Attila

Hi Chris,

There is only one thing that can kill these plants: overwatering.
It will cause root rot before you even notice any change above the surface.

So, you must have a totally freely draining soil (pumice, bark, coarse sand should constitute most of it). You should let the soil ALMOST dry out between watering during the growing season and COMPLETETELY dry out between watering during winter.

I got three plants four years ago, and by the time I figured out how to care for them I was left with one (to the present day).
The one left is doing great now.

The other two died when I planted them into the ground during summer and watered them normally like the rest of my trees. You can't mix these with the rest of the temperate trees.

As far as pruning, they can take heavy pruning during the growing season (think jade plant). I wouldn't do heavy pruning in the winter since when they don't grow they are slow to heal.


Regards,
Attila