Hydrangea won't bloom? Prune it, and the flowers will grow bigger than a soccer ball
There are many reasons why hydrangeas fail to bloom. If it is caused by too little light, you need to give it more light; if it is caused by too many hours of light, you need to reduce the light duration; if it is caused by improper pruning, you need to prune it correctly and in good time; if it is caused by too high a temperature, you need to lower the temperature; if it is caused by too much nitrogen fertilizer, you need to reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer.
1. Increase light
1. Cause: Hydrangeas like a somewhat shady environment, but they still need enough light. If there is not enough light, they tend to grow leggy, and in the end the leaves grow too large and their growth is affected. The leaves consume too many nutrients, which greatly affects the formation of flower buds and prevents the plant from blooming.
2. Solution: Move it to a spot with plenty of light, especially in winter. In spring and autumn, indirect light is enough.
2. Reduce light duration
1. Cause: Sometimes, if it is kept indoors and lit by artificial light at night, the light duration becomes too long, which affects flower bud differentiation and thus flowering.
2. Solution: During flower bud differentiation, do not give it too many hours of light; 10 hours or less per day is enough, and this will encourage it to bloom.
3. Prune correctly
1. Cause: Hydrangeas generally bloom on old wood. If the old wood is not pruned, it will affect flowering the following year.
2. Solution: After its flowers fade the previous year, cut off the spent flowers and make sure each branch has 3 to 4 buds; the other branches can all be cut off. The best time is before the end of August.
4. Lower the temperature
1. Cause: Many hydrangeas like to stay in a cooler environment before they bloom. If the temperature is above 10°C, it will affect flower bud differentiation and prevent them from blooming.
2. Solution: When its flower buds begin to differentiate, place it in an environment below 10°C.
5. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer
1. Cause: Although it loves fertilizer, improper application can affect its flowering. Too much nitrogen fertilizer in particular has the opposite effect.
2. Solution: After it blooms each year, apply a little less nitrogen fertilizer, then mainly use phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, so it can bloom earlier.