That would mostly be a factor influenced by the grower through selective pruning.

On all of my jades (bunch of different kinds including regular, variegated, hobbit, gollum, and some others) I've found they will put out branches anywhere and everywhere when conditions are good.

Areyou sure they're actually Jades & not some similar looking succulent?

" leaf-on-end-of branch" doesn't describe any Crassulas I've ever seen or heard of. Was briefly in LA, but in San Diego several times w/ an Aloe & Jade collector. Only saw the full-growth plant Jades, including some in bloom.

Lena

Maybe you can take photos next time you see them very different? I would also think some pruning may be involved.

Dear wacky jade lady,

Environmental stress, through hot and dry conditions, will cause the plant to resorb leaves for moisture, and it will preferentially be older leaves farther down the branch, leaving the growing ends intact. could that be what you are seeing?

ez

lol!! Ez, yess!! I think that's what I'm seeing.

At least, this is what makes the most sense to me. Here on Long Island, the only ones I see are shrubby. I realize some variation might be due to pruning, styling, and genetics.

The type I find most attractive are the ones that appear to have rosettes at the growing ends.

I have several different kinds in either gritty mix or straight up pumice.

I realize these are 2 different cultivars, & I was hoping that was what I was noticing.

branches end in rosettes

shrubby type jade