How to Prune the branches and leaves of a Lucky Money Tree for a Nice Look
In comparison with the common green plant cultivation content about how to prune the branches and leaves of a Lucky Money Tree to make it look nice and the pruning methods with illustrations, the following details are provided:
The Lucky Money Tree, known as Guang Gua Li in Chinese, is a common indoor foliage plant in China. Potted plants always have thick branches and broad, green leaves. Small potted plants have few leaves and generally do not need pruning, while large potted plants have lush foliage but can be too dense or messy, requiring proper pruning. Let me tell you how to prune the branches and leaves of a Lucky Money Tree.
I. Pruning Time
It is best to prune the Lucky Money Tree in spring or autumn. The warm environment of March to May in spring is most suitable for pruning, as it allows sufficient nutrients to be supplied to the new buds after pruning, promoting stronger growth of new branches and broader, greener leaves.
II. Pruning Methods
1. Prepare Tools
Prepare a special gardening shear for pruning thick branches. The gardening shear is sharp and sturdy, leaving a smaller cut surface and a smoother surface after pruning, which is beneficial for the wound to remain healthy and heal quickly. Also, prepare a pair of gloves to ensure that your hands are not scratched or hurt by the branches or the shear.
2. Method
Remove all the leaves of the Lucky Money Tree, leaving 3 or 4 tender buds on the healthy branches, or cut the strong branches to about 10 centimeters in length.
3. Operation
Remove all the leaves, which refers to the palmate compound leaves of the Lucky Money Tree, including several oblong small leaves and the petioles at the base of the leaves, while keeping the new buds. Also, prune the old and diseased branches and the yellowing branches. If the plant grows well with dense foliage, prune the weak branches and leaves.
III. Pinching the Top of a Small Lucky Money Tree
For small potted Lucky Money Trees, if you want to maintain a good plant shape and dwarf the plant, pinch the top when the main stem is relatively tall, cutting off 2 to 3 centimeters of the top.
IV. Precautions
1. Before Pruning
A month before pruning, provide sufficient fertilizer, such as a thin application of a liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen elements, and maintain a good growing environment to improve the plant's growth and help the pruned plant have enough nutrients to grow new branches and leaves.
2. After Pruning
After pruning, disinfect and sterilize the wounds. The wounds should not get wet and watering should be temporarily reduced. The plant should grow new branches and leaves within about 30 days after pruning.
The above information about how to prune the branches and leaves of a Lucky Money Tree for a nice look and the pruning methods with illustrations are provided for your reference and operation.