Native to South Africa, dwarf jade plants, also known as Portulacaria afra, have become a popular choice for bonsai enthusiasts in recent years, not least because the species is said to bring luck ...

Growers often train branches to grow into desired shapes by wrapping them first with protective raffia, then with bonsai wire ...

As it ages, the jade plant can develop a thick trunk, giving it a bonsai-like look that adds more charm. This long life makes it a great choice to pass down through families as a sign of ...

And when you know how to prune a jade plant, you can keep it shaped and compact, almost like a bonsai. Otherwise, your plant can get top-heavy, growing leggy branches that bend and sometimes break.

Translated to “plant in a tray,” bonsai is understandably intimidating ... consider both your climate and experience level. Chinese elm, jade, Japanese maple and juniper are popular beginner ...