When does the Chinese Lantern Flower Bloom?
Abstract: This article explains when the Chinese Lantern flower blooms, as well as the best planting time and methods for growing green plants and flowers, with the following details:
If you ask which climbing flower climbs fast, blooms beautifully, and has a long flowering period, the Chinese Lantern flower is definitely the first choice. Native to South America, the Chinese Lantern flower is now widely planted in China. Especially in the southern regions, towards the end of autumn and winter, you can see the red Chinese Lantern flowers blooming everywhere, resembling balls of fire from a distance, bringing a sense of warmth. The flowering period of the Chinese Lantern flower mainly focuses on autumn, winter, and spring. With proper care, it can bloom from the end of autumn to May (in some places where winter comes late, the flowering period may extend to January to June). Some northern gardening enthusiasts also grow Chinese Lantern flowers in pots at home, which can also produce a full pot of "little firecrackers." But what if some enthusiasts' Chinese Lantern flowers don't bloom when they're supposed to? Then we need to manually induce blooming!
When does the Chinese Lantern flower start to bloom in size?
The Chinese Lantern flower is mainly propagated by cuttings. It is usually difficult for the cuttings of the current year to bloom, and they only start to bloom in the second year (some cuttings planted early in spring may bloom slightly in the same year). The Chinese Lantern flower can also be propagated by layering, and the seedlings from layering can bloom in autumn and winter of the same year. The Chinese Lantern flowers sold in the market are mainly propagated by cuttings. As long as the seedlings are not too small and properly cared for, they may bloom in the same year after purchase. Chinese Lantern flowers that have been cared for for more than a year at home are definitely capable of blooming.
When does the Chinese Lantern flower bloom?
The Chinese Lantern flower can bloom when the temperature is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. The temperature varies from place to place, with some places having the flowering period in autumn and winter, and others in spring and early summer. Generally speaking, in areas where the winter temperature is not too low, the flowering period of the Chinese Lantern flower is mainly in late autumn, winter, and spring. In regions with lower winter temperatures, the flowering period is mainly in spring and early summer. In places like Xishuangbanna, the Chinese Lantern flower starts blooming in November and can continue until May or June of the following year, with a flowering period of over half a year.
Why doesn't the Chinese Lantern flower bloom?
Why doesn't a Chinese Lantern flower with the ability to bloom actually bloom? Mainly consider two reasons:
1. The temperature is not suitable for the Chinese Lantern flower to differentiate flower buds
Although the Chinese Lantern flower is suitable for growth in tropical and subtropical regions, it cannot differentiate flower buds when the temperature is high. On the contrary, it can only differentiate flower buds and bloom when the weather cools down and the temperature is between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius. If the environment temperature for growing Chinese Lantern flowers is high, it will be difficult for them to bloom. Northern gardening enthusiasts who grow Chinese Lantern flowers in pots should place them in cooler areas during winter when there is heating indoors; this will make it easier to see flowers. Otherwise, they may only grow branches and leaves without blooming throughout the winter.
When does the Chinese Lantern flower bloom?
2. Failure to bloom due to cultivation reasons
The Chinese Lantern flower is relatively easy to bloom, with a strong flowering ability when planted in the ground, covering a large area. Even when potted and under suitable temperatures, it can bloom on schedule. If your Chinese Lantern flower shows no signs of blooming during the flowering period, you need to look for the reason in its care. Promptly change the cultivation method, manually induce blooming, and in about 30 days, you will see the Chinese Lantern flower developing flower buds.
Main reasons why the Chinese Lantern flower does not bloom when planted in the ground
The main reason why the Chinese Lantern flower does not bloom when planted in the ground is related to lighting. If the Chinese Lantern flower is planted in a shaded area, it is easy for it not to bloom. In the walls surrounding our community, the Chinese Lantern flowers in sunny areas bloom every year, while those shaded by trees do not bloom, only showing branches and leaves. Therefore, when planting Chinese Lantern flowers in the ground, it is essential to plant them in a well-lit area to ensure blooming is not a problem.
Main reasons why the Chinese Lantern flower does not bloom when potted
The main reason why the Chinese Lantern flower does not bloom when potted is excessive watering. When watered too much, the Chinese Lantern flower has vigorous vegetative growth, often resulting in lush foliage without flowers. In this case, to make the Chinese Lantern flower bloom, it is necessary to control water, only watering when the leaves start to wilt, which will quickly result in blooming.