Lecture # 20 Pruning and Grooming - University of Georgiafaculty.caes.uga.edu/.../lecture20pruninggrooming.pdfFind target A, the outside area of the branch bark ridge. 3. Find target

Lecture # 20Lecture # 20Pruning andPruning andGroomingGrooming

ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENTAir (OAir (O22 ,CO,CO22 ))WaterWaterTemperatureTemperatureLight Light

NutrientsNutrients

Genetic Genetic compositioncomposition

regulates speed regulates speed and extent ofand extent of

determines type determines type and nature ofand nature of

which which determinedetermine

organic compositionorganic composition

Physiological Physiological processesprocesses

that results in that results in observableobservable

PLANT PLANT GROWTHGROWTH

understoryplants

Light Light

PRUNING:PRUNING:DEFINITION: DEFINITION: The selective removal of a portion of the The selective removal of a portion of the plant in order to:plant in order to:

1. control the size of the plant to remain1. control the size of the plant to remainin the space allotted;in the space allotted;

2. remove dead or injured leaves or shoots;2. remove dead or injured leaves or shoots;

3. develop and maintain the shape3. develop and maintain the shapeof the plant.of the plant.

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE::Control the size of the plant and Control the size of the plant and its shape.its shape.

* * Because plants in interior environmentsBecause plants in interior environmentsare observed at close range, the artare observed at close range, the artof pruning must be practiced toof pruning must be practiced toenhance the attractiveness of the plant.enhance the attractiveness of the plant.

Indoor Plants:Indoor Plants:!! Will not be as dense as those Will not be as dense as those

grown outdoors; grown outdoors; ∴∴ maintaining a tight shape will bemaintaining a tight shape will be

difficult.difficult.

!! Grow much slower due to theGrow much slower due to theenvironmental conditions in the interiors; environmental conditions in the interiors;

∴∴ severely pruned plants will remainseverely pruned plants will remainunsightly for extended periods ofunsightly for extended periods oftime.time.

Two Basic Questions:Two Basic Questions:

1. Would it be better to replace1. Would it be better to replacethe plant with a similar onethe plant with a similar onebecause pruning would destroy thebecause pruning would destroy theeffectiveness of the plant for aneffectiveness of the plant for anextended time ?extended time ?

2. When is the best time to prune ?2. When is the best time to prune ?

The Best Time To PruneThe Best Time To Prune

' When the knife is sharp '' When the knife is sharp '

Natural plant cyclesNatural plant cycles

Seasonal ConsiderationsSeasonal Considerations

* culture during active growth. * culture during active growth. * culture during inactive growth;* culture during inactive growth;

' The rate of growth can only' The rate of growth can onlybe as rapid as thebe as rapid as the

most limiting factor.'most limiting factor.'

StrategyStrategy ::* * Frequent light pruning Frequent light pruning --

removal of shoots or shoot tips when small andremoval of shoots or shoot tips when small andyoung.young.

* If a portion of a leaf is injured remove the* If a portion of a leaf is injured remove theentire leaf; exception: plants with long, linearentire leaf; exception: plants with long, linearleaves.leaves.

* When removing shoots, make the cut close to* When removing shoots, make the cut close tothe originating stem.the originating stem.

Leaf PruningLeaf Pruning

Leaf Pruning

Leaf PruningLeaf Pruning

Shoot pruningShoot pruning

Growing tips removed Growing tips removed at frequent intervalsat frequent intervals

Apical DominanceApical Dominance

* plant with strong apical dominance =* plant with strong apical dominance =one bud breakone bud break

example :example : Ficus elasticaFicus elastica (Rubber plant),(Rubber plant),DracaenaDracaena sppspp..

Shoot pruningShoot pruning

Cut close to the older Cut close to the older stemsstems

Pruning Tips:Pruning Tips:

"" do not paint cuts with wound paint;do not paint cuts with wound paint;

"" if mandated select a wound paint thatif mandated select a wound paint thatcontains a fungicide;contains a fungicide;

"" remove leaves at the petiole base;remove leaves at the petiole base;

"" remove flowers at the base of the stalk;remove flowers at the base of the stalk;

Pruning Tips:Pruning Tips:

"" remove fruit where attached;remove fruit where attached;

"" most species ofmost species of FicusFicus secrete a sticky secrete a sticky latex sap when pruned; latex sap when pruned;

∴∴ apply small open flame to the wound forapply small open flame to the wound fora few seconds to seal it.a few seconds to seal it.

Natural Target Pruning:Natural Target Pruning:

Branch to be Branch to be prunedpruned

Branch collarBranch collar

BranchBranchbarkbarkridgeridge

Cut thirdCut third

Cut secondCut second

Under cut firstUnder cut first

Main Main stemstem

A.A.

B.B.


1. Locate the branch bark ridge, a raised area at1. Locate the branch bark ridge, a raised area atthe base of the branch.the base of the branch.

