How to Prune蟹爪兰 (Schlumbergera)
As a typical potted plant for the Chinese New Year, the aesthetic appeal of蟹爪兰's plant shape directly affects its ornamental value. Scientific pruning not only shapes a graceful plant but also promotes bud differentiation and plant rejuvenation. Mastering the timing of pruning and care essentials can make蟹爪兰 continuously bloom with vibrant flowers.
Three Key Stages of蟹爪兰 Pruning
Preparation of Pruning Tools
Use gardening shears sanitized with 75% alcohol, making a 45-degree diagonal cut. Retain 3-4 stem nodes as the benchmark for pruning.
Pruning During the Growing Season (April-September)
Focus on removing crossed branches, dense branches, and deformed stem nodes, leaving the main stem 10-15 cm long. Retain 3-5 healthy stem segments per branch to enhance ventilation and light penetration.
Pruning During the Bud Formation Stage (October-November)
Retain 2-3 full buds at the top of each stem, promptly removing weak side buds. Keep new leaves to maintain photosynthesis.
Pruning After Flowering (December-March)
Make a diagonal cut from the third node below the spent flower, and simultaneously remove yellow leaves. Retain new red stem nodes as the flowering branches for the next year.
Golden Care Period After Pruning
Environmental Control
During the wound healing period (3-5 days), maintain an environment of 18-22°C with diffused light and humidity controlled between 50%-60%.
Water and Fertilizer Management
After healing, apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizer (diluted 1000 times) and combine with EM bacterial solution for root irrigation, applying once every 15 days.
Rejuvenation Techniques
When new buds emerge, repot the plant and support it with bamboo stakes to avoid stem collapse.
Through systematic pruning and scientific care,蟹爪兰 can maintain a compact plant shape, increasing the annual flowering yield by over 40%. Regularly observe the plant's condition and adjust management measures according to seasonal changes to keep this "Christmas Cactus" continuously vibrant.