Prune a Jade Plant for Better Shape

Part of caring for a jade plant is knowing when and how to prune it. Whether you are pruning for a better shape, to improve the health of the plant or simply to trim back dead or damaged leaves and stems, pruning a jade plant is not difficult, and won't require any particular skill in horticulture. Follow the tips presented here, and you can prune your jade plant to get the desired shape, or plan for future branches in the plant.

Pruning Tip 1: Prune above Leaf Nodes

A jade plant, like most plants, should always be trimmed just above a leaf branch, on the branch tip side of the leaf. Cutting behind the leaf node results in a large and vulnerable portion of damaged stem remaining, endangering the plant by increasing the chance of disease and rot. As you will see in tip 3, pruning above the leaf has another function, as well.

Pruning Tip 2: Major Pruning

Crassula ovata, or jade plant, is actually in the cactus family. Because of this, it can be trimmed to nothing but a short stem, as long as there is a strong root system in place. For most purposes, you wouldn't want to prune down to the roots, but in some cases, such as disease or freeze damage, pruning down to the roots may be the only way to save the plant. Remember to save the parts you cut for recycling in your compost bin, returning elements from the soil back into the soil.

Pruning Tip 3: Branching

If you want your Money Plant to split off into numerous branches, pruning is the way to go. Clip branches extending off the main stem just above a leaf node. Because the stimulus is at the node, a split branch will develop, turning one branch into two. Keep in mind that every clip on the plant increases the shock to the plant's system, and increases its vulnerability to disease and decay.

Pruning Tip 4: When to Prune

Spring and early summer are the best times of year for annual pruning. At that time, plants are strong and full of life, and the trauma of pruning has a reduced effect on them. You can remove dead and damaged leaves any time, and should do so to remove possible threats from disease and decay. Also, fewer winter leaves draw fewer pests, so prune back during the winter months to help the plant survive until spring without being eaten by insects.

Pruning Tip #5: Insects

If pruning your jade plant seems to draw insects, use Neem oil, and spray the leaves lightly. Neem oil is a natural pest repellent, driving away parasitic pests before they have a chance to do any damage. For best results, keep the jade plant in a controlled environment for at least a week after pruning, and condition the plant soil with compost and a small amount of cotton seed meal.