Post-Bloom Treatment for Regal Begonia
As a star potted plant valued for both its foliage and flowers, the post-bloom care of Regal Begonia directly affects the quality of its secondary flowering. This article systematically analyzes key operations such as pruning, repotting, and temperature control to help gardening enthusiasts master scientific care methods, allowing the plant to quickly regain its growth vitality.
One: Techniques for Pruning Withered Flowers
1.1 Precise Pruning Point Location
After the flowers have completely wilted, use a sanitized scissor to make an oblique cut 5mm above the second node on the flower stem, leaving the bud point to promote the growth of lateral branches. If the entire branch of flowers withers, it is necessary to cut it off as a whole from 2cm above the base.
1.2 Tool Disinfection Treatment
Wipe the blade with 75% alcohol before and after pruning, and immediately apply a fungicide powder to the cut after pruning to prevent bacterial infections leading to stem rot disease.
Two: Potting and Soil Replacement Operations
2.1 Scientific Substrate Mixture Ratio
Use a mixed substrate of peat soil: perlite: vermiculite = 5:3:2, and add 10g of decomposed sheep manure as a base fertilizer per liter of soil to ensure the soil is loose, breathable, and nutrient-rich.
2.2 Potting Operation Steps
After removing the plant from the pot, retain 1/3 of the protective soil, and剪除 the entangled old roots. The new pot diameter should be 3-5cm larger than the original pot, with a 3cm layer of ceramic stones at the bottom for drainage. After potting, gently press the soil to make the roots adhere.
Three: Plant Shaping Management
3.1 Treatment of Withered and Diseased Leaves
Simultaneously cut off yellowed old leaves, weakly growing branches, and leaves infected with red spider mites to ensure the plant is well-ventilated and receives light, retaining 6-8 healthy main branches as the framework.
3.2 Use of Growth Regulators
After pruning, spray a diluted solution of 1000 times the concentration of brassinolide, once a week for three consecutive weeks, which can activate the growth points of lateral buds and make the plant more full.
Four: Precise Environmental Control
4.1 Water Control Strategy
Adopt the "wet-dry" watering method, water thoroughly after the top 2cm of soil dries. Combine with foliar spraying in the morning and evening to maintain 60% air humidity and avoid waterlogging and root rot.
4.2 Key Points of Light and Temperature Management
Maintain the optimal care environment at 18-25°C, and shade 50% of direct sunlight during summer. Rotate the pot 180 degrees every half month to ensure even light exposure to the plant.
Through systematic post-bloom management, Regal Begonia can usually rebloom in 60-90 days. It is recommended to supplement phosphorus and potassium fertilizers monthly and配合摘心处理 to achieve an explosion of over 30 flowers simultaneously, creating a stunning beauty that blooms year after year.