How to prune golden branches and jade leaves
With its fleshy leaves and unique woody branches, Jinzhi and Yuye have become the favorite of many gardening enthusiasts. Scientific pruning techniques are particularly critical to allow this succulent plant to show the best ornamental effects. This article will systematically explain the core skills and best operating timing of pruning golden branches and jade leaves from the entire cycle of shaping to maintenance. Four-step trimming and modeling of golden branches and jade leaves 1. The outline design principles suggest using a scallion triangle as the basic shape. This structure conforms to the golden section ratio and can enhance the visual stability of the plant. In actual operation, adjustment needs to be combined with the original plant type: the ones with high trunks can create umbrella-shaped crowns, and the ones with developed lateral branches are suitable for cloud shape. Use alcohol to disinfect the branches and scissors before modeling to prevent bacteria from infecting the incision. 2. Bud management skills The retention of new buds follows the "2+1" principle: keep 2 strong buds at the top of each main branch, and remove the rest of the side buds in time. Pay special attention to the direction of bud points and select bud points that grow towards the outside to ensure uniform distribution of branches in the future. Check bud growth every 15 days in spring and summer. 3. Systematic pruning of branches focuses on four types of branches: the spacing between parallel branches needs to be more than 5cm, the thick branches need to be retained at crossing branches, the base 2-3 nodes for upright long branches are retained, and all thin and weak branches are removed. Apply plant ash or carbendazim powder to the incision in time after pruning to prevent disease invasion. 4. The key points of root system maintenance are combined with the two-year pot change operation to prune black and dry capillary roots, and keep the length of the main root within 15cm. Use a new substrate with perlite: vermiculite =3:1, change the pot, place it in a cool place to slow down for 7 days. The best pruning period for golden time for pruning Jinzhi and Yuye is when the average daily temperature is 18-25℃ from March to April, when the plant is in the growth start-up period and callus formation is fast. Avoid direct sunlight after pruning during high temperature periods in summer, and heat preservation measures should be used for pruning in winter. Special styling adjustments can be arranged for secondary minor repairs in late September.
Through scientific pruning management, the ornamental life of golden branches and jade leaves can be extended to more than 10 years. Remember to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer diluted 1000 times after each pruning and keep the environment ventilated. You can cultivate high-quality potted plants with great artistic value. Regularly observe the status of the plant and flexibly adjust pruning strategies to make this succulent plant truly a living work of art in your home.