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Gollum Jade Help (Pruning)

5 years ago

I inherited this Gollum Jade plant a few weeks ago. I was reading about how Jades can be pruned to be sort of a 'bonsai.' Would it be possible to do that with this plant and/or do you think it needs any pruning in general?

Thanks for the help!

-Nick

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Agree with Brandon, it really is great plant.

As for pruning, it likely depends on personal preference. I like look of your plant, and Howard (bikerdoc) is showing his great looking plant too - looks like 2 main trunks.

I have one with single trunk, that branches out at approx. 2 3/4". I like thick, tapering trunk. Here are few photos from different angles:

It isn't bonsai - breaks too many bonsai rules :) It is just touch over 15" tall from the soil line. It does need repotting this Spring. Here is photo of it when purchased (all droopy and wilted :), and 5 yrs later:

Comments (9)

hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
5 years ago
Nick F. thanked hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
As suggested above, but not until spring, if you reside in a cold region. You'll get better growth in spring. Pruning jades is something I consider very personal... it is an expression of your artistic imagination. Jades are extremely forgiving and no matter how or where you prune, they will regrow! If you have bonsai skills and the equipment, new growth can be manipulated and re-directed as you wish.
Nick F. thanked bikerdoc5968 Z6 SE MI
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Nick F.
Original Author
5 years ago
thanks so much!
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
5 years ago
Nick

That is very nice plant - what a great plant to inherit! And it is blooming too.

I agree with Howard that how to prune is quite personal choice. If you are not familiar with bonsai techniques, winter is great time to spend on learning about it. There are many sites about how to 'bonsai' plants, HERE IS just one of them. I never wired any plants, but some members here do. You could get great shape just by pruning too. Pls. follow up and post if you do anything with your plant :)
Nick F. thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Nick F.
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for the help Rina! I'm going to do some research for now and perhaps I'll prune it in the spring!
Brandon Smith
5 years ago
Tell you what, if I inherited that beauty the first thing is to is give the benefactor a big ole smooch! Second I personally wouldn’t do a thing. It looks spaced well/no crowding, it’s blooming so clearly it’s happy and imo it just looks dang good.

If you’re not a bonsai veteran (I.E. adheres to the very rigorous and stringent schools of practice for them) it can be very subjective and overwhelming at the same time. So that’s your call if you really want to go down that route.

But if you just want a healthy and handsome pot filled with some flora I’d say you were certainly gifted with a great foot forward my friend.
Nick F. thanked Brandon Smith
marguerite_gw Zone 9a
5 years ago
Tastes do differ. I know there is no way I would interfere with that beautiful plant, Nick. And flowering too!
Nick F. thanked marguerite_gw Zone 9a
Nick F.
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Brandon and Marguerite! I'll be sure to give out smooches lol! I'm just gonna keep taking care of it for now and keep it healthy. Rina, Howard is a great looking plant! That's sorta what I had in mind when I was thinking 'Bonsai.'

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