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My very large and old Crassula has been allowed to grow out of control. My question is: will it still shoot from trunks that have been pruned back so much that the leaves have been removed? I know that deciduous trees can be shortened and will still shoot, while conifers need foliage to draw the sap, but what about succulents?

chosenman,

This should not be a problem for a healthy Jade plant. Every few years I cut mine back hard and they always respond well.

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If you examine the branches carefully you can prune to (just above) a node that will give you a specific result. Jades grow leaves/branches in opposite pairs that alternate. By choosing the proper spot to prune you can favor new shoots that grow inside and outside, in which case you would probably want to remove the inner shoot. This will help to open the structure up. Or you can prune to a node that will branch left and right in order to increase ramification.

BTW, the cuttings root very easily, even substantial branches.

Norm

Thanks Norm, seeing your 2nd picture has reassured me a lot. I'll add a picture to this post after pruning.

This now, before a trim and repot.

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