Jade plants (Crassula species) are prized for their succulent leaves, woody stems, and adaptability. Jade plants are ideal for houseplants and bonsai enthusiasts alike. In this post, we’ll explore several popular jade plant varieties, offer care advice, and delve into how to create bonsai with jade plants.

Popular Jade Plants Varieties

1. Crassula ovata 'Green Jade' (Classical Jade)

Introduction: Native to South Africa and Mozambique and the most widely cultivated jade plant. The classic jade plant with thick, oval leaves and a woody trunk.

Care: Thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering.

Bonsai: As a classic bonsai choice, focus on developing a thick trunk by pruning the upper growth and leaving the lower part to mature undisturbed.

2. Crassula ovata ‘Crosby’s Compact’ (Dwarf Jade Plant)

Introduction: Native to South Africa and Mozambique, like other Crassula ovata varieties. Compact leaves, small size, and slow growth make it ideal for miniature bonsai.

Care: Thrives in bright light but avoid harsh direct sun. Use the soak-and-dry watering method and reduce watering during winter.

Bonsai: This variety’s dense growth requires regular pruning to prevent overcrowding. Use aluminum wire to guide new growth for compact shaping.

3. Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ (Golden Jade Plant)

Introduction: Developed in horticultural nurseries, this cultivar has golden-yellow leaves edged in red that glow under bright light.

Care: Prefers full to partial sun. Water only when the soil is dry.

Bonsai: Works well for bonsai and adds vibrant color to your collection. Be mindful of light exposure—intense sunlight enhances its red edges, giving the bonsai a dramatic look. Prune carefully to maintain color contrast between leaves.

4. Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’ (Finger Jade)

Introduction: Cultivar derived from Crassula ovata, bred for its distinctive tubular leaves.

Care: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Water sparingly, especially in cooler months.

Bonsai: Its sculptural look makes it a favorite for creative bonsai designs. But its brittle branches require gentle handling during wiring. Avoid over-wiring; instead, prune regularly to encourage new branching.

5. Crassula ovata ‘Hobbit’

Introduction: As a hybrid of Crassula ovata, this cultivar has curved, spoon-shaped leaves and is closely related to ‘Gollum’.

Care: Prefers bright light to maintain compact growth. Water only when the soil is dry.

Bonsai: Suitable for playful bonsai because of its unique leaf shape. To create a full canopy, cut back exposed branches and promote side shoots early in the growing process.

6. Crassula arborescens (Silver Dollar Jade)

Introduction: Native to South Africa, especially in rocky, dry regions. This plant features blue-green, coin-shaped leaves with red margins.

Light: Bright light or partial sun. Let the soil dry between waterings.

Bonsai: Excellent for bonsai due to its thick, woody trunk. However, because of its weight, avoid small pots; use a wide, stable container to prevent tipping.

7. Crassula arborescens ‘Undulatifolia’ (Ripple Jade)

Introduction: This variety offers wavy, blue-green leaves with texture and movement.

Light: Prefer bright light with some shade.

Water: Water only when the soil dries out.

Bonsai: Less common for bonsai, but it can work in unconventional designs. The top of this plant can become very heavy, so prune regularly to prevent leaning. Keep wiring light and minimal to avoid damaging the delicate leaves.

8. Crassula ovata 'Lemon & Lime' (Lemon & Lime Jade Plant)

Introduction: A cultivated variety, standing out with its striped green and yellow leaves.

Care: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its variegation. Water only when the soil is completely dry to avoid root rot.

Bonsai: Suitable for bonsai, especially if you want to introduce color contrast into your design. However, it requires more light than green varieties to retain its vibrant foliage.

Making a Jade into a Bonsai

Jade plants are ideal for bonsai because of their woody trunks, slow growth, and tolerance for pruning. Here’s a simple guide to crafting your jade bonsai.

Choosing the Right Variety

Opt for compact varieties like ‘Crosby’s Compact’ or colorful ones like ‘Hummel’s Sunset’. These types respond well to pruning and wiring. Avoid trailing varieties unless you're creating a cascading bonsai.

Pruning

Pruning Downward-Growing Branches: Ensure you prune close to the main stem to promote natural growth. Observe the growth direction of branches and prune in a timely manner to avoid affecting the stability of the main stem.

Cutting Back Long Stems: Prune only 1-2 nodes to avoid excessive cutting, which can lead to a lack of branching. Focus on cutting woody portions of the stem to promote stronger growth.

Defoliation: Carefully remove old or damaged leaves to maintain plant health. Choose appropriate locations for leaf removal to ensure it doesn't hinder new branch growth.

Exposing the Rootball

In bonsai creation, exposing part of the roots (called nebari) is crucial for aesthetics and health. Surface roots anchor the Bonsai Jade more effectively, helping it stay upright in shallow bonsai pots. What’s more, Burying roots too deeply restricts airflow and traps moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections and rot.

• Remove the Bonsai Jade from its pot. If the Bonsai Jade won't go straight out, use a chopstick to remove some of the soil from the edge of the pot.
• Begin scraping away the soil from the top of the root ball with the chopstick to expose any root disk (the splayed base of roots) that may be present.
• Lower the root ball from the bottom up until it fits into the pot.
• Trim the corners of the root ball so it fits into the new pot. (Again, this is done by scraping away the soil with the chopstick).

Potting

• Use shallow bonsai pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
• Use the soft wire ( mostly aluminum wire) to tie the potting mesh over the drainage holes to prevent soil from falling out.
• Insert wires into your pot in the right positions.

• Choose a well-draining soil mix suitable for succulents. Cover the pot with a thin layer of soil on the bottom and add a small mound of soil in the center of the pot.

• Settle the Jade into the pot gently. Lightly apply your tie-down wires, but don't fully tighten them yet.

• Fill the pot with soil.

Wiring and Shaping

• Use the wire to guide young branches into the desired shape.

• Use a chopstick to allow any air into the soil with a gentle stabbing motion.

How to Maintain Jade Bonsai

Water: Only water when the soil is dry.

Fertilizer: Use diluted succulent fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).

Repot: Repot every 2-3 years, trimming the roots to maintain a compact size.

Annual Prune: Conduct pruning every spring, ideally around the time of the spring equinox. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage new branch growth. 

Seasonal Care: Move your jade bonsai indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Place the bonsai in a bright location indoors, such as a south-facing window, to ensure adequate light.

Daily Pruning: Consistency in small adjustments keeps the jade bonsai well-shaped and vibrant.

Pinch New Growth: Regularly pinch off new tips to encourage side branching and maintain a compact shape.

Remove Leggy Growth: Trim elongated branches to prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy.

Leaf Thinning: Remove a few leaves to expose inner branches and improve airflow.

Seasonal Pruning: Do heavier pruning in spring or early summer to allow time for recovery.

Final Thoughts

Jade plants are perfect for both succulent lovers and bonsai enthusiasts because of their shapes, sizes, and colors. With the right care and pruning, varieties like ‘Crosby’s Compact,’ ‘Hummel’s Sunset,’ and ‘Gollum’ can be transformed into stunning bonsai trees. With proper care, your jade plant—whether potted or as bonsai—will thrive for years, adding a touch of elegance to any space.