Wait, don’t get your pruners yet! We’re going to give you smart tricks to encourage new growth on your jade plant without pruning!
So, your jade plant has been refusing to grow, and you decided to use the pruning shears. But hold on! Drastic pruning may not give you the results you wish for anyway! In fact, it can end up damaging your plant. What you should do instead is check out these steps to encourage new growth on your jade without pruning.
How To Encourage New Growth on Your Jade Plant Without Pruning
1. They Want a Well-lit Spot
Jade plants are easygoing, but don’t be fooled—they don’t like dark corners. They may survive in low light, but they won’t thrive or grow much.
Place them where they get at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight, preferably near a south- or west-facing window. A couple of hours of morning sun is great—but avoid the harsh afternoon rays that can scorch the leaves.
Spotting red edges on the leaves? That’s a happy sign—it means your jade is getting enough light. Seeing stretchy, leggy growth? Rotate the pot regularly so all sides grow evenly.
2. Water Like a Pro
Jade stores water in its leaves, so overwatering is a huge NO-NO. Always check the soil first.
Stick a finger an inch deep—if it’s dry, it’s time to water. During spring and summer, water every 2–3 weeks. In fall and winter, cut back to once a month.
Soak the soil thoroughly, then wait. Let it dry completely before the next round. Too much water can risk root rot. On the other hand, too little water can cause shriveled leaves and stunt development.
Pro tip: You can use a succulent or cactus mix—it drains fast and helps prevent soggy roots.
3. Choose the Right Pot
Your pot can make or break growth. First, make sure it has good drainage holes—non-negotiable!
For average plants, a 4 to 6-inch pot works well. If you have a tall jade, then pick a pot with a wide, heavy base so it doesn’t tip over.
Go for unglazed clay pots—they let excess moisture evaporate, which helps roots breathe. Avoid plastic pots unless you’ve mastered watering—they hold water too long and can cause rot.
4. Feed Your Jade Plant!
Usually, succulents do not ask for much food. But if your jade plant has not been showing any new growth, a fertilizer can work wonders!
For young plants, use a balanced liquid fertilizer or one with less nitrogen to promote size, not just foliage.
For mature plants, go with a diluted 20-20-20 mix—use only one-quarter strength at the start of the growing season. Controlled-release fertilizer also works great, or you can feed weekly with a weaker liquid option.
Avoid feeding in fall or winter—this is their nap time. Too much fertilizer now can hurt the roots.
5. Trim or Pinch off Dead Growth
You don’t need a full-blown haircut. Just pinch or snip off dead, dry, or shriveled leaves and stems.
This simple step redirects energy to new shoots instead of wasting it on dying parts.
Simply use your fingers or clean scissors to gently remove the bad bits. Plus, it lets more light reach the inner stems, which boosts overall growth.
Do this regularly during the growing season to keep the momentum going.
6. Monitor and Get Rid of Pests
Sometimes, your jade plant isn’t lazy—it’s under attack. Pests like mealybugs, scale, or spider mites can secretly sap your plant’s energy.
Check under leaves and around stems for cotton-like fuzz or tiny webs. Don’t reach for insecticides—jade plants are sensitive.
Instead, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to wipe pests away. Repeat after a few days to catch the sneaky ones that come back.
Also, isolate the plant while treating—it keeps the rest of your plant gang safe.
All of these tips may sound like they are nothing new, but you may have been missing some of these, due to which your jade plant has not been faring so well. Try them out and let us know how well your jade grows in the comments below!
