How to prune potted Podocarpus

Adhere to the design purpose

The purpose of Podocarpus art modeling is to "shape according to the tree" and "apply art according to the material". It uses superb artistic expression techniques to dig out the highest artistic realm from ordinary tree shapes and maximize the ornamental value.

Modeling techniques

Commonly used techniques include cutting, tying, pressing, bundling, and hanging. Pruning and shaping are relatively simple, while shaping techniques such as tying, pressing, bundling and hanging are more difficult and require a high level of artistic imagination, operating skills and the condition of the tree's trunk and branches.

During the shaping process, artistic processing must be carried out according to the natural beauty of the seedlings themselves. That is, it is necessary to adapt to the tree and add beauty to it, so that the shape is strong and powerful, with clear layers.

Specific operations

Pruning: You can take advantage of the characteristics of Podocarpus carpio's resistance to pruning and its small leaves to make various shapes, such as spherical, conical, multi-layered spherical, etc. You only need to prune according to the pre-designed patterns.

When pruning a three-layer ball, first choose a sapling with a clear trunk and a good upright shape. It is better for the upper, middle and lower balls to grow gradually larger in order to achieve a harmonious proportion and better ornamental value. Generally, it is appropriate to prune the new branches when they are 20 to 30 cm long. Multiple pruning is required to make each layer of balls round, solid and compact.

Tying: For tying shaping, you can use strong bamboo sticks and tough hemp ropes. Tie the bamboo sticks and branches tightly and firmly with the hemp ropes, and then fix one end of the bamboo sticks to the main trunk. By adjusting the direction of the bamboo sticks, the branches can grow in a specific direction as the shaper wishes, thus achieving the purpose of shaping.

Pressing: Pressing modeling mainly uses the method of bending and tilting the trunk to make the tree body on the inclined plane present an artistic beauty that is completely different from the upright plane.

The branches of Podocarpus are like human arms, and the hemispherical leaves clustered on the top of the branches are like human palms. Combined with the bent tree body, it looks like a receptionist bending over and bending his arms to welcome guests, which is very vivid and lifelike.