Jade makes one of the most forgiving bonsai subjects around, its thick, water-storing trunk and stems tolerating the occasional missed watering far better than traditional bonsai species.
Trained into a miniature tree form through selective pruning and wiring, jade bonsai rewards patience with a naturally aged, sculptural look, developing a thick, gnarled trunk over years of careful shaping.
Jade bonsai wants bright light and a fast-draining succulent or bonsai soil mix, watered thoroughly and then allowed to dry out before watering again. Regular pruning of new growth encourages a thicker trunk and denser branching, the hallmark of a well-shaped bonsai over time.
Because jade is a succulent, it's much more forgiving of underwatering than overwatering — when in doubt, wait a few extra days rather than watering again too soon.
