How to Trim the Root Ball of a Large Jade

Lay the potbound jade's container on its side. Support the jade plant by holding your palm against the soil with the trunk between your second and third fingers. Slide the plant carefully from the container. If the plant is so root bound that you can't get it out of the pot, tap the side of the pot to loosen the roots.

Trim the root ball by using a garden knife or an old chef's knife to slice off a layer of soil -- cutting from the top of the root ball to the bottom -- around the entire perimeter of the root ball. How much soil and roots to trim off depends on the size of the plant and the severity of the problem. For a large plant with severely packed roots, a more drastic pruning of up to 2 inches around the perimeter may be in order, though 1/2 inch is common for slightly potbound plants.

Loosen the roots with your fingers, a stick or a hand cultivator to encourage the roots to grow into the soil. If you notice long, straggly roots, cut them back with pruning shears. If allowed to continue growing, long roots grow around the root ball and strangle the plant.

Return the plant to its pot. If the roots were badly compacted and the old pot is a tight fit, move the plant to a container one size larger so the roots aren't cramped. First, put enough potting mixture in the bottom of the pot to bring the top of the root ball to about 1 inch below the rim of the container. Use a good quality potting mixture formulated for succulents and cactus.

Use your fingers or a stick to pack the soil firmly around the root ball.

Water the jade lightly. Don't fertilize the plant for about a month, because a newly trimmed plant doesn't absorb water or fertilizer efficiently.