How to Prune Natal plum?

(Carissa macrocarpa)

Natal plum, also known as Amatungulu

This evergreen shrub, known for its glossy leaves and star-shaped flowers, requires selective pruning to maintain shape and encourage healthy growth. Key techniques for natal plum include thinning out crowded branches and cutting back overgrown areas to promote air circulation and light penetration. Optimal pruning should be done in early spring to support vigorous spring growth. Pruning not only enhances aesthetics but also stimulates the production of the plant's edible fruit and reduces the risk of pests and diseases.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Natal Plum?

Pruning natal plum can increase fruit yield, invigorate growth, and maintain a desired form. It helps to ensure optimal health and aesthetics of the plant.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Natal Plum?

Spring

In early spring, natal plum typically enters a vigorous phase of new growth after a dormant winter period. Pruning at this time capitalizes on the plant's natural growth cycle, encouraging a robust and healthy development throughout the season. By trimming natal plum at this stage, gardeners can shape the plant and remove any damaged or diseased wood before the energy is directed into new foliage and branches. This timing also ensures that the flowering and fruiting periods are not adversely affected as natal plum blooms on the current year's growth. Pruning just before the onset of rapid growth allows the wound healing process to occur quickly, reducing stress and vulnerability to pests and diseases.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Natal Plum?

Hand Pruners

Ideal for cutting thin branches and shaping natal plum, these tools allow for precise cuts without damaging the plant.

Lopping Shears

Used for thicker branches that hand pruners cannot handle, lopping shears provide the leverage needed for branches up to about 1.5 inches in diameter.

Pruning Saw

For the thickest branches of natal plum, a pruning saw can make clean cuts without tearing the bark or causing unnecessary stress to the plant.

Gloves

Due to natal plum's sharp spines, wearing gloves is essential for protection during the pruning process.

Disinfectant

To prevent the spread of disease, disinfecting pruning tools before and after use on natal plum is recommended. This can be done with rubbing alcohol or a 10% bleach solution.

How to Prune Natal Plum

Step1: Timing Pruning Post-Flowering

Choose the right time to prune natal plum, which is typically after the plant has flowered in spring or early summer to avoid removing flower buds. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter when the plant is less active.

Step2: Tool Sterilization for Hygienic Pruning

Sterilize your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or a household disinfectant to prevent the spread of disease. Clean them between cuts if trimming diseased branches.

Step3: Deadwood Identification and Removal

Identify and remove any deadwood. These are branches that have no leaves, are discolored, or look dry and brittle. Cut deadwood back to the base or to a living lateral branch using clean, sharp cuts.

Step4: Sucker Growth Trimming

Locate and trim any suckers, which are vigorous vertical shoots that grow from the base of natal plum or from the roots. Cut these down to ground level or as close to the main stem as possible without damaging the main structure.

Step5: Cutting Back Diseased Branches

Examine natal plum for any diseased branches, indicated by discoloration, abnormal growth, or wilting. Cut these branches back to healthy tissue, ideally 3 to 5 inches into the healthy part to ensure the disease is completely removed.

Step6: Thinning for Light and Airflow

Shape natal plum by selectively thinning out overgrown areas to promote light penetration and air circulation. Make cuts just above outward-facing buds to encourage outward growth and maintain a natural shape.

Step7: Post-Pruning Cleanup

Clean all the debris to prevent the spread of pathogens and pests. Dispose of or destroy diseased material off-site and not in your compost to avoid contamination.

Step8: Hydration and Fertilization

After pruning, water the base of natal plum to ensure it's hydrated, and if necessary, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support recovery and growth.

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Post-Pruning Care for Natal Plum

Immediately after pruning natal plum, ensure it's kept in a well-lit area but protected from harsh sunlight. Maintain moderate humidity and steady temperatures to mitigate stress. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support recovery and growth. Monitor the plant for wilt, discoloration, or signs of infection. Any adverse changes should prompt adjustments in care or a consultation with a plant health expert. Regular and careful observation is crucial for the post-pruning period.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Natal Plum

Excessive Pruning Reduces Flowering and Harms Vitality

Over-pruning natal plum can lead to stress and reduced flowering. Removing more than one-third of the plant can harm its growth and vitality.

Dull or Dirty Tools Cause Branch Damage and Disease

Using dull or unclean pruning tools can damage natal plum's branches, making them more susceptible to disease and pests.

Improper Cuts into Old Wood Hinder Plant Recovery

Cutting into the old wood where there is no green growth may prevent natal plum from recovering properly, as it does not regenerate well from old wood.

Not Removing Dead Wood Risks Health and Disease Spread

Failing to remove dead or diseased branches, which can hinder healthy growth and potentially spread disease throughout natal plum.

Uninformed Pruning Leads to Unnatural Shape and Damage

Pruning without understanding the natural shape of natal plum leading to an unnatural appearance and potential harm to the plant's structure.

Common Pruning Tips for Natal Plum

Sharp, Sterilized Shears for Clean Cuts and Disease Prevention

Use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to make clean, precise cuts that will heal quickly and have less risk of disease for natal plum.

Prune for Natural Shape, Health, and Air Circulation

Prune natal plum to maintain its natural rounded shape, promoting healthier growth and better air circulation within the plant.

Cut Above Nodes or Branches for Bushier Growth

Cut just above a leaf node or lateral branch to encourage bushier growth and increase the likelihood of flowering in natal plum.

Regular Dead Wood Removal Boosts Health and Appearance

Regularly remove dead or diseased wood as soon as it is noticed to increase the overall health and appearance of natal plum.

Balance and Structure in Mind When Shaping

When shaping natal plum, make pruning decisions with the overall structure in mind to maintain a balanced, attractive form while allowing light to penetrate the canopy.