Question
I have a jade tree that I have had for approx. 12 years.  It is now in a large pot that has to be watered from the bottom.  It is not in cactus or sandy soil.  The branches have begun to grow downward and I have quite a few that touch the floor.  It is not bushy at all, just mostly leggy.
There is new growth and doesn't seem to be any pests or problems with the leaves.  The biggest problem that I have (besides the branches touching the floor) is a cat that likes to bat at the leaves, knocking the off and playing with them.  I also have 2 children (ages 1 and 2)that like to pull the leaves off.  Can I cut the plant down so that it is just inside the pot and not hanging down so far?  Can I save part of the cuttings to propigate new plants?

Answer
Kate,

Yes, you can cut it back and use the cuttings to propagate new plants by using rooting hormone and starting them in new post of soil. They should root in 6 weeks or less. I feel it is floppy because it is not receiving either enough water or enough sun or both. Jades are sun worshippers. Move it to the sunniest location in the house and water it at least once a week or so. Mine is outdoors for the summer on the east side so it gets sun all morning and it gets watered every 2-3 days. In the winter it sits in an east window with no drapes, curtains or mini-blinds. What size pot is it in and why can you only water it from the bottom? I don't understand. Jade plants like to be rootbound, it might be better off in a smaller pot. Try the pruning and propagating and moving it to a sunnier location. If you have more questions feel free to ask. Good luck.

Darlene