Longevity Flower Post-Processing Methods
Let's share some knowledge about the succulent plant, longevity flower, focusing on the post-flowering treatment methods. Let's take a look together.
Many flower enthusiasts wonder whether it's better to trim the plant after the flowers, to re-propagate after flowering, or to leave it alone to grow. Based on my 2 years of planting experience and the situations of other flower enthusiasts, this cannot be generalized. It's necessary to analyze the specific condition of the plant:
1. Strong, mature plants: When the plant's condition, branching, and shape are very good, trim the stem 2-3 nodes after flowering, leaving a stump (see Figure 1 below); but generally not exceeding three years, as the third year requires taking the top bud for re-propagation. Apart from the unattractive shape, the aging of the plant can reduce the ability to form flower buds, thus affecting the number of flowers, which is also a factor to consider. This is commonly seen in varieties like "Sunrise," "Danny," "Hongtu," "Peach Blossom Chihuli," and single-petal rose leaf varieties.
2. New plants that were planted at the end of last year and the beginning of this year: Due to natural short-daylight reasons (as detailed in a later topic), the plants have short, weak branches and poor branching, such as the bicolor and peach varieties I posted before. Generally, for a 15 cm pot, only one plant is planted, and it should be topped at least twice. The cut branches can be propagated.
3. Plants that have become elongated due to shading in summer, insufficient sunlight, or excessive watering (as seen in Figure 2 below): Plants with a tall shape or long internode spacing, and thin, soft, drooping stems also need to complete 2-3 times of topping before October. The cut branches can continue to be propagated.
4. Commercial mature plants purchased from flower shops or markets: Most of these flowering plants come from greenhouse mass cultivation, which means there are significant differences in their growing environment and care methods compared to home cultivation (such as constant temperature and humidity, their planting materials are mostly coconut fiber or pure peat, and their growth is intervened by artificial control of sunlight and the use of a large amount of chemical agents like fast-acting fertilizers, plant growth regulators, and hormones to shorten the growth cycle and accelerate flowering for the (G-Y) market). These plants have large leaves, few branches, long and scattered flower stems, and their flowering period is more than twice as short as that of home-grown plants. Many of these commercial flowers are "ephemeral," and新手 with little experience often find it too late when they discover the issue. Therefore, it is recommended to cut off the remaining flowers and leaves as soon as possible after the flowers are observed, replace the planting material, and promptly cut fresh and healthy branches for propagation as a priority.
5. Plants with wrinkled stems (as seen in Figure 3 below), near-death old plants, or plants with root or stem rot due to the rainy season or diseases and pests: For these plants, it's important not to take chances. The sooner you take healthy and fresh top buds and branches for re-propagation, the better. Diseased plants should take branches and top buds at least 2CM away from black or rotten areas, and after cutting, special attention should be paid to check the cross-section. If there are black spots, continue to cut until the cross-section is normal (as seen in Figure 4).
The above comprehensive explanation of the post-flowering treatment methods for longevity flowers is intended to be a starting point to solve your green plant problems.