A friend of mine decides one day to get into bonsai. She had seen my bonsai collection and was quite impressed. The Midori Silent Auction is coming up, so I tell her that this would be a great opportunity to get some starter material. She is ecstatic at the chance to get into bonsai.
I ask a little bit about her gardening experience. She says she is just starting out; it’s something she wished she knew more about. She has some succulents and that was all she could keep alive. I ask if she will be able to water a bonsai tree every day.
“No, I travel for a week from time to time, and I don’t have anyone to water for me.”
I cross off a lot of trees in my head. I ask about tools. Nope, nothing beyond a basic garden shear, if even that. Wire? Hah! As you can tell, she is very new to this.
“Ok, great! I’ll see what I can find for you.” Oh boy, what did I get myself into?
As luck would have it, I find the perfect tree for her at the auction — much thanks to Elliott! He brought in a wonderful selection of jades (specifically Portulacaria afra, or dwarf jade). One of them is even already on its way to becoming a nice tree. I give my friend this one, and I decide to keep the other ones for my own collection.
The jade bonsai, also known as the money tree, is a beautiful miniature tree that makes a great addition to any home or office. With its thick trunk, intricate branching, and lush green leaves, the jade bonsai brings a sense of serenity and harmony. However, keeping a jade bonsai healthy requires some special care. Follow this complete guide to ensure your jade bonsai thrives for years to come.
Overview of the Jade Bonsai
The jade plant or Crassula ovata is native to South Africa. In the wild it can grow into a large bush or small tree. As a bonsai it is pruned and trained to remain miniature. The jade is prized for its fleshy, oval-shaped leaves that resemble jade stones. It has woody stems and branches with reddish bark. Mature plants may produce small white or pink flowers. The jade bonsai is an easy-care indoor tree.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Jade Bonsai
Jade bonsai prefer warm, dry conditions. They thrive with daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and night temperatures above 50°F. Cooler temperatures can cause leaf drop. Keep your jade bonsai in the sunniest window possible. Bright, direct light keeps the foliage full and healthy. The jade can tolerate some shade but grows best with at least 5 hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors, shelter from intense afternoon sun is beneficial.
Watering Your Jade Bonsai Properly
As a succulent, the jade bonsai should not be kept constantly wet. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes. Then wait for the soil to become nearly dry before watering again This wet-dry cycle prevents soggy soil. In winter, reduce watering frequency since growth slows. Leaves turning yellow or dropping signal overwatering.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Feed your jade bonsai with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during the active growth period of spring through early fall. Outdoor trees can be fertilized monthly during this time. Discontinue fertilizer in winter when light and temperatures decrease.
Repotting Your Jade Bonsai
Young jade bonsai need repotting annually in early spring. Mature plants only need repotting every 2-3 years. When repotting, remove no more than 1/3 of the root mass along with the old soil. Use bonsai soil for proper drainage. After repotting, wait a week before watering to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Wiring Techniques
Prune your jade bonsai as needed during the growing season to shape branches and foliage. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, which can cause dieback. The flexible branches can be wired into position but avoid creating deep wire marks on the soft bark. Monitor wiring and remove it once branches are trained.
Propagating Jade Plants from Cuttings
Jade plants are easy to propagate from stem cuttings. In spring or summer, take 3-5 inch tip cuttings below a leaf node. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into moist potting soil. Provide warmth and humidity until new growth emerges.
Common Pests and Diseases
Overwatering is the main cause of problems like fungal leaf spot and root rot. Allow soil to dry adequately between waterings. Mealybugs, scale, and aphids may infest jade bonsai. Use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to control insects. Isolate the plant after treatment.
Displaying Your Jade Bonsai
With its gnarled trunk and branches, the jade lends itself to informal upright, slanting, and semi-cascade styles. Choose a plain pot that showcases the tree’s colors and textures. Display your jade bonsai in bright, indirect light indoors.
Special Winter Care Tips
Jade bonsai need extra care when overwintering inside:
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Place in a sunny south or west window
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Water sparingly, allowing the soil to partially dry out
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Discontinue fertilizer until spring
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Maintain temperatures above 50°F
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Avoid cold drafts that can damage foliage
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Limit pruning to prevent dieback
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Watch for pests like spider mites that thrive indoors
Troubleshooting Common Jade Bonsai Issues
Leaves falling off – This can indicate too much or too little water. Allow soil to partly dry before watering again. Keep away from cold drafts.
Branches dying back – Late season pruning can cause dieback. Avoid heavy pruning after summer.
Leaf spots – Fungal disease from wet conditions. Improve drainage and avoid moisture on leaves.
Weak growth – Not enough light or fertilizer. Increase sunlight and fertilize regularly.
Insects – Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap sprays. Isolate plant after application.
Key Tips for a Healthy Jade Bonsai
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Give bright, direct light indoors or full sun outside
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Use fast-draining bonsai soil
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Allow soil to partially dry before re-watering
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Fertilize every 2-4 weeks during growing season
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Prune new growth to shape branching and foliage
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Repot annually when young, then every 2-3 years
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Protect from frost and cold drafts
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Monitor for pests like mealybugs
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Propagate new plants from stem cuttings
Caring for a jade bonsai doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow this guide and you’ll have a beautiful, thriving bonsai tree that provides enjoyment for many years to come. With the proper care and attention, the jade bonsai is an excellent choice even for beginners new to the art of bonsai.
December — Holiday Dinner and Auction
Our much beloved holiday dinner is scheduled to take place on the First Thursday of December. It will be followed by a live auction and the election of next year’s officers.
Trees in the Wild
and Story by Jeff Lewis
When I was younger, I would spend a few weeks every year in Hawaii with my family. I didnt really take note of the trees there; I remembered lots of palm trees on the beach and a couple large banyans. When Tung and I went back for our own vacation, all that changed. We were stunned by the beauty of the trees growing everywhere. In fact, on our first trip, we thought someone had to be pruning all the tamarind trees, because they were so perfect! Turns out they just grow naturally with a perfect trunk and canopy. Our drives around the island took quite some time, with all the tree oogling and photo stops.
Anyway, I was driving back from a sunrise photoshoot up the road, and this tree caught my eye. It looked so perfect, standing tall over a picnic table. The clouds and light were perfect, too! I pulled over and ran onto this grassy lawn to take a photo. A few moments later, the clouds drifted past and the best light was gone. Next time were around, well have to enjoy a picnic on that table — just looking at it evokes such a peaceful feeling for me.
Jade Bonsai tree care
FAQ
How often should I water a jade bonsai?
Jade bonsai trees, being succulents, prefer infrequent but thorough watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and then saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. During the growing season (spring to autumn), water every week or two.
Why are leaves falling off my jade bonsai?
Watering too often, while the tree is planted in a soil mixture that retains too much water, will lead to root-rot and the tree dropping its leaves.
How to shape a jade bonsai tree?
Shaping a jade bonsai involves regular pruning and potentially wiring to guide growth into desired forms, like a leaning style or a more traditional bonsai shape. Start by identifying a healthy jade plant with a good structure. Prune back branches that extend beyond the desired silhouette, favoring lateral shoots for even energy distribution.