How do I turn my jade plant into a bonsai tree?

Hi Christy, I found these videos that might help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D56cdX9n9uM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xlzO-XnDI0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eABz2Gy8-LQ

Best of luck, it sounds like an awesome thing to do

you need to start by pinching/trimming off tips so it becomes & remains more compact. https://www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/jade-tree another https://www.bonsaitreegardener.net/bonsai-trees/species/jade more info. Pruning:

The Jade is a slow growing tree that can take up to 20 years to reach three feet tall. To encourage stronger growth near the bottom, new growth needs to be pinched back. This is one species that does well with trunk reduction. Wounds heal quickly within 1-2 weeks. Make cuts flush not concave, when removing twigs or branches. Deep cuts will leave unwanted scars. Cuts do not need to be sealed. ALLOW THE SOIL TO DRY BEFORE REMOVING HEAVY ROOTS OR BRANCHES.

Wiring:

Good wiring techniques are used to train Bonsai trees into different shapes and styles. Use the thinnest training wire that will hold the branch in the desired position. DO NOT WIRE A BONSAI JUST AFTER REPOTTING. Wind the training wire in the direction the branch is bent in order to keep the wire from loosening. Wrapping the wire too tightly will cause scarring. Wrap just tight enough to get the job done. Begin at the base of the Bonsai tree and slowly wrap the wire around the trunk to anchor. Continue along the branch you wish to train. Repeat the process as needed. Jade respond quickly to wiring, often within 3 weeks. After about 3-6 weeks, the branch should be able to maintain the shape on it’s own, and the wire can be removed. Cut the wire carefully from the branch. DO NOT UNWIND WIRES. This could cause the branch to break.

Turning your jade plant into a bonsai sounds like a cool project!

If it's getting a bit lopsided, maybe consider pruning and shaping those heavy branches to give it that bonsai charm. I've heard that creating a bonsai is part art, part science!

For some guidance and tips on transforming your jade into a bonsai masterpiece, you might want to check out https://bonsaiforbeginners.com/. They seem to have a lot of info for beginners.

Let them grow. Pinch out the branches you don't want (Use the larger ones as cuttings).

Hi Christy, hope this helps you. Some super instruction

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/jade-bonsai-tree-guide