---
title: "My jade plant is growing upper sideways and the leaves are softer…"
description: "My jade plant is growing upper sideways and the leaves are softer than I’d like. Anything I’m doing wrong? It doesn’t look very happy right now. It’s under a…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/UP9yZ4BhvZryCClXEkJTqi"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "MegDawg"
published: "2026-01-30T21:33:58.858751Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/NPj4eng8xCMtSQpf6gxkkboskVINYv_tFh9J_o1b4jw/X7DYRF8DRXCAZq69qBZNDw.webp?size=large"
---

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# My jade plant is growing upper sideways and the leaves are softer…

_Posted by MegDawg on 2026-01-30_

My jade plant is growing upper sideways and the leaves are softer than I’d like. Anything I’m doing wrong? It doesn’t look very happy right now. It’s under a grow light and I don’t water it too too often, only when it needs it. This app said about once a month.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/NPj4eng8xCMtSQpf6gxkkboskVINYv_tFh9J_o1b4jw/X7DYRF8DRXCAZq69qBZNDw.webp?size=large)

## 10 comments

### Springvision commented on 2026-01-30

It's hard to tell but in the picture the soil looks very dense.

#### MegDawg replied on 2026-01-31

It is I was hoping the water would counteract it should I mix it up a bit?

#### Springvision replied on 2026-01-31

Yes, I would definitely put it in some soil that has orchid bark and perlite with the potting mix. 1/3 each is what I use.

### Marie commented on 2026-01-31

It looks a little etiolated. Give it more light if you can.

#### MegDawg replied on 2026-01-31

I just put it under the grow light after being in a window with little sun, so hopefully that’ll get better

### Dondoo52 commented on 2026-01-31

In order to strengthen your stem to become more trunk like, you have to prune/prop your plant. That also keeps it from getting so top heavy. For the longest time I avoided this and then I had one topple over. I watched several Jade care videos on YouTube and my plants have been great since. This is a pic of a few props from my original Jade to show how thick the stems can get which makes them sturdier. The ones in the soil were from leaves that broke during the fall.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/0yu1hcgdvrpbEzNfd-P-aauuwlVhDLE4RlHG4Kt0X1k/LKlYRzuFSb-M5NNSM-DHvw.webp?size=large)

#### MegDawg replied on 2026-01-31

Do you think the soil is too compacted?

### Dondoo52 commented on 2026-01-31

You could also use supports to help it stay in place until it gets stronger. I have used craft sticks and Velcro ties to help mine straighten up.

### StapeliaSaidWhat commented on 2026-01-31

Hey hey! I’ll include a photo of my 10 year old crusty jade. Pruned her into a single trunk, tree-like jade. Is your soil a fast-draining succulent/cactus soil? If so, compactness shouldn’t be an issue. Ask the internet to show you jades in their native habitat! You can grow these however you like as long as they get some light and you don’t overwater. Looks like you have a healthy plant there! Like some other community members said, you can prune this or support the leaners. Have fun!

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YP0VuzIJT5_F9oHUr5eOaAFUv5oaber_tggAGfg98yo/3nV_O8JpRFKu_Pv8BtBFqQ.webp?size=large)

#### MegDawg replied on 2026-01-31

This is so nice thank you so so much!!! I’ll do some research

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