Cutting And Replanting Jade Trunks

Question

We have some old jade in our yard, probably 60 years old. We’ve had them pruned a few times in the last 6 years but mainly just let them do their thing, which I see now is a mistake. We have a small tree growing in the middle of them. Over the years, that trees canopy has gotten bigger and now I realize that the jade has been growing “out” into the yard. I think that trees canopy also kept sun from getting to the roots and we’ve lost some trunks to rot. What is here now looks healthy though. Now that we’ve cut the small tree back, we have huge holes where the leaves met the jade. We would like the jade to now grow up vertically instead of further out into the yard. I’m also curious if you can cut a trunk, that is growing along the ground, and plant it upright in a pot? I’m looking for a jade specialist in Los Angeles to come look at our jade, but not having any luck.

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Answer 1

Generally, larger branches won't root in time to save the plant. When rooting a cutting, it is a race between the time it takes the plant to run out of moisture and nutrients. Older branches cannot produce roots fast enough to stay alive.

The best way to take cuttings will be from smaller branches. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/jade-plant/propagating-jade-plants.htm

As far as getting it to grow vertically... That will require removing the trees that are shading them. This is the reason that they are reaching outwards. Once you remove the trees, they will start to grow up, and not out.