When a Jade plant cannot support itself, it implies leggy branches and a weaker stem and root system. It exhibits this behavior for various reasons, including deficient sunlight, frequent watering, underwatering, and overgrowth.
However, it's possible to fix this issue by providing adequate sunlight and support to the droopy branches.
So, let's understand this topic more and find out the solutions to this problem.
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What To Do When Jade Plant Cannot Support Itself?
When the Jade plant starts to lean over, it is a telling sign that the plant is not getting enough support.
So, here's what you need to do in this situation -
1. Support The Jade Plant With A Stake Or Trellis
This should be your first course of action when you see your Jade plant leaning over.
Simply insert a stake or trellis into the pot, next to the plant, and tie the plant to it.
This will give the plant the support it needs to stand upright.
You can use any type of stake or trellis, but I would recommend using a bamboo stake as it is strong and will not rot easily.
And you can use the same stake for your other plants as well.
If you don't want to spend money on a stake, you can also use a strong stick or even a metal rod.
It should not be too thin or flimsy, or it will bend under the weight of the plant.
2. Prune The Jade Plant To Reduce Its Weight
Pruning is another effective method to reduce the weight of the plant and make it more manageable.
To fix this problem, you should start pruning some of the unwanted and overgrown branches from the plant.
You can do this by yourself with a sharp pair of pruning shears.
Do not cut too much as it will weaken the plant.
Just focus on removing the dead and damaged branches.
Also, you can take this opportunity to shape the plant the way you want it to look.
You may perform this task at the beginning of the growing season, so the plant has enough time to recover before winter.
Moreover, pruning will also help improve the plant's future growth.
So, do consider this method if your Jade plant cannot support itself.
3. Use A Larger Pot
Since the Jade plant is getting bigger, it might be time to replant it in a larger pot.
The roots of the plant need some room to grow, and a larger pot will provide the plant with the space it needs.
It will also help the plant stay upright as the additional soil will provide more support.
When replanting, you should use a pot that is only a few inches larger than the current one.
A pot that is too big will make it difficult for the plant to get the nutrients it needs.
Using a pot with drainage holes is also essential to prevent waterlogging.
In case your plant is still not standing upright after replanting, you can try adding a support stake.
4. Add More Soil To The Pot
If you don't want to replant the Jade plant in a larger pot, another option is to add more soil to the current pot.
You can do this by adding a layer of fresh potting mix on top of the existing soil.
This will help provide more support to the plant.
If you want, you can also mix some fertilizers into the potting mix to give the plant a boost.
Note: It is essential to use a light and well-draining potting mix for this purpose.
You don't want the plant to sit in waterlogged soil as it will lead to root rot.
5. Move The Jade Plant To A Sunnier Location
Lack of sunlight is one of the reasons why your Jade plant might be leaning over.
Jade plants need at least 4-6 hours of sunlight every day.
So, if you keep your Jade plant in a shaded place, it will try to reach out for the sun by producing more branches at the top.
And ultimately, the plant will become top-heavy and start to fall over.
So, to fix this problem, you should move your plant to a sunnier location.
You can also place it near a south-facing window.
Having said that, there is no need to place it in direct sunlight.
6. Dispose Of The Jade Plant If Necessary
It might sound a bit harsh, but sometimes the best solution is to simply get rid of the plant.
This is usually the case when the plant is too big and unmanageable or has reached the end of its life.
If you have tried all the methods mentioned above and nothing seems to work, you can consider disposing of the plant.
Before doing so, you can try giving it away to someone willing to take care of it.
And that's not all.
You can also prune some of the branches and try to propagate them.
This way, you can still keep the plant alive in some form.
However, in most cases, you will not have to dispose of the plant.
You can always find some workarounds to keep growing and supporting the existing Jade plant.
In the next section, I have shared some tips on the pruning method.
So, if you are interested in knowing more about it, read on.
5 Things To Remember When Pruning Your Jade Plant
Although pruning is quite an essential task, you should do it with utmost care.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while pruning your leggy Jade plant -
1. Avoid Over-Pruning
As you know, pruning can greatly benefit your Jade plant in this situation.
But that doesn't mean you should overdo it.
Pruning too much can do more harm than good.
It can stunt the plant's growth and make it even leggier.
So, it is essential to find the right balance.
You should only prune the plant when necessary and in moderation.
2. Cut The Branches At The Right Angle
This is more important if you grow your Jade plant near a window or garden.
When you prune the branches, you should cut them at a 45-degree angle.
This will help the plant to absorb more sunlight and encourage new growth.
It will also reduce the chances of waterlogging and prevent the plant from getting any fungus growth.
3. Use Sharp And Clean Shears
Many times we perform the pruning task with whatever tools we have at hand.
But this is not the right way to do it.
Use sharp and clean shears or scissors to prune the plant.
This will help you make clean cuts and prevent the plant from getting any infection.
4. Don't Leave Any Stubs Behind
That's right!
When pruning the Jade plant, you shouldn't leave any stubs behind.
This is because the stubs can act as a barrier to new growth.
They can also make the plant more susceptible to different issues.
So, it is essential to cut the branches in the right place.
5. Inspect The Plant Regularly
Once you have successfully performed the pruning task, you should inspect the plant regularly.
This will help you identify any issues at an early stage and take corrective measures accordingly.
If you have followed all the tips mentioned above, I am sure your Jade plant will start to look better in no time.
FAQs
Staking is the most common method to keep a Jade plant upright. You can also add some soil to the pot to make it sturdy and prevent it from tipping over.
It's likely because your Jade plant is top-heavy. It's a sign of overgrowth and indicates that the plant needs to be pruned.
Ideally, you should water your Jade plant once a week. However, the frequency may vary depending on the season and the size of the plant. You should adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
No, Jade plants don't need any support. But if you notice that the plant is starting to lean or fall over, you can take some measures to prevent it.
If your Jade plant freezes, you should immediately move it to a warmer place. You can also cover the plant with a blanket or cloth to protect it from the cold weather. It should help the plant to recover within a few days.
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