The linden tree is relatively easy to care for and grows quite quickly. If it has become too big, it is possible to cut it back, but this will leave your room lime tree somewhat unsightly. Grow a young plant from offshoots to replace the old plant.
Shoots with flowers should be chosen as offshoots
How do I cut offshoots?
As with any other pruning work on plants, you should always use clean and sharp tools when cutting offshoots. This avoids bruising of the shoots and the transmission of diseases.
Take a good look at your room lime tree. Green shoot cuttings are unlikely to produce flowering plants. You should therefore always cut your cuttings from flowering shoots that have already flowered. A length of about 15 cm is sufficient.
How do I maintain offshoots?
If the offshoots have many large leaves, then a lot of water evaporates. In this case, it makes sense to prune the lower (largest) leaves. You can cut off about a third of the leaf area. So your cuttings need less water.
To root, place the freshly cut shoots in a glass of water. Change this regularly. Cultivation directly in substrate is also possible. Make sure that the substrate is not wet but evenly moist. Once your cuttings start growing, they don't need any special care. With a bit of luck, they will even flower in their first year.
What can I do if my offshoots aren't growing?
Be sure to place the glass or pot with your offshoots in a bright place. If there is too little light, linden trees will lose their leaves. However, they do not tolerate direct sunlight. This could lead to sunburn with brown leaves or leaf spots.
The essentials in brief:
- always use clean and sharp tools
- it is best to cut faded shoots as offshoots
- Offshoots from green shoots are unlikely to flower
- cut about 15 cm long
- root in water or substrate
- Care for young plants like old plants
tips
If you want your home-grown lime tree to bloom later, then cut your offshoots from faded shoots, these have a better chance of blooming than those from green shoots.