How to Make String of Hearts Bushy
To achieve a bushy effect with String of Hearts, you need to master scientific care methods. This unique foliage plant with distinctive leaf patterns can quickly form a dense crown through reasonable environmental control and care measures. This article will systematically analyze the core techniques to achieve a bushy effect, helping you create a vibrant String of Hearts landscape.
I. Environmental Control for Bushy String of Hearts
Accurate Temperature and Light Management
Maintain an optimal growth temperature of 18-28°C, and keep the temperature above 13°C in winter to prevent frost damage. Use diffused light in spring and autumn, shade 60% in summer, and accept soft direct light in winter. Periodically rotate the pot to ensure even light distribution and promote balanced lateral bud development.
Building a Humidity Cycle System
Keep the soil slightly moist in spring and autumn, and water when the topsoil turns white. Spray three times a day in summer with proper ventilation, and control water to half-dry in winter. It is recommended to use a ceramic pot with a tray to store water, forming a self-circulating humidity system.
II. Nutrition Plan for Bushy String of Hearts
Optimizing Substrate Ratio
Use a mixed substrate of decomposed leaf soil: perlite: coconut bran = 5:3:2, with a 3cm layer of ceramsite at the bottom for drainage. Add bone meal (50g/m³) to the soil every six months to enhance calcium content and promote root development.
Scientific Fertilization Strategy
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (diluted 1500 times) every 15 days during the growing season, and complement with a seaweed acid foliar fertilizer once a month. During the winter dormant period, switch to potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.2% solution) to enhance cold resistance.
III. Shaping Control for Bushy String of Hearts
Periodic Pruning Techniques
Prune the elongated branches every two weeks during the growing season, leaving two pairs of leaves at the base to promote new buds. Remove the flower spikes promptly during the budding period to concentrate nutrients for leaf growth. Regularly thin dense branches to maintain good ventilation and light.
Efficient Cutting Propagation Method
Select semi-woody branches and cut插穗 with three nodes. Use vermiculite + perlite (1:1) as the cutting substrate, maintain 25°C and 85% humidity, and transplant after 10-15 days of root formation to quickly achieve a bushy effect.
Through the three core measures of environmental control, nutritional management, and shaping control, combined with regular pot rotation, substrate renewal, and other detail optimizations, String of Hearts can achieve a bushy effect within 3-6 months. Pay attention to the plant's condition, adjust the care plan promptly, and you can maintain vigorous growth throughout the year.