Wondering how to get a tall and leafy jade tree (Crassula ovata)? If you want to know how to grow a tall and bushy jade tree without too much hassle, we have all the tips for you!
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How to Get a Large Bushy Jade Tree
The best and most effective way to make a jade tree bushier is to actively prune it. However, it is essential that you prune the plant the right way to ensure that it works.
Before picking up the shears, it is important to understand and locate the “rings” around the rods. These are where the leaves used to be, and once they fall, these “rings” are created on the stem.
The key is to prune the jade plant just above the leaf scar or stem rings. This will cause the plant to grow two more branches from the cut part, allowing it to grow more leaves and become a bushy plant.
Also, avoid cutting more than 15-20% of the plant and leave the branch you wish to age.
If your jade tree has become lame from lack of light, cut off the weak parts and place the plant in a bright place, it will soon recover.
Tips for pruning a jade tree
Plan to prune your Jade at least once a year. Start pruning your jade tree when it is very young and has very few leaves to get the bushiest plant.
Be sure to regularly clean and sterilize any shears or knives you use for trimming.
Prune your jade plant each spring, just before the jade plant’s peak growing season.
Be careful not to remove more than 25% of the plant when pruning, as this could compromise its well-being and resilience.
Cut a small jade tree
For a small jade plant 15 cm (6 inches) or less in height, prune the top or trunk of the plant. Remember that at each point you cut, two branches will start.
It is prudent to plan pruning at least once a year, starting when the plant is very young and small. Routine pruning will help achieve a lusher, sturdier jade tree.
prune long branches
If your plant is tall or has long branches, prune and cut off the top quarter of the plant. Cut along the ring-shaped slits of the mature jade trunk and use this as a size guide.
Removing leaves from the main trunk will also encourage new growth and more branches.
Cut a large jade tree
If you have a large jade tree, cut off the new growth that often appears at the end of the branches. This will cause new branches to grow where you cut.
As jades grow, their tops become heavy and it can be difficult for the plant to support its own weight.
By pruning, the plant acquires more volume and is better able to support itself.
Do not discard the trimmed leaves or stems. Keep them for three or four days until they form a callus. Place the leaves horizontally in the pot and after a while they will grow into new plants.
For stem cuttings, plant them upright in the ground. Place the pot where it receives indirect light and you will soon have a new jade plant. Be sure not to propagate diseased or damaged parts of the plant.
5 Tips for Growing a Tall and Bushy Jade Tree
Jades grow well indoors without requiring special care. Plant them in pots with sandy, loamy soil for best results and make sure it drains well.
1. Keep it in the right position
You can make your jade tree bushier by placing it in the right place. If the plant receives direct light, it will form new bushy foliage.
Instead, if you leave it in a dark place, the stems will stretch out in search of sunlight.
Keep the plant in a location where it receives direct and indirect sunlight. 3-4 hours of morning sun will do wonders for its growth. If you place the plant in full sun, the Jade will grow bushier and with more volume.
Consider giving your jade tree some extra sun during the summer months to encourage bushy growth by moving it outdoors to receive natural sunlight. Bring it indoors before the evening temperatures drop.
If you grow it indoors, be sure to keep it away from drafts, such as near windows in winter.
2. Water it properly
If you want your jade tree to grow bushier, don’t grow it in constantly wet soil. Also, avoid watering above the foliage, always water the soil without wetting the rest of the plant.
The most important thing is to keep it dry rather than watering it regularly. Water only when the topsoil of the pot is dry to the touch.
3. Feed to stimulate growth
The jade tree does not require a fixed fertilization schedule like other houseplants. Feed once every 6 to 8 weeks during active growth with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to 25 percent (1/4) of its recommended strength.
It works great when the plant receives plenty of diffused light throughout the day.
On the other hand, if you live in a cold climate, stop fertilizing from mid-fall to early spring.
Don’t fertilize your Jade regularly either. Since jade plants are native to areas with rocky, nutrient-poor soil, you can kill this plant if you feed it too often.
4. Plant them together
The easiest and fastest way to make jade more lush is to plant several plants in one pot. If you plant 2-3 plants together, they will appear bushier.
You can also group 2-3 small pots together to make them look big and bushy.
5. Winter maintenance
Keep the plant away from window panes or anywhere it is exposed to cold drafts, but make sure it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.
If you live in a temperate region, the growth of the plant will slow during the winters, so avoid watering it often.
Now that you know how to grow a tall and bushy jade tree, you can grow it and enjoy its beautiful foliage and flowers.
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