Large Jade Whack and Repot
americangolden
11 years ago
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
A 'Best Practices' for Jade Whacking?
Comments (2)Blut... Jades can take a whacking any old time, really. I've whacked them spring, fall, winter. It doesn't seem to make much difference, realy. Now is probably a good time, as we're going into spring when growth will be optimal. You can prune them when they're big enough to have a trunk, even a little one. Just be sure to prune above a "joint" (as I call it...) Trunks tend to have places where it's obvious a set of leaves once were. As long as you have a "joint" or two, it'll sprout new growth. It's probably best not to whack right after or just before repotting. A few weeks before/after is better. After whacking, just treat it pretty much the same - let it dry between waterings. Of all the succulents I grow, Jades have to be the hardiest, so don't feel intimidated at all by pruning. In the end, you'll be glad you "whacked away!" I used to be a little leary of pruning. But (as I'm sure a lot of you have heard over and over!), my first German Shepherd taught me the value of pruning. His big ol' overly enthusiastic tail would periodially "prune" a plant by knocking it silly. Initially, I would be so pi$$ed!! But after it happened a couple times (and I saw the results a few months later), I figured out that in the end, I had a remarkably more beautiful plant! Oh the things we learn from our pets (and I'm sure mischevious children, too!) Denise in Omaha...See MoreLarge Jade #1 whack
Comments (10)Well, as you can see, I've been a bit more tentative when it comes to surgery on Jade #1 as I've only done some minimal pruning as I cant 'see' what I'm aiming for so am scared of ruining the poor thing, does that make any sense? Are you suggesting that the branches till need shortening considerably. I wish I could see the vision of the end product, I really think I need to study to become a 'medium' and be able to see into the future, lol! I think the 2 new pics are from similar angles to the 2 in my OP to show what I've done so far. I welcome suggestions for me to consider for the next stage, so thanks in advance. Gill UK...See MoreHow would you whack this jade?
Comments (12)I don't think any of these are large enough yet for a major trim. That will reduce the number of leaves (where all the food is made), and it takes the plant a while to recover. A plant left alone in strong light, a good soil mix, with proper watering, and light fertilization in early spring and fall, will probably grow thicker faster than a plant of the same diameter after a major trim. Trimming makes limbs look bigger than normal because new growth appears on older limbs. Plants I have wacked have all been 6-10 years old before the first cut. Your plants are much smaller and thinner than four year olds in my backyard. I think you should not trim at all, just concentrate on growing them well. Separate the plants. The root system of jades is only a few inches deep, so plant in shallow clay containers about 4 inches diameter. You could leave four together in a larger diameter shallow bowl and make a jade forest. Get rid of that awful looking peaty soil, and make your own mix that is at least 75% perlite, pumice, gravel, etc. Orchid bark and redwood fines are good for the organic component. Give them as much light as you can, outside if possible. You could play around with one or two, chopping down any green stems, leaving only older brown stems no more than four to five segments tall. There may be no leaves at all after your done, but come spring, they will sprout new growth, and by the end of the summer, you will have plants with relatively thick trunks compared to the new growth. You could even make a direct comparison of the trunk sizes between trimmed and untrimmed plants. That could be an interesting experiment. :) Brad...See MoreHelp! My baby is too huge.
Comments (5)Very beautiful! Okay, start by trimming off any downward hanging branches to reduce the overall weight and to allow you better access to the branches. Then, identify the branches that are throwing the whole thing out of balance (whichever way the plant is leaning), and chop off the tips at a convenient location. Don't concern yourself with bare spots or ugly stubs right now....trust me, those areas will fill back in over the next year. Essentially, "chase" the foliage back to a point closer to the container so that the weight is distributed more evenly above the main trunk/s. Josh...See Morejaded4
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agocactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
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10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
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10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoDanielle Rose
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agocactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
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10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoDanielle Rose
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoamericangolden
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
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