Jade Plant Help!

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Radie Avalon, TX May 30, 2010

I have a jade plant I need help with. I have been battling mealy bugs, but am finally seeing some improvement. However, my plant is very "leggy" and the stems curve down around the pot almost like a hanging basket. The stems are firm and the leaves are plump and green. Is there any way to encourage it to grow straight or should I try to root some new cuttings or just start over completely with a new plant? There are about 8 stalks in the pot and only two of them have "branches". The rest just have leaves growing directly out of the main stem.

Post #7843957
Quote
tommyr2006 Poughkeepsie, NY(Zone 6a) May 30, 2010

MORE light. Leggy = needs more light!

Post #7843982
Quote
XMelissaX Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) May 30, 2010

I wouldn't start completely over, especially if you say it seems healthy. Enjoy it the way it is and do what tommy suggested. More light and you should see significant improvement. Many potted plants can be down to 'nothing' but by the end of the season be fully revived. By all means, if you'd like to take some cuttings go ahead- but I wouldn't damage the whole plant.

Post #7844797
Quote
daisylovn (Tracey) Mobile, AL(Zone 8b) Jun 24, 2010

How do you get your jade plant to branch?

Post #7916585
Quote
JoshY46013 Anderson, IN(Zone 6a) Jun 25, 2010

You can pinch just the itsy bitsy tips out, I also like to remove a leaf towards the bottom of the plant if you happen to see a small green node, this will encourage bushing :)

Post #7919966
Quote
JoshY46013 Anderson, IN(Zone 6a) Jun 25, 2010

OH, and you can let those leaves dry for a few days, stick them on top of some good draining mix with just the tip under *this works for me but there are many ways to plant them* and eventually you'll get a whole new jade plant :) Viola!

Post #7919971
Quote
bsimpson1972 Chicago, IL(Zone 6a) Jun 26, 2010

Put it outdoors into the SUN! Neglect it! Shelter it from excess rain. They can take quite a whooping. Always make sure, that you have some cuttings (A single leaf will do...). For some reason, sometimes even large plants give up on you.

Post #7922808
Quote
landscapetech55 Toronto, Canada Jan 27, 2011

neglect is definitely the best way to encourage growth - they don't apprectiate being touched, regardless of how great the texture of their leaves are! also, watering is very important. Legginess in a Jade plant can also indicate too much water. Water until the soil is soaked, but the soil should be completely dry for 2-3 days before you can water again. It's a semi-desert plant, so pretend it's a slightly thirstier than normal cactus.

Post #8333265
Quote
Honigirl Pieve di Compito, Italy Jan 28, 2011

Radie...be careful putting the jade into sun after being inside, or shaded...the leaves will burn and the plant will look a mess...."if it ain't broke, don't fix it"....it sounds healthy to me....good luck

Post #8336314
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP