The Jade Bonsai


Many plants used for bonsai growing provide quick results but when it comes to the jade bonsai, the plant grows slowly.  If the jade plant were being used for an outdoor bonsai creation, it could take up to 20 years to reach a mature height of 20 feet.

The jade plant originates from South Africa and although this type of plant can grow very tall, for bonsai growing the goal is to keep it small.  Typically, when using the jade plant for bonsai the goal is to grow the plant to six or seven inches tall.

The Jade Bonsai

When growing a jade bonsai, unless the plant is pruned the leaves would reach two inches in length.  However, for the purpose of bonsai growing, the goal is to keep the leaves to just one-half inch length.  The trunk of this plant is thick and for it to be watered, the thick, waxy leaves will draw water from the soil.  For this plant, you need to set it indoors where it would receive good direct sunlight.

Eventually, the jade bonsai will develop leaves that have red edges followed by the appearance of beautiful star-shaped white flowers.  One of the benefits to this plant is that it is hardy and versatile, unlike other plants used for bonsai growing.

Although the jade bonsai would do best in normal indoor temperatures, this plant can live without being damaged at temperatures around 46 degrees.  Just remember that while strong and hardy, because this plant grows slowly, when using it for bonsai you need to show patience.

Of all plants used for bonsai growing, a jade plant is without doubt one of the most recognized.  However, for the jade plant to look like those in magazines and on bonsai websites it requires the right tools and work.  With a jade bonsai the goal is to shape it, which is part of the process of being patient.

You can find all types of sources and resources in the form of books or websites dedicated to helping people learn the right way of shaping a jade bonsai.

Another important tool for jade bonsai growing is bud scissors.  In this case, you could trim buds, leaves, and branches effectively.  The design of these scissors gives you more control over each clip made so you end up with a perfect cut.

Root hooks are also used, which help to maintain all the visible areas of the plant, which includes the roots.  Using this tool, soil could be removed and tangled or damaged roots eliminated easily.

Finally, the knob cutter may not be used often for jade bonsai growing but if you ever needed to eliminate stubs sticking out of the trunk, this tool would make it possible to shape the jade plant using the trunk’s natural contour.

A number of different tools are used for this process, starting with the concave pruner.  Of all tools used on the jade bonsai, this is the most important.  The pruner has a unique shape so cutting branches to help promote quick healing but also proper shape is achieved.

In addition, wire cutters designed for bonsai growing are used.  In this case, the cutters are used to remove wire that had been added to the plant during the shaping period.  With short and sharp blades, wire can be removed without nicking the plant.