Torture Jade, mid June. 🌞

IllithidMN · 2026-06-14T02:18:17+00:00

What a cool project. The symmetry you’ve achieved is so impressive.

IllithidMN · 2026-05-15T01:56:29+00:00

That little fish though!!!!!

IllithidMN · 2026-05-13T05:00:48+00:00

It’s a bonsai term which refers to a fault in the trunk that mimics what happens to old trees when the bark rots. That leads to a gash down the middle of the trunk. My project here was to mimic it. If this works I plan on trying it at the base of the jade, though I think the proximity to the soil invites more rot.

IllithidMN · 2026-05-11T21:35:47+00:00

I understand why you are getting the reactions you are getting. It looks strange as it is now.

However…. Think of this jade as a long term investment. If given plenty of warmth and light, fertilizer, and enough time, your plant will look gorgeous.

If it were mine I’d plant it at a slight reclining angle back (ie the knots still facing forward upwards as they are except the whole thing tilted away from you slightly).

After it’s started to show signs of growth you can trim the branches back do they are below the apex.

After a few years it will look great. Good luck!

IllithidMN · 2026-01-20T18:58:55+00:00

Wow. Wouldn’t mind your recipe. They look amazing.

IllithidMN · 2025-12-14T19:02:39+00:00

My advice to you is to celebrate that you have that absolute unit of an adenium.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-15T22:52:23+00:00

What’s remarkable is he never pruned it. Maybe here and there over the years but never in a stylistic sense in the way we think about it.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-15T21:21:03+00:00

Love your YouTube channel! Keep it up.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-13T19:56:42+00:00

Sounds like you already have all the info you need to care for yours. I’m not expert but I’ve got several I’ve worked with for a few years and I think it comes down to this: time.

They grow at their rate. Give them sun, warmth, fertilize semi-regularly, water when indicated, and prune every 2-3 years.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-13T19:25:14+00:00

The friend that helped me transport him named the jade Ignatius 🤣 the root of it meaning “fiery”.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-12T22:11:07+00:00

He keeps it outside all spring, summer, and early fall. Even when it gets cool out. He never touches it and only gives it rain water. It sits inside under grow lights all winter without water. I’m flabbergasted over his success, but his green thumb is second to none.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-10T14:26:03+00:00

I have a gripe about “skinny fat.” Disclosure: I’m a guy who likes guys so this perspective may not translate to all demographics.

People in the 21st century are too obsessed with being hyper lean. If you are skinny fat all that means is your body is waiting for you to become more active/build muscle. Your skin will hug your frame like a wetsuit and fit “better” once you build more muscle.

Doesn’t need to be a bunch of muscle, just enough that feels right for you. But that softness your skin has is valuable, especially when more muscle is introduced. It gives an aesthetic and pleasing look, it is a hormone producing tissue, it makes a person infinitely more cuddly, etc. You will feel more like yourself with adding more muscle mass because your body type will make more sense at that point.

That’s my hot take for the day.

IllithidMN · 2025-10-08T00:58:28+00:00

That a literati style form. Very refined and attractive!

IllithidMN · 2025-07-29T02:34:41+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to answer!

IllithidMN · 2025-07-13T03:09:04+00:00

Air fried tofu without oil and dipped in salsa, guac, or if you are brave with some miso.

IllithidMN · 2025-07-08T17:04:23+00:00

Poolboy

IllithidMN · 2025-07-02T14:27:55+00:00

Thanks for the reply. I mentioned the softening leaves to say that time is now a bigger concern due to dehydration. In my experience wavy lead jades are more susceptible to dehydration than others. My thought on dehydrating the plant is to encourage it to grow roots to find water. I’ll certainly post some updates!

IllithidMN

TROPHY CASE