plant-pruning

Pruning leaves helps your plants thrive

Plants in the interiorscape can live long healthy lives when they are maintained properly. In addition to basic maintenance procedures, plants will last longer and keep their youthful shape when the technician uses pinching plant pruning techniques. Dead branches, thinning canes and bare trunks can all be changed with time.

Pinching

Many plants look full and bushy when installed, but get thin with age. Pinching can be used to control the plant’s height and width. This process involves removing the growing stem tip of a plant.

Pinching is done with the forefinger and thumb or with a small pair of scissors or clippers. Pinch off the growing tip slightly above a node, being careful not to harm the lower leaves or buds. Auxiliary buds on the lower nodes will not develop into stems and branches. Plant pruning is a better solution to refolliating and shaping older, thinner plant material.

Teaching an old plant new tricks

A plant technician controls the shape and fullness of the plant by using selective pruning techniques. The procedure is simple.

1. Decide on the overall shape that you wish the plant to have. Cut the main stem to make the plant more compact and bushy, or remove side branches to open up a plant and give it a more graceful look.

2. Make a cut with sharp scissors or pruners above a node on the limb to be removed.

3. Selectively cut branches to force new growth in the direction you want the plant to grow. Remember to cut further back on the stem to allow the new growth to fill in naturally.

Pruning for refoliation and shaping of an older plant is performed at the beginning of the plant’s growth period, usually around early spring. With proper maintenance and carefully timed pinching and pruning, plants will age gracefully and retain their fullness in the interiorscape.

 

Want to hire an expert to do your pruning for you? Plantopia’s technicians are well trained and experienced in the art of pruning. Contact Plantopia today for all your plant pruning needs!