The dense branches and thick trunk of the Jade Bonsai are a symbol of prosperity. One of the easiest trees to grow as bonsai, jade has glossy succulent leaves that retain water, so the plants don't require as much watering as most other indoor bonsai, making this low-maintenance plant ideal for beginners.
Container: 5" L x 7" W x 3.5" H
Actual container color may vary from blue to green.
Includes: Humidity Tray and Decorative Rocks
Item Form | Gift Plants |
Virtual Form | Gift Plant |
Additional Characteristics | Bonsai |
Occasion | All Occasion |
Restrictions | *Due to state restrictions we cannot ship to the following: Canada, Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands |
Your bonsai gift arrives planted in a ceramic container with humidity tray and rocks. Place the rocks on the tray and the plant in its container on top of the rocks. Please read and follow the instructions below carefully to keep your plant healthy.
Your jade plant requires lots of light (high light intensity) and is best placed in a window where it will receive some direct light or bright indirect light for more than 3 hours a day. From spring to fall, its growing season, the plant should be grown in an area with good air circulation and minimum temperatures of 85°F in the day and 50°F at night. During winter months, when succulents are dormant, your bonsai requires temperatures between 45° to 55°F. Jade should never be exposed to temperatures below freezing.
Jade plants benefit from being moved outdoors. If you place your bonsai outdoors, place it in light shade where it is protected from hot, direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves, and from the wind. It is best to move the bonsai outside in the spring after all threat of frost has passed and minimum temperatures exceed 40°F and return it indoors before the first hard frost in the fall.
During the growing season, spring to autumn, water thoroughly, generally once every week or two, and allow the soil to become moderately dry before watering again. If the plant shows signs of starting to shrivel or dry out, increase the frequency of watering. During winter, reduce watering to once every 4 weeks or less frequently, always letting the soil go dry between waterings. Over-watering during cool winter temperatures may result in root rot and plant death.
To water, place the plant in a pan with 1 to 2 inches of water and soak for an hour or so until the soil looks and feels moist. Never use water that has been treated by a water softener.
If the tree gets too dry or excessive salts build up on the soil surface, submerge the entire pot in water to thoroughly water and wash out salts. If you are unable to water it for several days, you can seal the pot in a plastic bag immediately after watering. The bag acts as a greenhouse and will keep the soil moist for at least a week.
Apply complete liquid fertilizer at half strength every 6 weeks throughout the growing period, typically spring to midsummer.
Jackson & Perkins offers a selection of fertilizer & plant care products. We suggest using AlgoPlus Fertilizer for the general health and maintenance of your plant.
Bonsai trees must be pruned to maintain a balanced ratio between canopy and root. Without pruning the branches, the tree would grow too large to be supported by the confined root structure. Pruning also induces branching, producing a denser plant.
To prune, pinch out ends of new growth about once every 6 weeks while they are growing. In pinching and pruning, you are trying to maintain the shape of the bonsai and to create a bushier plant.
Every other spring (March-May) your bonsai will need its roots pruned. Gently remove the plant from the pot, carefully remove some of the soil around the sides and bottom of the root ball. Cut off 1/3 of the roots all the way around and up from the bottom. Place fresh, porous soil in the pot (a houseplant soil mix is suitable) and replant the bonsai. After potting, mist the plant and water thoroughly per watering instructions (above) so that the entire root ball is moist.
Bonsai are especially susceptible to aphids and spider mites. So, it’s important to closely inspect your plant once a month, especially the underside of leaves, and if any pests are present, remove them by hand, or gently wash the leaves with highly diluted soapy water and follow with a freshwater rinse.
IMPORTANT: Ornamental plant material should not be eaten. Keep away from pets and children.