How to prune Podocarpus bonsai

Podocarpus bonsai pruning time

Although Podocarpus can be kept pruned all year round, the most suitable time for pruning is during the growing season, especially in July and August in summer, when pruning is best.

Pruning branches and leaves of Podocarpus bonsai

If the Podocarpus bonsai grows too lush, you can balance the nutrition through thinning. Thinning is to prune the weaker or diseased branches. If the plant has overgrown branches, you need to shorten them and trim off some of the overly long branches. This will form stronger side branches and facilitate shaping.

Generally speaking, when encountering branches of Podocarpus bonsai that are overgrown, diseased, insect-infested, or dry, they should be cut off without hesitation, or at least pruned short in time. In addition, attention should be paid to handling some details during the pruning process, such as pinching and subtle adjustments to the branches and leaves.

Podocarpus bonsai grows fast after pruning

If you want Podocarpus bonsai to grow fast, you need to thin it out in time, that is, cut the branches from the base, so that the stump can be well ventilated and lighted, the nutrient supply is concentrated, and the growth is vigorous. Early thinning of young trees can be beneficial to their normal development and growth.

Podocarpus bonsai pruning and flowering

If Podocarpus has a lot of flower buds when it enters the flowering period, it is recommended to remove some of the excess flower buds in time to avoid them consuming the originally limited nutrients in the pot and prevent the plant from being unable to bloom due to consuming a large amount of nutrients.

Things to note when pruning Podocarpus bonsai

The best time to shape Podocarpus bonsai is during its dormant period. The trunk and main branches of the plant are thick and hard and difficult to deform, so when pruning and shaping, you can only change the size, shape, and height of the trunk of the branches.