Full Bloom Star Cutting Method Illustration
As a popular ornamental flower cherished by gardening enthusiasts, the Full Bloom Star is a favorite for balcony planting with its starry flower posture. Mastering the correct cutting method not only improves the survival rate but also shortens the flowering cycle. This article will systematically explain the entire cutting process and key flowering management points through illustrations.
Full Bloom Star Cutting Process Analysis
Substrate Ratio and Disinfection Treatment
The ideal cutting substrate should have both breathable and water-retaining properties. It is recommended to use a ternary formula of peat soil (50%) + perlite (30%) + wood ash (20%), which can maintain moisture and avoid waterlogging. Before use, it should be thoroughly disinfected with a 800-fold solution of carbendazim or treated with a high-temperature steam sterilization method.
Selection and Treatment Techniques for Cuttings
Select the current year's semi-woody branches, 8-12 cm in length, retaining 2-3 leaf nodes. The cut should be 0.5 cm away from the leaf node and cut at a 45-degree angle. Dipping in a 1000ppm solution of indole butyric acid (IBA) can increase the rooting rate by 20%. The treated cuttings should be dried in a shaded area for 2 hours to form callus tissue.
Scientific Cutting Operation Standards
Use the shallow insertion method, with the depth being 1/3 of the cutting length (about 3-4 cm). Maintain a spacing of 5cm×5cm, and after insertion, compact the substrate and spray a rooting solution. It is recommended to use a transparent seedling box, maintaining 85% air humidity, and keeping the temperature between 18-22℃.
Full Bloom Star Cutting Flowering Cycle Management
Root Development Stage (1-30 days)
Maintain a scattered light environment, keeping the substrate moisture at 60%-70%. When the new roots reach 2 cm in length, spray once a week with a seaweed foliar fertilizer (diluted 2000 times). Avoid excessive fertilization during this stage to prevent root burn.
Nutritional Growth Stage (31-90 days)
Gradually increase light after new leaves unfold, transitioning to full sunlight. Apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (N-P-K=20-20-20) every half month, and promote branching with topping treatment. When the plant height reaches 15 cm, switch to a high phosphorus-potassium fertilizer to promote bud differentiation.
Key Flowering Regulation Techniques
Under normal care, spring cuttings will bloom in about 120-150 days, while autumn cuttings may take up to 180 days due to overwintering. Supplemental lighting (daily light exposure ≥14 hours) can advance flowering by 20 days. Applying potassium dihydrogen phosphate (1000-fold solution) during the bud formation stage can increase flower density by 35%.
Scientific care management can increase the flowering rate of cuttings to over 80% in the same year. It is recommended to establish a care log, recording data such as temperature and humidity, and fertilization frequency, and continuously optimize the cultivation plan through comparative analysis. Regularly check the root status, and timely potting change can prevent nutritional limitations, allowing the Full Bloom Star to continue to bloom with starry beauty.