browning/softness/rotting.

I would also contact the seller and describe the issues with the plant they have supplied. Hope it pulls round for you, keep us posted.

Thanks for your posts everyone. I have chopped it back and posted the photos below. The first two pics are cuts I made yesterday. The last is a week old. All look normal?