How to prune a potted Michelia alba? A detailed pruning tutorial

A potted Michelia alba can have its branches bent and pulled in all four seasons to change the direction of branch growth. During its growing period, the tender buds at the top and overly long side branches also need to be cut short to promote the number of flower buds. In summer, overly long upright branches need to be cut back, leaving 3 to 5 cm. Before and after the flowering period, unopened buds and weakly growing branches need to be cut off, making it easier to produce more flower buds the following year.

Potted Michelia alba pruning tutorial 1. Branch bending

Many flower lovers probably want to know what it is. In fact, this plant, Michelia alba, has very few places that need pruning during growth. In all four seasons, you can pull the branches apart and change the direction of branch growth to promote the growth of new branches and flower buds.

2. Bud pruning

During the growing period, Michelia alba needs to have the tender buds at the top and the side branches cut short with scissors. The side branches pruned are mainly dead branches, diseased branches and poorly growing branches. After pruning the tender buds at the top, the number of flower buds can increase, producing more flowers during the flowering period. During the bud formation period, some leaves can also be properly cut off, which can make the flower buds grow larger and also extend the flowering period.

3. Branch pruning

Summer is the period of vigorous growth for Michelia alba, and the branches grow very fast. Overly long upright side branches need to be cut off about 3 to 5 cm from the base, and the wound sealed with a mud ball mixed with disinfectant, then wrapped tightly with plastic film to prevent bacteria from invading the wound.

4. Bud removal

The flowering period of Michelia alba is from May to September. Before and after the flowering period, leggy branches, dead branches, diseased branches, weakly growing branches and flower buds that have not bloomed also need to be cut off, to prevent them from continuing to consume the plant's nutrients and affecting the growth of other healthy parts, making it easier to produce more flower buds the following year.