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Jade plants (Crassula argentea) also called Dollar trees, can live in your home for dozens of years if they are well cared for. In the home, they can grow to 3’ (.91m) tall and wide. They often become top heavy or lean to one side and need to be trimmed or pruned to restore balance. Here is the right way to trim Jade plants.



  1. 1
    Examine the jade plant and decide where to trim it to restore balance or limit size.
  2. 2
    Avoid pruning or trimming back stems that are brown and have a bark-like covering.
  3. 3
    Using bypass garden pruning shears, make your cuts just above a leaf node (joint).
  4. 4
    Use caution not to break off stems you don’t want to prune as jade plant stems can be brittle.

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  • The pieces you cut off or even leaves that are on the pieces can be easily rooted to start new plants. Stick them in pots of a mixture of 2 parts potting medium, (soil) and 1 part small aquarium gravel. Keep the mixture barely moist until the cuttings root.
  • Turn jade plant pots at least once a month so they don’t lean to the light or grow lopsided.

Things You’ll Need

  • Bypass pruning shears

Sources and Citations

  • Hogan, Sean, Flora, Portland, Oregon, Timber Press, 2003 pgs. 430-431

Article Info

Categories: Planting and Growing | Gardening

Recent edits by: Potterwand, Kayisawsome

In other languages:

Español: Cómo podar plantas de Jade

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