Question
Hi Will,

I am trying to make my thumb more green, but am definitely an amateur when it comes to indoor plants. I read one of your very helpful replies to someone about the care of indoor jasmine plants. You mentioned pinching back - how does that work?

Thank you,
Julie

Answer
Hi Julie,

Thanks for asking me to clarify "pinching out." This is a method of keeping a plant vines or stems from getting too long and leggy. It helps keep a plant more compact.

Many plants, such as Jasmine, grow very long vines if left on their own. The new growth is always at the ends of the vines so they keep getting longer and longer. The only way to control this is to keep pinching off and discarding the new shoots as they emerge at the ends of the stems.

Pinching does not harm the plant, it only alters it's appearance. It is analogous to keeping your hair trimmed to a particular length for reasons of appearance.

For some plants, pinching will help promote branching and, in the case of Jasmine, may promote flowering.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]