2. Find target A, the outside area of the branch2. Find target A, the outside area of the branchbark ridge.bark ridge.

3. Find target B, the swelling where the branch 3. Find target B, the swelling where the branch meets the branch collar.meets the branch collar.


4. Make an undercut first if you are removing a 4. Make an undercut first if you are removing a limb that is 2" or larger in diameter.limb that is 2" or larger in diameter.

5. Make a cut along the line between target A and5. Make a cut along the line between target A andtarget B to remove the limb.target B to remove the limb.

6. If an undercut was made originally (step 4), 6. If an undercut was made originally (step 4), make a final trim cut along the target line.make a final trim cut along the target line.

Phototropism:Phototropism:* the directional growth of * the directional growth of

plant parts toward light;plant parts toward light;* if allowed to continue* if allowed to continue

mature tissue will havemature tissue will havea fixed curvature;a fixed curvature;

example :example : ScheffleraSchefflera, , SpathiphyllumSpathiphyllum,, AglaonemaAglaonema

Treatment:Treatment: turn the plant a turn the plant a quarter turn every few days.quarter turn every few days.

Examples of Phototropism Examples of Phototropism in thein the InteriorscapeInteriorscape

Palm Leaf Palm Leaf PhototropismPhototropism

Palm Stem Palm Stem PhototropismPhototropism

TopiaryTopiary

* Pruning of plants into * Pruning of plants into unusual shapes: geometrical unusual shapes: geometrical shapes shapes -- spheres, cubes and spheres, cubes and

abstract forms; animal forms.abstract forms; animal forms.* Usually performed on* Usually performed on

plants outdoors.plants outdoors.* Some indoor plants* Some indoor plants

can be trained in topiaries:can be trained in topiaries:Ficus pumilaFicus pumila,, HederaHedera helix.helix.

Root PruningRoot Pruning* root pruning of pot * root pruning of pot -- bound bound

plants is essential for optimum plants is essential for optimum growth after repotting;growth after repotting;

* procedure: pull away the roots * procedure: pull away the roots from the soil mass and cut from the soil mass and cut back to within 1" of the soil;back to within 1" of the soil;

* alternative method: make * alternative method: make three or four vertical cuts 1" three or four vertical cuts 1" deep into the soil mass.deep into the soil mass.

RepottingRepotting

* Why transplant ?* Why transplant ?

* When to transplant ?* When to transplant ?-- just before or during activejust before or during active

growth of the plant.growth of the plant.

Determining The Need For Transplanting

2. The plant fills thecontainer with newshoots.

1. The plant appears'top heavy'.

3. Extensive rootgrowth out ofthe pot'sdrainage holes.

Determining The Need For Transplanting

Repotting ProcedureRepotting Procedure

* Root treatment * Root treatment -- on removal examineon removal examinethe root system for both color andthe root system for both color anddensity; healthy roots should appeardensity; healthy roots should appearwhite and covered with root hairs;white and covered with root hairs;dark and mushy roots indicate disease. dark and mushy roots indicate disease. Root prune if potRoot prune if pot--bound.bound.

* New media and container.* New media and container.

Soil Surface ConfigurationsSoil Surface Configurations

* Soil surface may be shaped to* Soil surface may be shaped toaffect moisture in the vicinityaffect moisture in the vicinityof the plant crown.of the plant crown.

* Concave * Concave -- wetter.wetter.* Convex * Convex -- dryer.dryer.* Accentuate either configuration as* Accentuate either configuration as

time and water will level both;time and water will level both;* flat configuration is also adequate.* flat configuration is also adequate.

A Properly Repotted PlantA Properly Repotted Plant

original original root root massmass

new soil firmly new soil firmly packed into packed into

place, but not place, but not to excessto excess

plant vertically plant vertically aligned and centered aligned and centered

in the potin the pot

repotted at repotted at original original depthdepth

water reservoir water reservoir appr. 1appr. 1--2"2"

one inch of new one inch of new soil on all sidessoil on all sides

A Properly Repotted PlantA Properly Repotted Plant

original original root root massmass

pot chips or pot chips or shards shards

to reduce to reduce erosion erosion

(optional)(optional)1” of firmed 1” of firmed soil mix at soil mix at

bottombottomgravel layer gravel layer

for for drainage drainage (optional)(optional)

StakingStaking ::

* Some plants, as orchids, * Some plants, as orchids, require open, porous, require open, porous,

lightweight mixes.lightweight mixes.* Adds support to the top, * Adds support to the top,

thus increasing stability thus increasing stability and reducing stress on newlyand reducing stress on newly

establishing root system.establishing root system.* Bamboo poles make* Bamboo poles make

good plant stakes.good plant stakes.loose tieloose tie

Examples of Staking

AftercareAftercare

* Newly repotted plants need time to* Newly repotted plants need time toreestablish contact of their rootsreestablish contact of their rootsand root hairs with the soil.and root hairs with the soil.

