Should I cut Hawaiian bamboo when it blooms?
As a star species among tropical leaf-viewing plants, Hawaiian bamboo is very popular for its tall and straight plant type and elegant feathery leaves. When plants are found to be heading and blooming, many growers struggle with whether to prune the flower branches. This article will start from botanical characteristics and combine years of conservation experience to provide scientific decision-making basis for flower friends. Analysis of the necessity of pruning Hawaiian bamboo 1. Interpretation of plant physiological characteristics Although its name contains the word "bamboo", Hawaiian bamboo (scientific name: Pritchardia pacifica) is actually a palm plant. During its natural growth cycle, 4-5-year-old plants can bloom, and spikes are drawn from leaf axils, and the flowering period can last for 2-3 months. Blooming is a normal physiological phenomenon for healthy plants. Although the red berries produced after flowering are inedible, they can increase the enjoyment of viewing. 2. Analysis of advantages and disadvantages of pruning Retaining flower branches can extend the viewing period and allow the plant to complete a complete growth cycle. However, the flowering process consumes a lot of nutrients, which may cause new leaves to become smaller and pale. It is recommended to decide based on the status of the plant: flowers can be retained in mature plants, and flower ears should be cut off in time for weak seedlings or plants that need modeling. 3. The best operation time is recommended to prune the flower ears before they are fully unfolded, and use disinfected branch scissors to cut flat at the base of the flower stem 1 cm. After operation, the incision can be smeared with plant ash, which not only prevents bacterial infection, but also supplements potassium to promote recovery. Hawaiian bamboo flower promotion and maintenance tips 1. Environmental control plan Light management: Provide 4-6 hours of scattered light every day to avoid direct strong light at noon. It can be used with 75% sunshade net to maintain the light intensity at 8000-12000lux.
Temperature and humidity control: Maintain the growth temperature of 20-30℃ and the air humidity of 60%-75%. In winter, it is necessary to maintain above 15℃, and a humidifier can be used to assist in humidification. 2. Water and fertilizer management strategy to control water before flowering: Gradually reduce the watering frequency 2 months before the expected flowering period to keep the water content of the pot soil at 30%-40%, and stimulate plant reproductive growth.
Nutrient supply: Apply phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer (N-P-K=5-10-10) every half month during the growth period, combined with alginic acid foliar fertilizer once a month. Apply additional bone meal or decomposed fish intestine fertilizer during the budding period to supplement trace elements. 3. Auxiliary flower promotion techniques rotate the flowerpot to ensure uniform light reception, and use gibberellin solution (50ppm) for foliar spray, which can effectively improve the flowering rate. At the same time, attention should be paid to removing the old leaves at the base in time to improve the ventilation and light transmission conditions of the plants.
Comprehensive application of the above methods, strong plants can bloom 2-3 times a year. It is recommended that novice flower lovers establish a maintenance log, record data such as temperature, humidity, fertilization, etc., and gradually master the rules of flower promotion.