What are the basic methods for pruning Ficus macrophylla and what is the best time for pruning bonsai?

What are the basic methods for pruning Ficus macrophylla?

This article introduces the basic pruning methods for Ficus macrophylla and the best timing for pruning potted plants. Let's follow the editor to find out more!

Ficus macrophylla potted plants are loved by many gardening enthusiasts for their ancient style, easy maintenance, small and dense leaves, and green and moist leaf color. However, many people find that when they buy Ficus macrophylla potted plants, the leaves are dense and thick, but after keeping them for a period, the leaves become large and sparse, completely losing the initial compact feeling. Why is that? The main reasons for the enlargement of Ficus macrophylla potted plant leaves are: excessive water and fertilizer, and long-term insufficient light. How to make the Ficus macrophylla potted plant with large leaves return to its peak beauty? Several things need to be done.

1. Leaf removal pruning

In normal growth conditions of Ficus macrophylla potted plants, large leaves can be removed, and shaping appropriately to improve the appearance. Many gardening enthusiasts can't bear to remove large leaves, but actually, removing large leaves allows smaller leaves to sprout better. Otherwise, large leaves will absorb nutrients preferentially, preventing new leaves from sprouting or growing properly. Therefore, large leaves must be removed.

2. Use drugs to control excessive growth

After removing the large leaves of Ficus macrophylla potted plants, when new buds sprout and the leaves unfold, a small amount of growth inhibitor can be sprayed to prevent excessive growth. The growth inhibitor can effectively prevent excessive growth of branches and leaves, and make the stems thicker, leaves smaller, and darker green. Don't worry about any adverse effects after using the growth inhibitor. As long as the dosage is reasonable, it only has benefits and no harm. In fact, many potted plant shaping processes use growth inhibitors.

3. Ensure sufficient light

Ficus macrophylla potted plants prefer sunlight. After removing the excessively long leaves, it is necessary to ensure sufficient light. The daily light time should not be less than six hours, otherwise, the newly grown leaves may have the risk of excessive growth. Light not only prevents leaves and branches from excessive growth but also makes leaves thicker and the leaf color darker and glossy. It can also enhance the resistance of Ficus macrophylla, making it less susceptible to diseases and pests.

What are the basic methods for pruning Ficus macrophylla?

4. Control water and fertilizer

Ficus macrophylla potted plants need to be controlled with water and fertilizer to ensure that the leaves are small and dense. During the growth period of new leaves, try not to apply nitrogen fertilizer, water less, and keep the potting soil slightly dry to avoid excessive water and nutrient supply, which can cause the leaves to grow too large and become thin. If the humidity is relatively low, while reducing watering, it is best to spray the leaves and surrounding area more. This will keep the leaves shiny and green, otherwise, the leaf color will become dull and lose its luster, affecting the appearance.

The above four points are for healthy Ficus macrophylla potted plants. If your Ficus macrophylla potted plant is not healthy, although it has large leaves, old leaves are withering and falling off, and new leaves are growing slowly, it is better not to rush to remove leaves or take other measures to promote new leaf growth. First, solve the problem of yellowing and falling leaves before considering optimization. Otherwise, it is like adding insult to injury for Ficus macrophylla. Removing large leaves may prevent small leaves from growing, leading to a downward spiral or even death.

The above is the specific content regarding the basic pruning methods for Ficus macrophylla and the best timing for pruning potted plants. If it can be of help to you, remember to visit the Green Plant Enthusiast website often!