When is the best time to prune Podocarpus?

Pruning of Podocarpus

The main purpose of pruning Podocarpus is to remove the apical dominance, so that more lateral buds can be sprouted and the growth of lateral buds will be stronger. This can reduce nutrient consumption and concentrate nutrients on strong branches, which is beneficial to later growth.

Podocarpus pruning time

The best time to prune Podocarpus is between July and August each year. It is usually pruned about three times a year, mainly in summer and autumn.

Propagation of Podocarpus pruning

Podocarpus can be propagated by pruning in spring and autumn. Choose dormant branches in spring and semi-lignified branches in autumn, and the survival rate will be higher.

Podocarpus pruning method

1. Thinning method

   After a period of care, Podocarpus needs to be thinned out. Thinning out dense branches, crossed branches, and overlapping branches can allow the plant to have good ventilation and light, concentrated nutrient supply, and vigorous growth. In addition, leggy branches, upright branches from the main branches, drooping branches, and reverse branches should all be cut off to avoid consuming nutrients and affecting growth.

2. Short cutting method

   Podocarpus short-cutting means cutting back the overly long branches. This can stimulate the germination of axillary buds under the cut and grow more and stronger side branches. During shaping, after thinning out the excess branches, the remaining branches also need to be cut back to increase the branching level of the shaping branches and make them dwarfed.

3. Reduction method

   The branches of perennial Podocarpus can be pruned back to encourage the sprouting of new branches and restore the tree's vigor. The amount of pruning can be slightly larger, cutting off all the branches and leaves, leaving only the skeleton of the stump, to allow more new buds to sprout.

Tips for pruning Podocarpus

When pruning Podocarpus, the tools need to be disinfected to avoid bacterial infection and affect recovery. The pruning cuts should be smooth. Do not water immediately after pruning. If the wound gets wet, it will cause rot. At this time, it can be placed in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated environment for maintenance.