Jade is a succulent plant with a large, large body. This makes the jade bonsai stand out from the others and is loved by many. This bonsai can be grown indoors and outdoors.
Is it possible to grow jade bonsai into a big “old tree”?
You absolutely can do this and it is not difficult. However, growing jade bonsai to become tall requires a careful combination of planting, pruning, fertilizing, and patience. Because it takes a long time to develop into a beautiful specimen.
In its native environment in Africa, the jade plant can reach a natural height of 6 to 8 feet (about 1.8m to 2.5m). This plant can live a very long time and if you take good care of it, it can be passed on for generations.
Choose the right jade bonsai variety
Keep in mind that not all varieties of jade plants are able to grow as tall and grow as old trees.
Specifically, like the Crassula Ovata jade, which can grow up to 4 – 8 feet (about 1.2m -2.5m), the Hummel’s Sunset variety, which can reach an impressive height of 3 – 5 feet (about 1m -1.5m), The variety Portulacaria afra can reach 2 – 4 feet (about 0.6m -1.2m) and the variety Crassula Ovata ‘Lemon & Lime,’ can also grow to 3 – 5 feet (about 1m – 1.5m).
How long does it take for a jade bonsai to turn into an “old” tree?
If given suitable growing conditions to jade bonsai, it will start to form a relatively tall tree after 3-4 years but to reach height after 3-4 years but it will take sweet time to grow. Reaching a height of 3 – 5 feet (about 1m -1.5m) takes 6-12 years.
How long it takes for a jade bonsai to become a tall tree depends of course on the size you bought from the store.
Choose the right bonsai pot
In general, potted jade plants are suitable for 4 to 6 inches (about 10-15 cm in diameter) when they are young. When the bonsai grows a bit, if you want to grow it into a big tree, you can give the plant a little more space for it to expand its roots.
You can change pots to pots about 8 to 14 inches (about 20 – 35cm in diameter), depending on the size of your jade plant.
However, you should not choose a new pot that is too large, but only 1-2 sizes larger than the old pot you are using. Because if the pot is too large, it means that you have to use a lot of soil and water a lot, the soil holds more moisture, so there is a risk of waterlogged roots, root rot.
In short, you should choose pots for jade bonsai that are slightly larger than their root diameter.
How to care for the jade bonsai bonsai into a large “old” tree
1. Create the main body
It is not by chance that jade bonsai can grow tall and superficial. You must know how to prune, choose the main stem and cut off the extra stems so that they do not grow cumbersome.
To do this, you should initially cut off all the stems that might be hindering the growth of the main stem. Also, prune the lower half of the plant including all the large leaves and branches so that its upper foliage spreads out.
To keep the trunk straight, you should support the main stem with a bamboo stick to avoid the tree’s tops falling down to give it a heavy top tree.
Make sure you support the main stem with a bamboo stick or something as the tree can get heavy on top.
2. Provide light
Jade bonsai is a succulent plant. Therefore, plants need both direct and indirect light to grow well. However, if you can control the light by making sure the light hits the plant evenly from the top, it will make the jade plant grow straight and tall.
If the jade bonsai is exposed to sunlight from the side, it will start to grow sideways, reaching towards the light source, while also growing new stems from the sides.
You can also use a stake to support it and prevent it from growing sideways or downward and help it grow straight and tall. This will also promote the main stem of the jade bonsai to become stronger and “fat”.
3. Fertilize properly
Fertilize your jade bonsai once in 2-4 times/week during its growing period with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 its recommended concentration.
Giving the jade bonsai adequate nutrients will speed up the growth process and the bonsai tree will soon have a tall tree-like appearance.
Note: Avoid giving trees too much nutrients and if you live there is frost and cold winters stop fertilizing from mid-autumn until winter because this is the dormant period.
Points to note when pruning jade bonsai to turn into an “old” tree
– Pruning helps the jade plant to look like a tall tree and protects it from pests.
– Jade bonsai can be pruned at any time of the year, but spring and summer are the most perfect. This is the time when the bonsai is at its most prolific and this helps it heal faster.
– Do not prune more than 20-30% of branches in one pruning session.
– Remember to clean the scissors with rubbing alcohol because pruning with dirty tools can cause disease.
When cutting off a branch completely, cut it directly where it comes into contact with the main trunk.
– Cut the top part of the stem. This will promote the growth of succulent plants and create two new fasts. This is necessary to make the lush bonsai look like a tall tree.
– In addition, jade plants can be easily grown from cuttings and of course you can also create a new bonsai from 1 leaf.
– You can also use specialized wire to bend bonsai trees to train the tree to have the desired shape. They are easy to use, helping you to shape your trunks from a very young age, helping them to grow stronger and sturdier as the tree takes shape.
The jade bonsai bonsai will be small and compact, looking very much like a mini tree, but its shape can be tall or not completely depends on you. You can plant them next to a bright window in your home or office.
Notes when caring for jade bonsai:
– Make sure it has at least 3-4 hours in direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in total darkness or shade if you want one beautiful bonsai.
Too much and too little watering can both affect the jade bonsai. It is best to water when the topsoil is completely dry.
– Keep an eye out for ticks and red spiders. Using an insecticidal soap solution or a strong jet of water can solve the problem.
– Be careful with powdery mildew, mealybug. Use sharp scissors and cut off the affected parts of the plant.
– Wipe the main trunk with a damp cotton cloth every 15-20 days to remove all dirt. It also helps to get rid of plant pests if present.
(According to Balconygardenweb)
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