How to Make String of Beads Bushy
As a widely popular hanging ornamental plant, the String of Beads is loved by flower enthusiasts for its purple patterned leaves and strong vitality. To achieve a bushy effect, one needs to master scientific care methods; facing common leggy issues requires precise strategies. This article will systematically analyze key care points from six dimensions to help you create a perfect hanging landscape.
Ⅰ. Comprehensive Guide to Making String of Beads Bushy
1. Substrate Mixture and Disinfection Treatment
Choose a golden ratio of decomposed leaf soil: garden soil: river sand = 5:3:2 to ensure the substrate is loose, breathable, and fertile. It is recommended to change the potting soil every 2 years, adding 5% bone meal to enhance fertility during potting. Steam or spray with carbendazim for disinfection before use to prevent diseases and pests.
2. Smart Lighting Control Solution
In spring and autumn, expose to 4-6 hours of direct morning light, combined with 60% shading net. In summer, use a double-layer shading method: an outer layer of 30% shading net plus an inner layer of gauze curtain, maintaining a light intensity of 20,000-30,000 lux. In winter, full-day lighting can be used, with supplemental lights to maintain 8 hours of daily lighting.
3. Precise Temperature and Humidity Control
Set a golden temperature range of 18-25°C, and maintain above 12°C in winter with underfloor heating and insulation covers. Use an ultrasonic humidifier to maintain 60-70% air humidity, combined with a ceramsite water tray method to increase humidity by placing a water-filled ceramsite tray at the bottom of the pot.
Ⅱ. Systematic Solutions for Leggy Issues
1. Three-Dimensional Diagnosis of Leggy Causes
Insufficient lighting type: manifested by internode spacing > 5 cm; excessive watering and fertilizing type: new leaves are light-colored and stems are soft; temperature imbalance type: accompanied by leaf curling. It is recommended to use a plant growth tester to monitor various indicators regularly.
2. Corrective Pruning Techniques
Use a 45-degree oblique cut method, retaining 3-4 growth nodes. After pruning, spray with a diluted 1000-fold solution of brassinolide to promote lateral bud differentiation. Place the healthy cuttings in water for cutting propagation, and new plants can be obtained after 2 weeks.
Through a scientific care system and precise problem-solving, not only can the String of Beads achieve a bushy growth, but it can also create a layered waterfall-like landscape. It is recommended to perform growth records monthly, establish a personalized care file, making plant management more scientific and efficient.