Does this Jade look right?

Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA

9 years ago

It seems like the "leaves" are too heavy for the branches. Does this look ok to you?

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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

9 years ago

It's not the leaves are too heavy, branches could be little weak. Plant looks ok from what I can see, but slightly etiolated = it is not getting as much light as it would like. That results in branches growing too thin, since they are in a hurry to reach more light. You can tell also by leaves being spaced too far apart. It is also growing bit 'wild' - but if you like the look, that's ok. Everybody's preference could be different, I like rather 1 plant in container, with as thick/fat trunk as I can get. So if my plant, I would separate at least some stems, and prune quite a bit. But that's my liking, maybe you like lots of plants in 1 pot?

Could you give it more light? Otherwise, it will keep growing lanky and skinny. Keeping jades outdoors in better sun is of benefit to them too.

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Comments (7)

Alisa (Singapore)
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
From the leaves spaced too far apart and droopiness, it looks like it needs a lot more light and could maybe do with a light pruning. The lack of light would be your main concern though.
Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA thanked Alisa (Singapore)
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Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you both.

Rina - yes I DO want to have the single fat trunk plant(s) My pot has 11 "stems" coming from the pot. Can I repot each into its own pot? Any suggestions on doing this? pot size? How much can I prune away since it is so elongated? I will move them to my patio now that it is warm enough to be left outside, I know that will help.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Gigi

Yes, you can. Each potted individually - you can see plants growth better, see which branch to leave, which one to prune off.

You cold make a 'forest planting - it would look better in oblong type of container, or box - something not perfectly round.

Here is a photo I borrowed from Al (tapla) of his bonsai jade (that is Portulacaria afra, different plant than yours but same would apply):
And here is one of the threads with drawing where Al explains how to prune -click me please-
Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh my goodness that thread was SO helpful. I posted on it for a bit of clarification. I guess I have 11 little guys to experiment on. I may have to post photos of some of them once they are potted by themselves for guidance. I am so excited! One more thing....size of pots for these new singles?
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
Gigi

Hopefully you'll post photos as you work on them.

Pots just little bigger than a root ball are usually recommended. As you can see in photo above, Al's plant is grown in bonsai pot - quite shallow (but he really knows what he is doing :) and his plant is a bonsai). Using regular 3" or 4" pots is probably enough. You can decide between terracotta and plastic (I use plastic most of the time). Terracotta pots are more permeable, but heavier and break easier. So your choice. Big pots are not needed. I have jades that are about 18-20" tall in 6" pots.
Gigi z 8A, Upstate SC, USA
Original Author
9 years ago
Got it, little pots! I promise I will post photos (if I can refrain from pruning all of them this weekend in my excitement). I think I will repot all and perhaps try pruning one or two that seem pretty straight forward (I hope). I hope you will (and Al) will help me on Monday when I come back and scream....HELP!!!