Overview
Dwarf Jade Bonsai (Portulacaria afra / Crassula ovata) is a succulent bonsai with small fleshy leaves, a chunky trunk and excellent drought tolerance. It is best suited to beginners, small indoor bonsai, clip-and-grow training and informal styles. For UK growers, treat it as: Indoor in the UK, summer outdoors above cool night temperatures.
Placement
bright window light, ideally with several hours of sun; weak light causes long leggy growth
Watering
let the soil dry more than normal bonsai before watering; water sparingly in winter
Feeding and fertilising
light feeding in the warm growing season is enough
Pruning and wiring
clip back long shoots to encourage compact pads; branches are brittle so wire gently or shape mainly by pruning
Repotting
repot only when needed, usually every 3-4 years, into very free-draining soil
Propagation
stem cuttings root easily after the cut end has dried for a short period
Pests, diseases and common issues
rot from overwatering, weak stretched shoots in low light, mealybug