this post was submitted on 25 Feb 2025
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As nicely as this avocado tree is growing, it does need to be prompted to start branching out at some point.
If I prune off those top baby leaves and leave the two nodes intact, will it start branching from both, or only one?

Current height is around 14 inches tall.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 weeks ago

Full plant for reference.

[–] diegantobass 8 points 3 weeks ago

Avocado tree are really tricky...and frustrating. You can't be sure it will actually branch, it depends on exposure to sunlight and quality of the soil. Some supplements could help too (phosphor I think? Someone please correct me, I'm not sure).

Do prune it though ! Mine is regurlarly pruned and looks good (I think!)

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 weeks ago

Eh it depends. Generally both will branch out!

If you find only one node sprouting out - trim that one back until you get two (or multiple nodes) all sprouting at once

If you let the node keep branching and growing solo then it will be harder to cut it back later and let multiple nodes take its place. Or the 'stunted' node will just never grow, the stronger one will take priority

For stronger stem get a fan, some gentle swaying will beef it right up!

[–] just_another_person 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

From the size of the pot and canopy, im guessing you've been pruning the lower nodes that attempted to branch out? I see a few tiny modules in your picture a bit lower, so just making a guess.

With avocado plants in an container, I don't know that snipping the top is going to do much but try and drive lower branching, but I think you're asking about getting it to branch more at the top?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

No previous pruning beyond pinching that one tiny leaf to see if anything would happen.
I do want it to start branching at the top, and also thicken up the stem a bit. Preferably before it reaches the top of the cubicle.

Also might get a bigger pot later on and move it off my desk.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 weeks ago

Also might get a bigger pot later on and move it off my desk.

lol
yeah that huge avo on your desk is pretty hilarious😆

Nice pin btw!