I am going to prune back my testosterone-laced brugs this week. I'll root a bunch of what I cut off for those that had told me earlier that they wanted some cuttings. Should I strip all the leaves off of the plant and let it start growing new? I usually strip all leaves off of the cuttings, but want to know if I should on the big plants? They're losing some anyway, I think it's because they need to be repotted into huge-r pots and just not getting enough to eat and drink. I'm going to hate to take the pruners to the big one, it's probably 8 feet tall. Even the Spouse remarked on it the other day....."Jeez, has this sucker grown since the last time I really LOOKED at it!!!!" It's in the back of the g'house, and he doesn't usually wander back there. Thanks for any hints. :>)
Anna Z.
Question about pruning
Hiya Anna Z, You don't need to remove the leaves on your big plants, only on your cuttings to prevent them losing valuble moisture! Removing the leaves from your established plants will only slow them down! Congrats on your big sucker..LOL
Best wishes,
Bruno
Hi Anna,
Are you going to root prune yours? I am going to root prune some of mine from last summer.......I just do not have any bigger pots to put them in! Then I will add all fresh soil to the same pots they were in last year. I may even add a baby diaper or 2! At the same time I will trim the canopy of the tree to equal the amount of the root ball I cut off. I should be doing it soon...........
If you want to have a big tree tha twill bloom soon, I would only trim the canopy above the Y!
Kell, i have never root pruned. I suppose Monika's book would tell me how, but haven't gotten that far yet. I would imagine that root pruning would set them back some? Do you just take the shovel and chop some off, or does one have to be a little more civilized about it? :>)
Anna, the best time root pruning is in the spring. It does sets the plants back in growth, however only, if they were kept in growth during the winter. Dont prune the large plants but let them outgrow the vegetative (growing) phase.
I would root the Y in the fall to reduce the size.
I am sorry that you still dont have the book. tiG and I are expecting the delievery of the second parcel every day by now.
I guess I didn't phrase that right.........I do have Monika's book, just haven't had the time to really read it and soak up all that knowledge of Brug Raising 101!!!
Anna,I use one of those bread knives with the serrated edge for all my prunung,not the one with the little saw teeth,the kind that has serrations that looks like waves,I prune everything with it,I chop hard and fast,like working my way through a jungle,I'm a rookie here so don't take my word as law,but I have had to bring some very big plants down to size,mainly EEs and Nanas,but I wack my Brugs the same way.
Monika: As a nearly newbie is it possible to get a copy of your book? I must say the Valentine picture of your Floretta was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!! Reminds me of whipped cream on swirling pink chiffon ballgowns. Rosalita is gorgeous too. Thanks to all of you for the lovely pictures--I do see how addictive this passion becomes and why.
Sunrize, here is the link to the book purchase. http://www.brugmansias.org/monika.html
This message was edited Tuesday, Mar 4th 12:08 PM
I just use a little saw Anna. They sell them just for plants at all garden stores. I bleach the saw between plants. Just cut thru the rootball and repot in fresh dirt. In the spring it is hard to kill anything even if you take alot of the roots. Just keep the plant in the shade for a little while to recover. Because it is now spring, they take off fast. The general rule is, you need to take off as much from the top of the plant as you take from the roots. I have some bonsai also.
Anna, I agree with Monika. Don't cut the tops off of your big Brugs. You could be cutting off the generative growth where your flowers will come out. If you cut this part off it will take longer to flower and you could have less blooms. JMHO
Hm, I'm afraid they will attack me, they are getting so big. It's a good thing they are in the back of the g'house, or they would frighten unsuspecting souls when they walk in. I'll have to take some pix and post, they are huge. Is it a good thing to keep them growing all winter long? I've not the basement space to winter them over in dormancy and do it right. I didn't fertilize Dec. or Jan. or most of Feb. Started towards the end of Feb. and am fertilizing everything up there now. NOt lots, just some. I'm using the little doo-hicky from Miracle Grow that you hook up to your hose.
Oh dear! Sunrize! Not you too! LOL. A couple of nice big brugs on your dock would be a nice touch. LOL