How to prune jade plant

Spring, at the start of the growing season. Pinch soft tips by hand on young plants. Use clean, sharp scissors or bonsai shears on woody stems, cutting just above a leaf node or pair. Allow cut surfaces to dry and callous for a day or two before watering to prevent rot.

Annually for shaping; tip-pinching throughout the growing season. Jade plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped into a tree-like form over time. Pinch soft growing tips to encourage branching from a young age. On older plants, cut woody stems just above a leaf pair or node. Prune in spring; avoid pruning in winter when growth slows. Let cuts callous before watering.

Pinch soft tips by hand on young plants. Use clean, sharp scissors or bonsai shears on woody stems, cutting just above a leaf node or pair. Allow cut surfaces to dry and callous for a day or two before watering to prevent rot.