How to pinch back a rubber plant? Learn the correct pinching methods and techniques
I. Principle:
To make its side branches sprout faster or more easily, we need to remove the topmost bud on the branch or cut off the entire top. Only when the topmost bud of the main branch is removed can the apical dominance of continuous upward growth be eliminated, which better promotes the sprouting and growth of lateral buds.
II. Method:
1. Generally, you wait until the trunk has grown to a suitable height before pinching back, and a height of about 30 to 50 cm is enough. By pinching back, we can change its tendency to grow only upright, which promotes the growth of other buds.
2. Generally speaking, the buds closer to the top of the branch sprout more easily, so we just keep the nearest 2 to 3 buds. This way, after the side branches grow out, the whole tree shape will take on a cup shape or a Y shape. Pinching back is easy to do, but controlling the height is extremely important. If the height chosen for pinching is too high, the whole tree will take on a shape that is heavy on top and light at the bottom, greatly hurting its ornamental value.
3. The choice of this height can be based on the diameter of the flower pot, the closer the better, but remember, it is better to go a bit lower than too high.
4. If you are dealing with a trunk that has already taken on an upright form, you can use methods such as cutting back or notch budding to rescue it. This allows side branches to grow from the bare lower part, and at the same time it also changes the angle of the main branch and improves its shape.
III. Notes:
Generally, pinching back is not too complicated. As long as you follow the steps above, gardening friends need not worry too much about harming the plant.