How to Clone a Jade Tree

Overview

With its woody trunk and interesting branches, the jade tree resembles a bonsai or miniaturized version of a large tree. A specimen makes a dramatic accent in decor and you might decide you'd like a clone. By creating a new plant from the growth of the existing jade, you will get a genetically identical copy. Clone a jade plant in the spring or summer, when the original jade plant is growing.

Step 1

Clean the shears or knife.

Step 2

Cut off a healthy stem section about 2 to 4 inches long. Place the cut so that no stub remains, making it just above a leaf or flush with the branch from which a stem grew. The cutting should include 3 to 4 leaves.

Step 3

Let the cutting dry until the cut has hardened over a bit. This could take several days to a couple weeks, depending on the size of the cutting.

Step 4

Shovel the sand, vermiculite or potting soil into the pot.

Step 5

Plant the cutting into the growing medium. Push the cutting just far enough into the medium so that it stands up on its own.

Step 6

Mist the growing medium so it is barely damp.

Step 7

Check the soil every day, misting if necessary to keep it damp.

Step 8

Add more water gradually as the cutting becomes established. It will take about a month for the cutting to root.

Step 9

Continue to increase water as necessary as the jade goes from cutting to new plant. Keep the soil moist, not wet.

Step 10

Re-pot into a permanent container filled with potting soil after the cutting is well-established if you used sand or vermiculite.