How to prune the longevity flower
This article introduces the pruning methods and timing for the longevity flower, as well as some small experiences in green plant maintenance, the details are as follows:
In previous years, many flower friends' longevity flowers were pruned too late, causing the plants to miss the period of flower bud formation and unable to bloom normally during the flowering period. Pruning of longevity flowers should be done around August. If it enters September, the plant begins to resume normal growth, and after a period of time, it starts to grow flower buds. If pruning is done at this time, new branches and leaves will be missed, and the growth of flower buds will be affected. Therefore, if you plan to prune the longevity flower, you should do it early, otherwise it will affect the formation of flower buds and result in the inability to bloom normally in the spring of the following year.
Pruning longevity flowers
Now, the longevity flowers are still in a dormant state, but as long as they are placed in a cool and well-ventilated area, they will grow normally. If you plan to prune, do it promptly now, and soon more lateral branches will grow. After October, flower buds will grow on these new branches.
Pruning longevity flowers mainly involves removing the withered leaves, thinning out the dense leaves, and cutting off the weak small branches.
If there are too few lateral branches, the number of flower buds will also decrease. If you want it to grow more lateral branches, you can also pinch the top to encourage new growth from below, and then form flower buds.
Start fertilizing after the plant recovers growth
Although it is already after the beginning of autumn, the temperature is still relatively high, and the longevity flower has not yet woken up from its dormant state. During maintenance, it is not suitable to fertilize it, as it may burn the plant's roots and the fertilizer is not easily absorbed and utilized at this time.
How to prune longevity flowers
Fertilizing longevity flowers should wait until the weather starts to cool down, when the plant begins to resume normal growth and needs sufficient nutrients to grow branches and leaves. You can add some diluted compound fertilizer. After October, apply a diluted potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution once a week to promote the plant to grow more flower buds and form flower buds.
The potting soil should not be too moist
Longevity flowers are succulent plants, and their fleshy stems and leaves can store a lot of water, making them highly drought-resistant. Generally, there is no need to worry about them drying out. During the dormant period in summer, the plant should not be watered too much, as excessively moist potting soil can easily lead to root rot and withering. Keeping the potting soil slightly dry is more beneficial for the plant to survive the summer.
When the weather starts to cool down in autumn and the plant resumes normal growth, watering should not be too frequent. Water only when the potting soil is completely dry, especially after October, when the plant starts to grow flower buds. It is important to control watering, as excessive water can promote the growth of branches and leaves at the expense of flower bud formation.
Proper lighting
Longevity flowers are short-day flowering plants that like sunlight but are sensitive to strong sunlight. After entering the dormant period in summer, it is important to provide adequate shade to prevent the delicate branches and leaves from being sunburned and becoming soft and wilted.
In the autumn, when the weather becomes cooler and the sunlight is not as strong, the plant starts to resume normal growth and soon begins to grow flower buds. At this time, it should be exposed to more sunlight. If the sunlight is too strong, you can first place it in a place with scattered light and then gradually increase the exposure to sunlight to encourage the plant to grow flower buds.
If you want to prune the longevity flower, it should not be too late, as it will affect the growth of new branches and prevent normal flower bud formation. As long as you prune in advance and allow it to grow new branches as soon as possible, and then strengthen the management of water, fertilizer, and light, it will soon be covered with flower buds on the branches.
The above shares the complete content on how to prune longevity flowers and the timing and methods for pruning. Flower enthusiasts may consider referring to this aspect.