Jade tree care: pruning techniques and color changes

Jade trees (Crassula ovata) can be managed through specific pruning and care techniques to control their shape and health. Gardeners recommend ‘pinching’ young, healthy shoots to interrupt terminal growth, which encourages the plant to develop new branches from lower points. This technique helps maintain a more compact canopy and promotes branching. For older or woodier stems, clean and sharp shears should be used to make cuts near a node.

Additionally, changes in leaf color, such as turning red or pink, are often natural responses rather than signs of disease. While some varieties like ‘Botany Bay’ or ‘Silver Dollar’ naturally feature reddish tones, other plants may change color due to the production of anthocyanins. These pigments help protect plant tissues against demanding environmental conditions.