What Is Notching a Plant?

Help Your Plant Branch Out By 'Notching' To Encourage New Growth. ... Plant notching is simply putting a small cut in the trunk of a plant. “Plant notching is a method of encouraging new growth on plants, forcing plants to branch without taking any height off the specimen,” says Heeks.

How do you notch a houseplant?

You'll want to go about one-third of the way around the stem and one-third of the way into the stem. When you see white sap coming out, you'll know you've done it right! You can repeat—but don't go too crazy! It's best to stick to around 2-3 notches at a time, especially when you're starting out.

What is notching in pruning?

Notching: The removal of a wedge-shaped bark piece from above the bud to make a notch is called notching. 6. Nicking: The removal of a wedge-shaped bark piece from below the bud to make a notch is called nicking.