The following post will show you how to care for a jade plant and how to grow a jade plant into a tree if you're interested in a low-maintenance bonsai specimen.

Crassula Ovata, commonly known as the jade plant, also goes by other names such as Money Plant, Dollar Plant, and Friendship tree. Jade plant, also known by the name of Lucky Plant. The Jade plant is a succulent plant with thick leaves and stems. It symbolizes good luck and consistency because it’s an evergreen plant. The jade plant belongs to South Africa and survives well in mild climatic conditions. Several benefits make the jade plant a popular indoor plant. The Jade plant is not only a visually appealing plant but also comes with various benefits that make it a one-of-a-kind plant. There will be no end to its growth. Since it’s slow-growing, you won’t need frequent repotting, pruning, and fertilizing.

Choose the Right Jade Plant for Growing a Tree

Keep in mind that not all varieties of Jade will grow and take on the shape of a tree. You can go with Crassula Ovata, which can reach heights of 4-8 feet, 'Hummel's Sunset,' which can reach impressive heights of 3-5 feet, it takes about 10 to 20 years for Hummel's Sunset to reach its final height; Portulacaria Afra, which can reach heights of 2-4 feet, and Crassula Ovata. 'Lemon and Lime' can also reach 3 to 5 meters.

How to make the jade plant trunk thicker?

When you thicken the stem of a jade plant (Crab plant ovata, USDA zones 11-12), you give it a solid foundation that can support its entire growth. Jade plants are known for their beauty and tolerance to various growing conditions, and they are often successful even for novice indoor gardeners.

By ensuring you give your Jade the proper light, water, and nutrients, you can thicken the stem of a jade plant over time.

There are steps you can take to make it look fuller and thicker.

Step 1: Cut the long and destructive stems

Look at the stem of your Jade to note branches that seem too tall to support, stems that distort the shrub's overall shape and branches that bend and touch the edge of the pot. Cut these stems where they attach to the main stem or just after a branching fork with scissors to reduce stress on your plant.

Step 2: Declare Your Jade Factory

Transplant the jade plant into a new pot using a succulent potting mix if it has outgrown the pot it is in or if you know the existing soil is not made for succulent plants. See if the Jade has been rooted from the bottom of the pot as a sign that it needs to be hidden.

Use twist or soft plant ties to secure the main stem with the bracket. Be careful not to break the leaves or the main stem when tying. It would help if you supported the main stem with a bamboo stick or something else since it can become top-heavy.

Step 4: Leave Jade in the sun

Place your Jade plant on a bright window sill that gets plenty of light, though not always directly. A west- or south-facing window is usually best, but constant direct light can be too strong for your succulent plants. Jade plants benefit from a warm breeze but not a cold draft. In the summer, consider placing your Jade away from direct sunlight.

Step 5: Water Your Jade Plants Regularly

Water the Jade regularly from mid-spring to mid-autumn using lukewarm, not cold water. There is no harm in drying out the potting soil between waterings. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering every six to eight weeks. Click here to learn how to water succulents in winter.

Step 6: The jade plants need fertilizer

Fertilize every two weeks with a 10-20-10 or 5-10-5 fertilizer during the summer months. African violet manure is also a good choice for jade plants. Follow package directions for application method and strength. If the fertilizer must be dissolved in water, use this water as a weekly watering to avoid overwatering your plant.

Tips for making Jade Plant trunk Thicker

8. Also, jade plants can be quickly grown from cuttings and leaves; you can use both to create new plants! Click here to learn how to propagate succulent from cuttings.

Final Verdict

Turning your jade plant into a tree takes time and patience.

You can turn this plant into a tree in a day or two, but you will need to grow it to a particular stage to prune it.

If you have already grown your plant to a suitable size, you can use the suggestions above to give your plant a tree-like shape.

But if you have any other questions about How to care for the jade plant, you can ask them in the comments. We will answer it for you.

You may wonder: How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Bonsai Tree.