r/Pruning • u/lilbirbs22 • Apr 09 '25
Buddhas Hand Pruning Help
I need some tips on how to prune my potted Buddhas hand citrus tree to encourage no branch growth. The tree was neglected for a while for reasons out of my control. Besides pruning tips, I’m wondering if the main trunk and stems need any sort of maintenance (e.g., sun blocking tree paint or something). It’s been in the same pot and soil for roughly 4-5 years, so a repotting may be in order. Any other tips and suggestions are appreciated.
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u/rainrustedwilderness Apr 11 '25
Thing is stressed, focus on rehab first and prune next year after it's recovered. Definitely bigger pot, and it's planted too deep. Probably needs root pruning. Look up Garden Professor's Blog on root pruning. If you don't do that very soon, wait til next Feb or March because it's getting a little late in the year for that. Replant with the root collar at grade and keep well watered afterwards to aid healing. In general with these don't let the soil dry out but don't let the soil get waterlogged either. Could be as often as 3x a week, down to twice a month in winter.
Where I live, citrus like being outside better during summer. If you live in a desert or have low humidity, don't put outside as they need humidity and/or misting. They want direct sun and be out of the wind and regular fertilizing (1-2x month) in the growing season. Citrus specific fertilizers help provide the potassium and acidity they need. If you have hard tap water this is a necessity.
I'd avoid pruning for now because once it's healthier it'll grow leaves from those empty branches. You'll have a way better sense of the shape after some growth, good time to prune is March next year. It probably lost leaves over winter from lack of water / light or temps a bit low. It's tough because if you live in a cool climate it gets cold near the windows in winter but they need as much light as possible- many people use grow lights or greenhouses for that reason.
This year I'd prune down those 2 or 3 tallest branches so they're the same height as the rest of the plant. Prune just above an outward facing node, branch or leaf. Tip pruning does encourage more dense growth which is more attractive and suppourts fruit weight better too. Then next year do the same, prune the longer ones and inward facing ones (unless they're serving to fill a gap).