Read the archives of this forum to find out how pruning works in various situations. This cut may look drastic but it's what I would do to make the plant look more compact--which is what I prefer. It will branch from the top of that cut, thus raising the canopy somewhat so that the new leaves from it will not be as crowded as they would be if you cut lower.

Had to look up where South Carolina is to see why there is a lot of mold. I guess humidity. Well, you'll probably want to treat that cut with either flower of sulfur (which freaks me out) or ceylon cinnamon.

Have fun with your plant.

Pagan

Oh ok, I see what you mean here. I looked and have not been able to find the archives fro pruning that you mentioned.

Also, will the caudex thicken up from the bottom upwards? It seems incredibly low at the moment. Wondering if I should be pruning back the small growths towards the base also for better form.

Jeffrey, many 'obesum' hybrids have unimpressive rather small caudexes (but with fat roots which can be exposed/raised). Your tree will thicken up as it grows but the caudex will most likely retain its globular shape. That is the nature of 'obesum'.

If you want really fat caudexes and compact growth buy an 'arabicum'.

Btw, is your tree grafted?