From my perspective as a plant, timing is everything. Pruning at the correct point in my growth cycle minimizes stress and allows me to recover vigorously. The ideal time to prune me is in the late winter or very early spring, just before the surge of new growth begins. At this time, I am emerging from a period of relative dormancy. My energy is stored in my dense, tuberous root system, ready to be directed into fresh, new stems (often called "spears" or "fronds"). Pruning at this moment allows you to remove any old, damaged, or unsightly growth from the previous year without sacrificing the energy I have already invested in my new seasonal growth. It is a clean reset that I am biologically prepared for.
When you approach me with shears, understand that my structure is not that of a typical woody shrub. My above-ground parts are photosynthetic stems, and my true leaves are the tiny, scale-like structures on those stems. To maintain my shape, focus on selective removal rather than a wholesale chop. Please use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to prevent crushing my stems and introducing disease. Begin by identifying the oldest, most woody-looking stems at the base of the plant. These are likely turning brown or yellow and have served their purpose. Cutting these stems off at the soil line is most beneficial; it opens up my center, improves air circulation, and reduces the chance of pest habitation.
For shaping, your goal should be to encourage my natural, fluffy, fountain-like form. Do not shear me into a tight ball or square; this damages my stems, creates an unnatural appearance, and exposes brown, cut ends. Instead, step back and observe my overall shape. Identify any stray stems that are growing far beyond my desired silhouette. Trace these individual stems back to a point deeper inside the plant and make your cut there. This hides the cut end and encourages new growth to fill in from within, creating a denser, more lush appearance. You can also lightly trim the tips of stems throughout my form to encourage bushier branching, but this should be done sparingly.
After you have finished pruning, I will need a little support to channel my energy into healing and new growth. While I do not require heavy fertilization immediately, a light application of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can provide the nutrients needed to fuel the emergence of my new spears. Ensure my soil is consistently moist (but never waterlogged) as I put energy into regenerating. Place me in my preferred conditions of bright, indirect light. Within a few weeks, you will be rewarded with the sight of vibrant, green new stems erupting from my center, quickly filling out the space you have cleared and creating a beautifully shaped, healthy plant for the season ahead.