* Watering and fertilization should be* Watering and fertilization should becarefully monitored for a few weeks.carefully monitored for a few weeks.

CleaningCleaning

* Cleaning. Why?* Cleaning. Why?

-- water ofwater of guttationguttation may accumulate salts alongmay accumulate salts alongthe leaf margins and/or tips creating necroticthe leaf margins and/or tips creating necroticareas;areas;

CleaningCleaning* remove dust from leaf surfaces;* remove dust from leaf surfaces;* why?* why?-- dust creates shade on plant surfacesdust creates shade on plant surfaces

reflecting light that can be used in PS;reflecting light that can be used in PS;-- dust on lower leaf surfaces may clog stomata,dust on lower leaf surfaces may clog stomata,

inhibiting gas exchange within the leaf;inhibiting gas exchange within the leaf;-- dust dulls normal leaf coloration thus lesseningdust dulls normal leaf coloration thus lessening

plant value.plant value.

Cleaning MethodsCleaning Methods

* avoid spraying flowers or flower buds;* avoid spraying flowers or flower buds;* allow the spray to remain on the plant five* allow the spray to remain on the plant five

minutes, then rinse with warm water;minutes, then rinse with warm water;* protect marble and ceramic floors from* protect marble and ceramic floors from

leaf cleaners; rinse concrete floorsleaf cleaners; rinse concrete floorsthoroughly after using any leaf cleaningthoroughly after using any leaf cleaningproduct;product;

Cleaning MethodsCleaning Methods

* cover the growing medium with plastic so* cover the growing medium with plastic soexcess water and cleaner do notexcess water and cleaner do notcontaminate the soil.contaminate the soil.

Cleaning ToolsCleaning Tools

1. Feather duster.1. Feather duster.2. Leaf blower.2. Leaf blower.3. Hand spray bottle.3. Hand spray bottle.


4. Gloves.4. Gloves.5. Garbage bags.5. Garbage bags.6. Paper towels or cloths.6. Paper towels or cloths.


7. Broom & Dust pan.7. Broom & Dust pan.8. Vacuum cleaner.8. Vacuum cleaner.9. Ladder.9. Ladder.

Leaf Cleaning ProductsLeaf Cleaning Products** monoammoniummonoammonium citrate citrate --

helps dissolve iron, calcium andhelps dissolve iron, calcium andmagnesium deposits andmagnesium deposits andpesticide residues;pesticide residues;

* weak (5%) oxalic acid solution.* weak (5%) oxalic acid solution.

Plant PolishesPlant Polishes* if glossiness is desired;* if glossiness is desired;

* best used on foliage with a waxy cuticle;* best used on foliage with a waxy cuticle;

* milk or mineral oil can be used as an* milk or mineral oil can be used as analternative to commercial polishes;alternative to commercial polishes;

Plant PolishesPlant Polishes

* if commercial products are used over an* if commercial products are used over anextended time a buildup of polish occursextended time a buildup of polish occurswhich may clogwhich may clog stomatesstomates..

Some Ways to Achieve Specific Types of Some Ways to Achieve Specific Types of Plant Growth ControlPlant Growth Control

TO CONTROL : PROCEDURESTO CONTROL : PROCEDURESPlant SizePlant Size Genetic dwarfs or small Genetic dwarfs or small

plants.plants.Chemicals to reduce growth.Chemicals to reduce growth.Pruning; must be done on a Pruning; must be done on a continuous basis for most continuous basis for most effectiveness.effectiveness.Reduce nutritional levels and Reduce nutritional levels and irrigation frequency.irrigation frequency.

Plant ShapePlant Shape Prune to remove undesirablePrune to remove undesirableshoots, leaves.shoots, leaves.Treat with chemicals to prevent Treat with chemicals to prevent undesirable growth if chemical is undesirable growth if chemical is safe and registered for interior safe and registered for interior use.use.Bending, retraining, and Bending, retraining, and otherwise physically altering otherwise physically altering direction of shoot growth.direction of shoot growth.

TO CONTROL : PROCEDURESTO CONTROL : PROCEDURES


Retard or reduce leaf

fall

Acclimatize plants for interior location.Maintain low and balanced nutritional levels.Avoid water stress.Future?



Prevent Prevent bud growthbud growth

Shorten Shorten internode internode

lengthlength

Growth retardants.Growth retardants.Higher light intensities Higher light intensities (brighter lights), where (brighter lights), where practical.practical.

Chemical control?Chemical control?TO CONTROL : PROCEDURESTO CONTROL : PROCEDURES


Promote Promote directional directional

growthgrowthGirdle shoot. The girdle may Girdle shoot. The girdle may be partially or completely be partially or completely around shoot. around shoot. Not successful on all plants.Not successful on all plants.



Documents

Lecture # 20 Pruning and Grooming - University of Georgiafaculty.caes.uga.edu/.../lecture20pruninggrooming.pdfFind target A, the outside area of the branch bark ridge. 3. Find target