The jade plant, or Crassula ovata, is a favorite succulent because it’s attractive and simple to look after. Apart from being a standard houseplant, you can make a magnificent topiary from it if you put in a bit of imagination and time. With jade plant topiary ideas, you can create your plant into attractive shapes such as spirals, balls, or bonsai forms. Indoor and outdoor areas are made prettier by these living sculptures, which also make your space more elegant and harmonious. In this post, we’ll share great topiary ideas for jade plants and show you how to make them.

Elegant jade plant topiary adding charm to indoor garden spaces

Why Choose Jade Plant for Topiary?

Topiary means forming plants into different designs for decorative purposes. For this reason, the jade plant is best suited.

There is a strong and woody structure to its stem.

You can shape and prune your tree with little effort.

A gaunt beard grows gradually, so it retains its shape.

It does well in dry weather and is well suited to growing indoors.

A jade topiary introduces style to any home or balcony and works well where there is not a lot of room.

Popular Jade Plant Topiary Ideas

If you are not sure where to begin, follow these jade plant topiary ideas; you can start at home:

1. A single ball structure on a plant.

Rock gardens are first and foremost built in this classic style. Cut your jade plant once to get a rounded ball ballooning from the central stem. The design is attractive and works well for either your side table or your entryway.

You may also refer to these as jade plant pruning and indoor succulent display.

2. Double or Triple Ball Topiary

If you want something that really stands out, read on. Give your jade time to grow and form its layers into two or three rounds. As a result, your garden has a formal, tiered look.

For easy growth, put a wooden stick behind the main stem to provide extra support.

Another term for this is tall jade topiary, and it often features succulents for garden decor.

3. The topiary is available in a spiral shape.

While it’s more laborious, this process is worth the effort. Wrap the main part of the plant around a pole or fence, then prune the leaves to grow around the spiral.

Other ways to say it: using creative shapes, making a spiral topiary

4. Bonsai-Style Topiary

Train your jade so it can transform into a small bonsai tree. You can bring peace and nature to your zen garden or balcony by combining bonsai and topiary in this idea.

Jade bonsai care also comes up when talking about gardening in small spaces or on balconies, as it falls into the category of balcony garden plants.

5. Animal-Shaped Topiary

Feeling artistic? Make your jade plant look like a small bunny or bird. You’ll need to make wireframes for this, but it makes for a well-formed project for fans of plants.

Pair of jade plants styled together for a balanced, artistic look

How to Shape a Jade Plant for Topiary

If you take these simple steps, it’s not hard to shape your jade plant:

: Pick a Good Plant try using a jade plant that is over 1–2 years old. You should get a bushy plant that does not bend or easily break.

: Choose which jade plant topiary idea you want to follow.

: Use sharp and clean scissors to cut the branches you’re removing. Make your cuts above the leaf node to get nice branching.

: For twisted or tall designs, stick or wire skewers into the dough to help the dough keep its shape.

: Your jade plant will not change much during the first few months. Prune your bush or tree every three months or so to retain its shape.

For more tips on growing healthy plants, check out our blog on low-maintenance plants.

Jade Plant Care After Topiary

Following shaping, your jade plant should get some special care for a great and healthy appearance.

Put your plant where it will receive bright, but indirect, sunlight. You should have a window that faces towards the southeast for best results.

Water your plants when all the soil is dry. If you overwater your plants, root rot is a possibility.

Make sure you use a succulent or cactus mix for growing succulents.

During the spring and summer, offer your plant monthly fertilizer made for succulents.

Pick a pot with holes at the bottom so water does not collect inside.

Learn more about jade plant care from the University of Illinois Extension.

Group of five jade bonsai creating a stunning miniature forest display

Displaying Your Jade Topiary

When your plant has been shaped, you can let everyone admire it. Take a look at these basic ways to present your learning:

Plant it on your balcony as part of your herb garden.

You can use a little ball topiary at your desk to add color to your office space.

A tiered topiary is a lovely green piece for the corner of your living room.

Place two jade spirals on each side to help people feel welcome as they arrive at your garden.

Why Jade Plant Topiary Is a Great DIY Project

Jade plant topiaries are fun to create and are an easy project for all levels of gardeners. You can give shapes to your jade plant by mixing creativity with gardening skills, making spirals, balls, or bonsai trees. Because its stem is tough and it grows slowly, the jade plant is perfect for shaping and pruning. Being simple, you don’t have to worry much about maintaining it when you are busy. As well as its attractive look, the jade plant is thought to bring good fortune and uplifting moods. A good topiary brings style and green vegetation to your home garden, either inside or out on the balcony.

Final Thoughts

Lovers of indoor plants and creative gardening will enjoy the fun and results that come from these jade plant topiary ideas. If you keep pruning your jade plant every now and then, it will become the main attraction in your indoor space or on your balcony.

We’re always ready to help you along your gardening path with useful and inspiring advice at Shanti Creations. We provide help no matter if you grow your own veggies, work on your lawn and garden, or try shaping up your succulents.

You can also explore other succulent topiary designs on Better Homes & Gardens.