jade tree pruning help

[nicki]

I purchased a jade tree (crassula argentea) for my cousin for christmas. I've spent some time looking up care info on the plant. However I can't seem to find anything on tools to use for pruning. The branches/trunks are pretty thick so regular sharp scissors won't work. But the branches are somewhat close so nothing big can be used to trim. I would like to put together a small package to go along with the plant; care info, pruning tools, small pot for growing clippings...

Does anybody have any suggestions on what would work well for trimming this plant?

[Becky15349]

I would recommend a felco pruner; you can get them at any big-box hardware store or garden center. Call first before you go to make sure they have them in stock this time of year. Last time I purchased Felco pruners, they were roughly $50...if this is more than you want to spend, I would recommend buying rose pruners; that can handle thick woody branches.

[Bikerdoc5968]

Felco comes in different configurations. I would recommend #6 or #8. #2 will be too big. You can purchase them for left or right handed people and they have replaceable blades. They are NOT cheap!!! So you may want something less costly because they are overkill for pruning soft type succulents, like Jade. I know because I grow stuff like this. This past summer I finally had to repot this guy...currently in flower but hard to see because it is backlit.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Howard, you grow so many cool plants. Thanks to you and Becky for helping with this.


hmmm?... Now where would I have room for a Jade Tree? hehe...

Cheers,
BD

[nicki]

thank you both. the felco would be a bit pricey for me. but i'll keep them in mind should my collection continue to expand they would come in handy for the garden in the summer though.

that's a really nice jade plant. it was hard for me not to buy one for myself. i like the thick trunks and the mini tree look for indoors. i've killed two bonsai's. but this one seems easy enough to take care of. i'm sure i will be getting one in the future

[GrumpyBear]

is an exacto knife too ghetto?
bikerdoc, that looks just like my moms old jade plant, she grew it from a 99 cent plant over a dozen or so years before its untimely demise. how long have you been growing that? it makes me nostalgic i've started on a 99 cent one myself now...

[Bikerdoc5968]

Grumpy, I doubt that you are truely "Grumpy" to start something that your Mom did so many years ago. Mine was a cutting from who knows where but it is at least 30 years old. It took about 15 to 20 years before it started flowering on a regular basis. The flowers aren't much to speak of and when they dry up they make a mess.... Good luck with your new adventure