The Techniques of Pruning Branches of Red Spider Lily
As a unique plant where the flowers and leaves never meet, the pruning and maintenance of red spider lily are full of special wisdom. Mastering the correct pruning method can not only extend the plant's lifespan but also promote bulb development to ensure a sufficient flower yield the following year. This article will systematically analyze the key points of maintaining red spider lily through three core pruning stages.
Full Post-Flowering Pruning Process of Red Spider Lily
Choosing the Best Pruning Time
2-3 days after the flowers completely wilt is the golden pruning period, at which time the base of the flower stem begins to lignify. When the filaments droop, use a sterilized scissor to make an oblique cut 3cm from the base, which preserves the nutrient return channel while preventing water accumulation in the wound.
Nutrition Supply Plan
Immediately after pruning, apply a compound fertilizer of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (10-10-10), combined with well-rotted sheep manure buried 5cm deep in the soil. The dosage should be controlled to 50g per square meter, as excessive fertilization can easily cause bulb burns.
Leaf Management Tips for Red Spider Lily
Seasonal Pruning Rules
Prune in April every year when the leaves naturally turn yellow, leaving a 10cm petiole to protect the new flower buds. Use a crescent-shaped pruning shear to make a 45° diagonal cut along the leaf veins, and apply charcoal powder to the cut to prevent infection.
Standard for Diseased Leaf Treatment
If early leaf spot disease (spots <2mm in diameter) is detected, immediately cut off the diseased leaf and spray with mancozeb solution. Severely infected plants need to be isolated, and tools used should be soaked in 75% alcohol for disinfection after use.
Root Maintenance System for Red Spider Lily
Standard for Potting and Root Pruning
Every spring, change the pot and cut off the old roots (diameter > 3mm) while retaining the new fibrous roots. Use a saw-toothed root pruning shear, leaving a main root length of 15-20cm to stimulate the growth of capillary roots.
Root Disinfection Process
Soak the pruned roots in a carbendazim solution (1:800) for 30 minutes, then let them dry in the shade before planting in a vermiculite and perlite (3:1) mixture. Maintain 40% humidity in the mixture to promote wound healing.
Special Maintenance Precautions
Perform preventive pruning before the rainy season to remove dense leaves and improve ventilation. During the winter dormancy period, keep the soil slightly dry and loosen it once a month to promote oxygen exchange. Record the date of each pruning and establish an individualized maintenance calendar.
Through a scientific pruning and maintenance system, the annual growth rate of the red spider lily bulb diameter can reach 15%-20%. It is recommended to establish a pruning log, recording the plant's response after each operation, gradually forming an individualized maintenance plan suitable for local climates. Regularly observe the bulb fullness, and when the scales show agate patterns, it is at the best viewing stage.