The Simple Basics of Pruning — pruning as an art form.
Growing a plant is one thing. Shaping plants well is an art form and adds another dimension. Here is an article that tells you what happens when you prune. This information applies to just about any kind of shrub or tree. I am asked lots of questions about pruning. This article will be the first of a series on pruning practices and techniques.
I am using a jade plant for pictures because the buds show up well. The jade tree is also really good for an indoor bonsai.
To start with, look at the tip of a stem and notice the small growth bud. This is called an “apical bud”.
At the side of the stem, just where the leaf comes out, you will find a very small growth bud. This is called the “lateral bud”
Here’s how it works. The growth of the stem and buds is regulated by a group of hormones called “auxin compounds” The apical bud is dominant and it draws all of the auxins up past the lateral buds. This enables the apical bud to develop and causes the lateral buds to remain semi dormant.
When the apical bud is removed by pruning, the lateral buds in turn become apical buds and start the elongation required for turning into a stem. In a jade tree, the branching forms as two stalks as in the picture below.
Pruning helps the main trunks to develop and get bigger and stronger, this gives you a stronger and healthier plant. If you remove the lower leaves and/or growth from the stems, the stems will turn into well defined trunks. This is the principle behind bonsai, topiaries, and other shaped trees and shrubs.
I haven’t been there for a long, long time, but I visited a monastery in Conyers, Georgia that specialized in bonsai. The priest who was in charge said, “you should prune a tree so that a bird can fly through it”. I have remembered that concept and I use it a lot as I shape such trees as Japanese maples and crape myrtles. Here is the picture of the jade tree after the pruning is finished.
One of my next articles will be “how to start your very own bonsai”. Keep in touch.
The article on pruningwas one of my first and it led to the 2020 pruning of a new book:
Some rather entertaining adventures of johntheplantman may be found in the book “Requiem for a Redneck” by John P. Schulz. Try the Kindle ve5rsion
Or, read the reviews on Amazon:
johntheplantman--Gardening 
John, this is the clearest explanation of pruning I have seen. It’s particularly applicable to me because my jade plant is out of control and I thought I had to wait until spring to prune it.
Here I come, Jade!
Thanks, mom. How’d you like my corduroy shirt?
Good tips, johntheplantman! That jade looks familiar, as does the porch.
It is the ubiquitous jade plant on the ubiquitous American front porch.
Thank you, John. Your step by step explanation is so clear and easy to understand. I will be pruning my jade tree and hopefully it will turn out to be ok.
Reblogged this on Potted Plant Society.
Very easy to understanding of how to prune and the pictures with the pen pointing to areas makes it even clearer. Jade seems hardy as mine has been moved a few times in its lifetime of 8 years and despite whether it is east sun or northeast window or shaded porch in summer, it thrives. But it had become ‘leggy’ and your explanation helps to make it more zen like – so a bird can fly through it. Thanks
Generally I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to explain that this write-up very compelled me to view and do it! Your writing style happens to be amazed me. Thanks a lot, very great post.
Reblogged this on Mysticalwriter and commented:
Here is a post on pruning is an art form from johntheplantman.com I found it interesting