Why isn't the jasmine flowering?
The pure white and fragrant jasmine is favored by gardening enthusiasts, but many people often encounter a dilemma where the plant has lush branches and leaves but fails to bloom. This article will deeply analyze the three key elements that affect jasmine flowering, helping you identify the root cause and bring the plant back to its flourishing bloom.
Light Management: The Energy Code for Jasmine Flowering
As a typical positive plant, jasmine requires 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Long-term shading can lead to a "light hunger" phenomenon in the plant: leaf spacing increases, stems become thin and elongated, and bud differentiation is hindered. It is recommended to provide full sun care in spring and autumn, and use shading nets to filter 30% of strong light during high-temperature summer days. For indoor cultivation, prioritize a south-facing windowsill, and rotate the pot 180 degrees weekly to ensure even light exposure.
Light Requirement Differences in Special Varieties
Double-petaled varieties like the tiger head jasmine are more sensitive to light and require up to 6-8 hours of sunlight for normal bud formation. During winter, supplemental lighting should maintain a distance of 40-50 centimeters from the plant, with 3 hours of daily supplemental light being optimal.
Pruning Art: Shaping the Flowering Plant Structure
Jasmine has the characteristic of flowering on new branches. A scientific pruning system includes three key points: heavy pruning in early spring to retain a 15cm main stem to promote new branches; promptly removing residual flowers and the two pairs of leaves below after flowering; and light pruning in autumn to adjust the plant structure. Special attention should be given to the identification and treatment of overgrown branches, with thick lateral branches exceeding one-third the diameter of the main stem needing to be cut from the base to avoid excessive nutrient consumption.
Pruning Tool Disinfection Standards
Wipe the cutting edge of the pruning shears with an alcohol cotton pad before use, and make the cut at a 45-degree angle to prevent water accumulation and rot. Larger wounds can be coated with wood ash or healing agents to reduce the risk of disease infection.
Nutrition Control: Precise Supply of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers
Jasmine needs to be supplemented with phosphorus and potassium elements during the bud differentiation period (April-June). It is recommended to use monopotassium phosphate (1:1000) as a foliar spray weekly, combined with organic fertilizers like bone meal as a base fertilizer. Be alert to the "leaf fat flower blind" phenomenon caused by excessive nitrogen fertilization. If leaves become thick and dark green without flower buds, immediately stop using urea and other nitrogen fertilizers, and switch to banana peel fermentation liquid to supplement potassium.
Microelement Supplement Scheme
Applying micro-fertilizers containing boron and molybdenum elements monthly can enhance the aroma concentration of the flowers, and using chelated iron fertilizer can effectively prevent iron deficiency yellowing, keeping the leaves green and healthy.
Through systematic adjustment of the three elements of light, pruning, and fertilizing, combined with a suitable growth temperature of 20-30°C and a slightly acidic soil environment, the jasmine plant will definitely show a vigorous flowering ability. It is recommended to establish a maintenance log to record data such as pruning times and fertilizer ratios, gradually exploring the most suitable personalized care plan to make the jasmine bloom with fragrance every year.