Don’t prune young plants (under 1 year old). They are still developing their roots and trunk during the first year, and pruning them too soon will permanently stunt their growth. [2] X Research source
Your jade plant only needs 3-5 hours of sunlight every day. Keep it somewhere it gets sunlight but avoid placing it in direct light for long periods of time, as this could burn your plant. [4] X Research source
Avoid cutting the main branch (or trunk) of the plant. This is the main section that connects to the roots. The only time you will cut this main truck is when you are cutting down most of the plant to help it heal from infection. Give branches enough space so they aren’t touching or rubbing each other. Overcrowding limits the amount of light the plant gets. [6] X Research source A compact and full jade plant is a healthy jade plant—it will regenerate and thrive when you prune it.
Leggy sections are thin and longer than other branches. Yellow or light green leaves indicate your plant is overtaxed. Removing them will refocus energy so it can grow in a fuller pattern. [8] X Research source
The intersection of the branch and the stem makes a “V” shape. Cut at that intersection at a roughly 45-degree angle. This lets the plant sprout multiple new branches that are thicker and more compact. [10] X Research source It might feel backwards to cut off entire branches of the plant, but by doing so you’re making room for new growth and are giving your plant a chance to grow stronger.
Try sanitizing your shears with an antibacterial gel in between snips to minimize the risk of spreading disease to healthy parts of the plant. [12] X Research source
