Is it okay to trim a succulent?

by Stacy Paris
(West Columbia, SC)

I have had these two gems for a while. The shorter one I believe to be an Aloe nobilis that has suddenly grown tall leaves. I've had that one about a year.

The taller "jade" I've had two years and it doesn't seem to be doing very well all of the sudden. It has gotten tall, dropped a leaf recently and almost outgrown its seedling sized pot. The climate in South Carolina is very mild and these babies are in my office.

I water them with filtered water when they get bone dry. I am wondering if 1)they need some natural light 2)They need to be trimmed (and if so, how/when do I do that?) 3)If they need to be repotted (and again, how).

These were gifts from a sweet family that had no idea I have no horticulture knowledge or leanings whatsoever. I am utterly amazed that they have lived this long and do not want to kill them off. Please help.