Snip with one cut
Are you envious of the lush, full clusters of succulents in others' gardens, wishing to create a flower ball with seven heads? In fact, mastering key pruning techniques, such as pinching the center and cutting the top, can transform a single succulent plant into a magnificent specimen. This article explains four core pruning techniques to help you create an astonishing succulent landscape.
Core Pruning Techniques for Succulent Shaping
Pinching the Center to Control Height and Promote Branching
For varieties like观音莲 (Guanyinlian) and Bear's Breeches that exhibit excessive leggy growth, pinching the center is the most effective shaping method. By removing the terminal growing point, it breaks the apical dominance and stimulates the growth of lateral buds. It is recommended to disinfect the forceps with alcohol before operation, and to remove the central leaves layer by layer from the inside out, leaving 3-4 layers of healthy leaves for photosynthesis.
Postoperative care should note: ① Keep the cut dry to avoid infection ② Place it in a well-ventilated area with scattered light ③ Control the watering frequency. Tests have shown that new buds can be seen 7-10 days after correct pinching, with an average of 3-5 lateral buds per plant.
Shaping Pruning to Create a Framework
Fast-growing varieties like Jade Tree and Golden Branch Jade need regular shaping pruning. The best time is before spring germination. Based on the shaping needs, such as cliff or jungle styles: ① Determine the main stem direction ② Remove reverse branches/cross branches ③ Retain 45-degree oblique branches. By using the three-level pruning method (main stem shaping → branch adjustment → tip refining) and with the help of aluminum wire binding, a high-quality potted landscape worth over 300 yuan can be cultivated in 3 years.
Cutting the Top for Propagation and Promoting Clustering
Snip with one cut
For leggy old stakes, perform the top-cutting technique: ① Retain 2-3 layers of leaves at the base ② Use a sharp, disinfected blade ③ Make the cut slanted to prevent water accumulation. Experimental data show that after top-cutting, the application of nutrient solutions containing cytokinins increases the germination rate by 40%. The top buds can be rooted in water, achieving the propagation effect of one plant becoming multiple plants.
Handling Flower Stalks to Preserve Nutrition
For varieties like Guanyinlian, flowering can weaken the parent plant. When flower stalks appear, immediately: ① Cut them off from the base completely ② Apply Dyclonine to prevent infection ③ Apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Spectral analysis has found that timely removal of flower stalks can increase the nutrient concentration of the plant by 62%, effectively extending the ornamental period of the succulent.
From beginner to expert, the choice of pruning tools is also crucial. It is recommended to have: professional pruning shears (for dealing with woody stems), bent forceps (for precise center pinching), and wound healing agents (for cuts larger than 1 cm in diameter). Combined with monthly rotation care (adjusting the angle of light exposure), your succulents can also transform into stunning clustered art pieces.