How to prune lantern flowers? The best time and method

Lantern flower pruning time

Lantern flowers can be pruned at any time, usually during the seedling stage, the vigorous growth period, and before and after the flowering period. If divided by season, the best time to prune lantern flowers is spring and autumn, because the temperature is more suitable at this time. Pruning lantern flowers can not only make the shape of the lantern flowers fuller, but also promote the germination of flower buds, allowing it to bloom continuously.

How to prune lantern flowers

1. Topping

Lantern flowers are generally pinched during the spring and autumn growing seasons. When the height of the lantern flower seedlings is 8-10 cm, the branches with buds on the top are cut off to prevent them from growing steeply upwards, thereby promoting the sprouting of side branches. When the new branches grow 8 to 10 leaves, they can be pinched for the second time.

2. Thinning branches

In addition to pinching, the lantern flower should also be thinned out, and the branches that grow densely and cross each other should be cut off to prevent the branches from affecting each other's growth. It can also increase the light transmittance of the plant, allowing more branches to enjoy sufficient light, which is conducive to the lantern flower to bloom more.

3. Pruning

When growing lantern flowers indoors, because of the different light positions, each branch absorbs different nutrients, so some branches will grow longer and some will be shorter, affecting the overall appearance of the lantern flowers. Therefore, after the autumn cools down, the overly long branches should be shortened to promote the growth of new branches to be stronger.

4. Pruning during flowering period

During the flowering period of the lantern flower, its branches are constantly growing. When the branches grow to a certain length, they can be topped so that the new branches that grow can continue to bloom. In addition, when the lantern flower blooms, the dense branches and leaves inside the plant should be cut off at any time to facilitate ventilation and light transmission.

5. Pruning after flowering

After July, the flowering period of the lantern flower ends. It is midsummer now, the temperature will exceed 30 degrees, and the plant will enter a semi-dormant state. If the leaves of the lantern flower curl at this time, they need to be pruned to reduce nutrient consumption and help it survive the summer safely. If flower buds sprout at this time, they also need to be cut off.