First of all, this needs more light. That is the reason it is getting so tall so fast.

If it was my plant, I would chop it in half. Maybe about half way down the main trunk. If you do end up cutting, make sure you use something really sharp (and sterilize it first).

If you want to maintain compact growth after you cut, you will need brighter light. It will do really well outside (if it can handle your climate) in a bright sunny spot. If you can't do that, you may have to resort to artificial lighting (but we won't worry abut that until we know if you have to or not).

Hello Alex. Ok, this going to sound harsh, but I'm just trying to help.......

I can't see how you are going to get it to improve without serious pruning, and I mean pruning back a lot. Don't whatever you do plant it lower, that won't work. Before we talk about pruning I must mention soil, light and pots. The mix looks way to peaty and water retentive. Crassulas like fast draining gritty mixes. I use perlite, c/s mix and horticultural grit in equal amounts. The pot must have at least one hole....does that pot have any holes? It's stretched(etiolated) as it's not getting enough sun. That's what is making the leaves hang down, they are also distorted from low light levels in my opinion. Here are my ideas.....

A...If it were mine, I would lose all the top branches, drastic I know! I would cut back to above the highest budding point on the trunk, with a sloping cut, those new growths will grow into new branches and which will in turn, help to thicken up that main trunk given a year or so.

B....If you decide to keep any of the branches above the 'y' they need to be cut back as at least half their length is spindly and stretched, but if you then let the lower ones grow, it will look unbalanced as you will have thick high branches and thin low branches...look at a trees natural growth pattern....the thickest branches are always the lower ones.

C.....The only way to keep the upper canopy is to not let any branches grow from below the 'y', then it will just be a very tall straight trunk with a canopy atop...like a standard rose or similar. Again, if you do this, the upper branches need to be cut back.

D....Cutting the top off could also be an option as you could try to rerooot this part if it were severed below the 'y'. The lowest portion of below the cut could also be grown on.

So, as I see it you have several options, it all depends on how brave you are! Hang on till someone else comes in, they may well see a better solution than my thoughts, but I know what I'd do. Jades are very forgiving and will bounce back come spring, especially if given some better mix, light and pot:-)

Gill

This thread may be helpful for you. It's short and to the point. ;-)

http://forums.gardenweb.com/discussions/4459880/way-too-skinny-jade-help-please?n=1

Many thanks everyone, I'm going to take the plunge and try to achieve 3 good plants out of it. Thanks for the advice. Fingers crossed!

Alex

If I may ad or rather reiterate: pot is very large. You could keep it if you like it, but that existing soil should go. Only if the potting mix is very gritty = very well draining, pot size will not be a problem.

Gill gave you great advice. If my plant, I probably would go with her advice 'A'.

'B' is good too and may be easier for you to do (as you are attached to plant). I would cut those 2 branches above 'y' split short, just abot the first node.

Either way, leave all growth on the trunk: the leaves will help to produce lots of food, and unwanted branches will be pruned anytime later.

All cuttings (pruned off pieces, regardless of size) should be callused and then stuck into grittier mix. You'll end up with many new plants!