How to prune wax begonia after it finishes blooming? Latest method explained in detail

After the wax begonia finishes blooming, it needs timely pruning of spent flowers, declining branches, foliage, and so on. The flower stem together with the receptacle can all be cut off, and some declining branches can also be removed; counting down from where the branch flowered to the second node, everything can be pruned off directly. There are also dead leaves, yellow leaves, diseased leaves, and so on, which need to be picked off.

Steps

1. Cut off spent flowers

After the wax begonia finishes blooming, pruning should be done promptly; simply cut off the flower stem together with the receptacle, and note that the entire flowering branch tip should not be cut off. This effectively reduces nutrient consumption and concentrates the nutrients on the branches.

2. Prune declining branches

In addition to pruning spent flowers, some declining branches also need to be pruned. Count down from where the branch flowered to the second node and prune it off directly, which promotes the sprouting of lateral buds on healthy branches. Leggy branches, thin and weak branches, and diseased or dead branches also need to be cut off one by one to avoid nutrient consumption.

3. Prune foliage

In addition, some dead leaves, yellow leaves, and diseased leaves need to be picked off, which effectively avoids nutrient consumption, increases the air permeability and light transmission of the wax begonia, greatly reduces the occurrence of pests and diseases, and helps concentrate nutrients so that the robust branches and leaves grow lush and green.

4. Care and management

After pruning, disinfect the cut promptly, using potassium permanganate or carbendazim solution, to speed up wound healing. Do a good job of care and management measures, maintain sufficient sunlight exposure, water and fertilize regularly, and avoid waterlogging and fertilizer damage.