Question
Good Afternoon,
This year, I received a braided azalea tree for Mother's Day.  While I was removing the price tag from the tree, I also removed a piece of plastic that was attached to the branches right under the leaves and flowers.  It is now obvious to me that I should have left this plastic piece on because it appears that the tree trunk is seperating;unbraiding itself.  What can I do to get the branches to braid again? Can I buy something to put on the branches to encourage the branches to braid again?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.

Thank You

Answer
Hi Theresa,

Azalea braids are not intended to have the braid continue beyond what you already have. There is no practical way for you to continue braiding, even if you wanted to. The braided stems fuse together as they age and usually there is no reason to keep the plastic ties in place. The upper portions may spread a bit, but they will not become un-braided.

It is best not to let the upper stems grow out very much. The shape it has at purchase is by design and it is best to prune back any new growth that starts to poke outside the original canopy. Pruning does no harm, but will keep the plant shapely and compact.

I have written articles on pruning and on Azalea care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com