Drastic Cutting Back of Little Gem.....seems to have worked

[DeborahJane]

I watched a video on "Cutting Back Little Gems" from Jindabyne Nursery in Monbulk, round the corner from me. I watched it about 10 times before I built up the nerve to do it. Very drastic pruning but the video showed loads of growth 6 months later. I wasn't happy with the legginess of them so I gave it a go. That was October and now I have some growth. Relieved I must say but I had decided if they didn't make it I wanted something else there. Here is the initial prune and 3 months later some new growth

 

[DirtMechanic]

I watched a video on "Cutting Back Little Gems" from Jindabyne Nursery in Monbulk, round the corner from me. I watched it about 10 times before I built up the nerve to do it. Very drastic pruning but the video showed loads of growth 6 months later. I wasn't happy with the legginess of them so I gave it a go. That was October and now I have some growth. Relieved I must say but I had decided if they didn't make it I wanted something else there. Here is the initial prune and 3 months later some new growthView attachment 60351View attachment 60352View attachment 60354

Do gardeners ever use a rooting compound on topside cuts like that? Maybe a different form? I use superthrive which is the same auxin idea but also a weak foliar spray, not a brushed on powder. I was thinking about staying power, and if that is even a thing. I know RP is used for air layering, but without the moisture and light I am surmising that point growth might be enhanced?

 

[DeborahJane]

Interesting thought DirtMechanic. Hopefully someone may have some experience with this method. Thank you for your response. I am hoping for much more regrowth of course.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Interesting thought DirtMechanic. Hopefully someone may have some experience with this method. Thank you for your response. I am hoping for much more regrowth of course.

My experience with the aforementioned hormones has been that pulling up vegetable plants and examining roots has shown a "bushier" root system. This sort of corresponded with a satisfactory top side experience. It was not that they were taller or bigger, just branchier if that makes sense. Production went in hand with more branches producing.