Can a Jade Plant be Straightened to Grow Upright?

Light

• Light is vital to jade plants in order to enable them to support the weight of their own foliage. Provide your plants a source of direct light or high levels of bright, indirect light for at least 4 hours each day. Plants exposed to proper light conditions also perform better in high temperatures.

Warnings

• When you move your jade plants, they'll have to become accustomed to conditions in the new location, and their foliage may fade, yellow or scald. Plants moved to a location with more light may lose water more quickly, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Variegated jade plants require less-intense sunlight than regular jades.

Considerations

• Once jade plants lose their ability to support themselves, their condition may not improve, even if you move them to a spot with better light. The North Dakota State University Extension suggests giving drooping plants 6 to 8 weeks to improve in a new spot with better lighting conditions. Providing additional support for the plants while they recover isn't necessary.

Conditions

• Jade plants that begin to lose leaves, have branches fall away or turn green, break at the base of their stems or list to one side are usually under stress due to being kept under improper conditions. Check the light and temperature levels around your plants, and revamp your watering schedule. The North Dakota State University Extension recommends placing your plants in a location where the temperature remains consistent and above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and where the plants receive adequate light.

Disease

• Jade plants troubled by disease may lose the ability to self-support. Bacterial soft rot can cause jade plants to collapse. Soft rot and root and stem rots are usually due in part to overwatering. The North Dakota State University Extension recommends soaking the soil when you water your plants, then waiting until two-thirds of the soil is dry before watering again. Remove and dispose of plants infected with bacterial soft rot.

Cuttings

• You can prune away unattractive growth from your jade plants. Jade cuttings easily propagate, providing you with a wealth of plants. Allow the cuttings to dry and cure, then place them in a rooting medium, or create slips, allowing the cuttings to root in water.