Question
Have a jade plant that, if straight, would be 3' tall--- but taint straight; is bending almost 90 degrees. How to straighten? May I remove from soil and put the "bend" below the surface?

Alternatively, may I simplu cut off the bent bottom? (Seems  excessive.)

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Charlie,

Apparently your Jade is healthy and well cared for, except for one thing - it needs to be pruned. As the stems grow every longer (new growth is always at the ends of stems), gravity slowly starts to take over and the stems bend under the weight of the new growth. Although a certain amount of stem bending can look attractive, too much will make the plant look ungainly and may even cause stems to snap under the weight.

Pruning is not an excessive treatment and has no affect on the overall health and growth of your Jade. It merely alters the appearance of the plant. You can prune back as many stems as you like and as far back as you choose. Just remember that new growth will emerge on the stems just below where you make the pruning cuts. So you have the opportunity to shape the plant in any manner that you want. The cuttings can be rooted in water or together in a small pot after the cuttings have air-dried overnight.

In any case, do not remove the plant from its pot or soil. Disturbing the roots is excessive and something you will later regret!

I have written articles on Jade care and pruning that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com