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Seal Plant Cuts for Better Healing: Avoid These Substances

Protect your plants from improper healing. Seal cuts with the right mixture to encourage wood growth and prevent disease.

In the picture there are many trees present.
In the picture there are many trees present.

Seal Plant Cuts for Better Healing: Avoid These Substances

Gardeners, take note: sealing cuts on your plants is crucial for their health. A sealed cut on a plant of the same age shows promising wood growth along the edge and near closure after just two seasons. However, not all substances are suitable for this task. Firstly, avoid garden varnish and nitrocellulose paints. These can leak and block the cut's breath, hindering the healing process. Pure whitewash is also ineffective, lasting only 2-3 weeks and washing off easily. For bougainvillea, it's best to cut into live wood, allowing the plant to seal the cut area itself. No specific substance is commonly recommended for sealing cuts in general gardening practices. For larger cuts, over 2 centimeters in diameter, especially on home trees with infrequent treatments, it's essential to close them. Unprotected cuts left for two to three years remain open and don't heal properly. A working mixture for sealing cuts consists of half water-based garden paint and half iron oxide. This provides porosity, prevents peeling, and contains fungicides. Dark spots on unsealed cuts aren't signs of black cancer, but indicate poor healing after winter or other adverse effects. Adding iron sulfate to the mixture turns it into an effective brown paste, aiding even healing. To protect your plants, seal cuts using a mixture of water-based garden paint and iron oxide. Avoid unsuitable substances and ensure larger cuts are closed, especially on infrequently treated home trees. Regular care and monitoring will help your plants thrive.

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