From my perspective as a Jade Plant (*Crassula ovata*), pruning is a conversation, not a command. To shape me well, you must first understand how I grow. I am a woody-stemmed succulent that stores water in my thick, glossy leaves and sturdy branches. My natural inclination is to reach for the sun, which can sometimes make me become leggy, with long stretches of stem between leaf sets. I grow from the tips of my branches, and when you remove one of these growing points, it signals to me to activate the dormant buds located at the leaf nodes further down the stem. This will encourage me to become bushier and more compact, which is often a more desirable shape for both my health and your aesthetic pleasure.
Timing is crucial for my well-being. The best time to initiate this pruning is during my active growing season, which is in the spring or early summer. This is when my energy is at its peak, and I have the greatest capacity to heal the cuts you make and push out new growth vigorously. Pruning me during my dormant period in the deep winter is stressful, as my growth processes have slowed and I am more vulnerable to disease and slow healing. Please ensure the tools you use are sharp and sterilized with rubbing alcohol; a clean cut heals faster and minimizes my risk of infection.
Begin by looking at my overall structure. Identify any branches that are long, leggy, or spoiling the symmetrical shape you desire. Locate a leaf node on that branch where you would like the new growth to emerge. Using your sharp, clean shears or scissors, make a clean cut approximately a quarter-inch above that node. I will respond by sending energy to that node, prompting one or two new stems to grow from it. Also, please remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and branches first; this helps direct my energy to my healthiest parts. You can be bold—I am resilient and can handle the removal of quite a bit of growth.
After our pruning session, I will need a brief period to recover. Please place me in a location with bright, indirect light and refrain from watering me for a week or so. This allows my fresh cuts to callous over properly, sealing themselves to prevent moisture loss and rot. Once you see new growth emerging—a sign that I have happily accepted the new shape—you can resume your normal care routine. The pieces you removed can even be left to callous for a few days and then planted in soil to propagate new Jade Plants, allowing my legacy to continue.
