Splitting a Jade (cont)

by Andrew S.
(Ithaca, NY)

Okay, this is what remains of the small Jade plant that my friend bought me.

I took your advice and rinsed the plant, removed the majority of soil so that I could split it apart.

They are quite wet now, but they are separate. So now, just let them air out for a few days and then plant them? Followed by letting them sit for a week or two before getting any water?

I'm happy that I am feeling more confident in my ability to do this and not worrying so much about killing the plant.


Drought Smart Plants reply:
You're fine! It looks like the grower planted several cuttings all in the center of the pot to make a fuller plant, so each one of the little plants will make a great individual plant now that you've separated them.

Your confidence is not leading you wrong! You have the exact right method. The trick to being a good horticulturist is that you go for it, and keep close watch on the results. Each situation is slightly different and can be as subtle as what the ambient temperature and humidity in the area that you use for propagation. I'm a big believer in providing as much light as possible to newly rooting or recovering plants (not sunlight though) as light is where plants get the sugars to grow. Weird concept, I know!

Your little plants will make spectacular plants, in a couple of years. They are already bushing out with more branches, so these would be good candidates for Crassula bonsai...I can hardly wait!