How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Tree? Jade plants are fleshy, succulent plants with thick stems, juicy, and oval-shaped leaves.
It is a low-maintenance, slow-growing houseplant for indoors as well as outdoors.
One can choose to keep it as a plant or grow a tree depending upon the space and preference of the individual.
In ideal conditions, the plant can grow up to 6 feet tall according to Wisconsin University.
Various approaches are available to make the stem thick and the plant bushy.
Repotting is also essential for providing the Jade plant enough room to grow into a tree.
The guidelines should be followed accordingly to ensure the proper growth of the Jade plant into a tree.
Table of Contents
How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Tree?
To grow a jade plant into a tree, ideal conditions for maximum growth need to be provided. Frequent waterings about every two weeks, pruning, sufficient sunlight, and timely fertilization are key. Prune the Jade plant frequently to ensure a tree-like appearance and weight balance. A jade plant tree can grow to be 3 to 6 feet tall.
How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Tree?
Growing a Jade Plant into a Tree
Jade plants can be grown into a small tree inside a pot and also as a 5 feet tall tree with a tree trunk and branches.
Although it is a succulent plant, it can still grow thick stems and bushy branches if given adequate conditions.
Jade plants can be grown into a small tree inside a pot and also as a 5 feet tall tree with a tree trunk and branches
Increased Growth Rate
Jade plants are usually slow-growing plants, but the growth rate can be increased to some extent by providing an appropriate environment for the plant.
This includes providing adequate sunlight, fertilizer, watering and timely repotting. Spring and summer are the greatest seasons for growing jade plants.
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 65⁰F to 75⁰F (18.3⁰C to 23.8⁰C) in the daytime and 55⁰F (12.7⁰C) at night.
They prefer cooler temperatures during the winter season, i.e., 55⁰F both day and night.
Fertilizers should be used during the growing season 3 to 4 times. You should avoid using fertilizers in winter.
However, be cautious since too much fertilizer might cause root burn, especially in newly repotted Jade plants.
Fertilizers should be used during the growing season 3 to 4 times
Repotting should be done every 2 to 3 years to help the roots expand. Expanded roots will lead to the increased size of the plant.
Once the plant has grown big enough, repotting should be done every 4 to 5 years.
Ventilated and airy spaces are essential to ensure maximum growth of the plant. If you wish to grow your Jade plant into a tree,
place it somewhere where there is plenty of sunlight and ventilation to facilitate growth in the branches.
Keep the plant indoors during the winter season because it cannot tolerate frost. You can keep it outdoors during the summer but not under direct sunlight.
Repotting Jade Plants should be done every 2 to 3 years to help the roots expand
Bigger Trunk
For a bigger trunk, pruning is necessary. Prune your Jade plants and cut off long branches and leaves that are connected to the main stem.
Pruning helps thicken the trunk and facilitates in growth of the plant into a tree.
The trunk should be supported with a rod to ensure that it stays upright and placed in a sunny spot where it receives maximum sunlight.
The sunlight should not be direct because it can lead to damage.
Prune your Jade plants and cut off long branches and leaves
Fertilize the plant every two weeks to help thicken the trunk. Regular watering is also suggested but also let the soil dry out before watering to avoid waterlogging.
Repot the Jade plant if you notice it is overgrowing its container. Repotting helps the roots to spread out, which leads to increased growth of the stem.
Jade plants take time to grow, so it might take 2 to 3 months for the stem to show any signs of growth or thickness.
Regular watering is also suggested but also let the soil dry out before watering
More Branches
For a bushy Jade plant, pruning is important. Although pruning sounds the opposite of what is required, it helps the plant grow evenly.
So, it is ideal to cut down leaves and any big branches. The majority of the pruning should be done on the plant’s bottom half.
This helps give it a tree-like appearance. A sharp, sterilized knife should be used to prune the branches.
Make sure to cut the stem just one of the brown circles above. Always keep this in mind before trimming, 2 new stems will appear at that spot.
So, pruning should be done carefully, so the plant does not look messy. Pruning is also done to balance out the weight of the plant.
If the branches and leaves are left unpruned, the stem might break due to the heavy weight of the top of the plant.
Cutting down the leaves and branches at the base of the plant helps in better ventilation and increased exposure to sunlight.
It also helps the soil to dry out quickly. The branches of Jade plants grow in all directions, so it is preferable to prune them carefully so that it doesn’t look messy.
If done properly, it can lead to very pretty shapes. So, to make the plant look bushy cut down the stems at the site where you want more branches to grow,
preferably during the spring or growing season, and place the plant in sunlight to ensure maximum and fast growth.
Bushy Jade plant, pruning is important
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Tree?
When a Jade plant grows into a tree, how long does it take?
It is a slow-growing plant, so it takes 2 to 3 years to grow into a tree even with optimal conditions.
How do I support the Jade plant if it’s bending sideways?
Prune any heavy branches if there are any. When the plant is bending, it is mostly looking for sunlight, so place it in a sunny spot.
It can also be due to overgrowth, and repotting the plant may be necessary. Lastly, it can be supported with a rod to keep it upright.
How much should I prune at one time?
It is ideal to prune 20% to 30% of the Jade plant at one time.
Avoid going overboard with pruning but do cut off dead or damaged branches if there are any.