How to Prune Jade Dragon Guanyin
Jade Dragon Guanyin, as a representative of the succulent plants in the Crassulaceae family, is loved by gardening enthusiasts for its unique lotus seat shape. Scientific pruning not only maintains the healthy growth of the plant but also shapes a layered and attractive appearance. This article will guide you through four core pruning techniques to create an elegant Jade Dragon Guanyin.
Basic Pruning Operations
Pinching the Top to Control Height
In the late spring and early summer growing season, when the main stem exceeds 15cm, use a sterilized scissor to make a horizontal cut from the top down to the 3rd-4th layer of leaves. The cut should be coated with carbendazim powder, and avoid getting water on the wound for three days after the operation. This suppresses apical dominance and promotes the sprouting of 3-5 new buds at the base.
Cutting the Top to Save Leggy Growth
For thin and elongated stems caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer or insufficient light, keep the bottom 8-10cm of healthy stem and cut it short. The top part after cutting can be dried for 2 days before being propagated through cutting. The mother plant will sprout 2-3 new bud points around the cut, achieving one plant turning into multiple plants.
Advanced Shaping and Maintenance Techniques
Scientific Management During Flowering
After the inflorescence completely withers, cut off the peduncle 2cm from the base at an oblique angle. Simultaneously, prune the dense leaves that block the central growth point to ensure the central area of the plant receives more than 4 hours of direct sunlight daily, preventing the growth of scale insects.
Root Optimization Plan
Every 2 years, when changing pots, first shake off the old soil and then prune the roots: keep the main root 10-15cm and 3-5 lateral roots, and remove all decayed and black roots. After pruning, let the roots dry for 24 hours before repotting, and use a new substrate of vermiculite and coarse sand (1:1) to increase root growth efficiency by 40%.
Advanced Shaping and Maintenance
Different pruning techniques can create three classic shapes: the single-top pagoda shape requires directional removal of side buds every year; the clustering pot-burst shape should keep all new buds at the base; and the cliff-edge shape requires rotation maintenance at a 45-degree angle. No matter the shape, after pruning, it is advisable to supplement with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer and control the watering frequency to twice a month.
Mastering these pruning secrets will make your Jade Dragon Guanyin show more vigorous vitality. It is recommended to take photos every quarter to record the growth changes and adjust the pruning strategy flexibly based on the plant's condition. Healthy leaves cut from pruning can be placed flat on moist river sand for leaf propagation, achieving continuous expansion of the succulent garden.