Most people can instantly recognise a jade plant. In fact, even if they’re a non-gardener and they have a complete disdain for anything that grows you will invariably find one plonked in their…ok, we’ll use the word ‘garden’ – but in an extremely liberal sense.

Often identified as the ‘money plant’, ‘money tree’ or the ‘dollar tree’, the common name Jade can refer to two different genus of plants – Crassulas are the most familiar but Portulacaria afra is also tossed into the same pot.

And while there seems to be some reputation crisis going on over at GardenWeb’s Bonsai forums, Dwarf Jade (whether you’re referring to C.argentea or P.afra) can both be shaped as bonsai plants.

The difference is that Portulacaria afra is much better suited to being a bonsai because its leaves almost seem miniature. Crassula argentea “Hobbit” has a dwarf growing habit and can also be bonsai’d but not with the same stunning effect.

I’ve never been a fan of the Jade plant in any of its forms, mainly because they grow anywhere and novices seem to love them. But a Jade bonsai has real potential. It obviously takes some effort to grow these well shaping their growing habit as any bonsai would require.

If you plan to try one of these check out some tips on choosing good quality stock, the right pot and other requirements for creating a jade bonsai. The principles for bonsai are always the same regardless of the plant.