Sometimes to get a plant to branch more and where we are interested, it is interesting to prune it, since this not only forces it to produce more branches, but also and as a consequence of this we can achieve a more compact size.
Although it can be pruned in several different ways, apical pruning is what we will have to do if we want to control its growth and development a little. But how is it done?
What is it?
Topping is a technique that stops the vertical growth of the plant forcing it to produce branches lower . But it is very important to clarify that, really, this upward growth is not going to stop forever.
In fact, it is usual that some time after pruning one of the new branches assumes the role of main branch or guide, which will be the one that makes said plant continue to gain height. But to avoid a messy appearance we can pinch it; so it will branch.
What is clamping?
Pinching is a technique that involves removing the newest leaves from a branch. The objective is the same as that of apical pruning: to get it to branch; but since green, that is, tender parts are cut, it can often be done with your fingers or, if you prefer, with scissors. As the damage is minor, it can be clamped at any time, as the plant does not take long to recover.
How is apical pruning done?
Image – Wikimedia / RoRo
If we are interested in pruning our plant, what we will do is make a cut in the branches or stems with clean and disinfected scissors. The length of the cut will depend on the type of plant and, above all, its size at that time.
For example, suppose we have a young tree, 1 meter high that is nothing more than a stick with some leaves, which we want to make bonsai. Well, the first thing we will do is identify the buds , which is where the leaves sprout. These buds are usually seen as scars (corresponds to number 1 in the image above), or bumps or bumps (2 and 3). Once located, we will cut no more than ten centimeters, and always above one , otherwise the tree would not sprout.
Another case, geraniums and similar plants. As they are relatively small plants, we will cut above some leaves.
When is made?
It cannot be done at any time of the year. Topping, unlike pinching, can entail trimming branches that have already begun to lignify; that is, branches that begin to be woody. In addition, it is necessary that we respect the rest period of our crops , because they, like us, work better when they have rested. This period coincides, in many cases, with winter, but it can also be summer if it is very hot.
As it is not always known exactly when our plants rest, it is preferable to perform apical pruning at the end of winter if they are species from temperate climates , or when spring has already settled if what we want is to prune tropical or indoor plants.
What is apical dominance in plants?
Image – Wikimedia / bertknot
The apical dominance could be defined as a reaction that plants have to sunlight, since they all tend to grow upwards , vertically. The reason? It is basically the following: they need light to be able to carry out photosynthesis, and therefore, to grow.
Some need direct light, such as Sarracenia or carnations; others prefer shade like the vast majority of ferns, but none could be in a dark place. It is for this reason that, for example, there are no plants inside the caves.
But what is the use of knowing this when pruning them? From what we mentioned before: when apical pruning, it will not take long to see that one branch becomes the main one, growing upwards more than the others. Thus, we will have no choice but to clamp it if we want it to have a compact development.
What are the plants with the greatest apical dominance?
There are a wide variety of plants in which it is easy to locate a main branch or guide, among which are the following:
- Trees : Brachychiton, Albizia , Pseudobombax, lilo ( Syringa vulgaris ), …
- Coniferous trees : pines (Pinus), araucaria (especially Araucaria heterophylla ), yew (Taxus), spruce (Picea), fir (Abies).
- Shrubs : in these plants it is seen in those that grow as small trees, such as the tube cleaner (Callistemon), the dogwood (Cornus), Japanese maple ( Acer palmatum ), or the arboreal privet ( Ligustrum lucidum ).
- Palm trees : all of them, although it is true that those that grow in sunny places are more noticeable, such as Phoenix, Washingtonia, Trachycarpus. Of course, palm trees cannot be pruned , since they only have a growth guide and, if this is damaged, the plant dies. We have only added them to the list because they have a marked apical dominance.
I hope it has been useful to you.
