How to Pinch Back Rieger Begonia? Detailed Explanation of the Correct Methods and Techniques
Rieger begonia is a flower that is very suitable for decorating indoor environments in winter. Its flower colors are rich and varied, and its blooms are large and full. When placed at home during the flowering season, it not only lets you see pleasing flowers, but also sets off the festive cheer of the holiday. But if you want Rieger begonia to bloom well, daily care is naturally indispensable, and one of the more important points is pinching back. Below, Qinnong Web will introduce the pinching method for Rieger begonia.
Before introducing exactly how to pinch back Rieger begonia, let us first understand what pinching back is. Pinching back is also called topping, which means when the main stem or side branch you want to keep has grown to a certain extent, removing the growth point at the top. Pinching back helps increase the amount of branches and leaves, and can also ease the growth momentum of young trees; in addition, pinching back can also promote the formation of flower buds in the plant. So what is our purpose in pinching back Rieger begonia? And how should it be done?
I. Reasons for Pinching Back
Rieger begonia itself has relatively poor branching, so it is necessary to remove those excess tips to promote the growth of branching from the base. The general requirement is to begin topping two weeks after planting the seedlings in the pot. In order to make side branches sprout and better shape the plant's form, potted Rieger begonia should be pinched back during its growth period, so that when it blooms, the flowers will be more beautiful and full. You can properly pinch off and cut away excess useless flowers to conserve nutrients.
II. Operation Methods for Pinching Back
1. When the seedlings of this plant grow to the height you expect, you can directly pinch off its top shoot with your fingers, which can benefit the growth of new side branches. Or you can wait until its seedlings grow to about ten cm tall, then remove one-third or one-half of the top, or remove it at a point 0.5 cm above the axillary bud.
2. After the tops of the main branches of seedlings with relatively more flowers are removed, the plant's apical dominance will be distributed to the small buds below the pinched points, and three to four branches will grow below the pinched points. They will be used to replace the growth momentum of the middle main stem part. After the first removal of excess flower tips, after some time, the new side branches will grow well. At this time, a second pinching back is needed, that is, pinch off the tops of the new side branches once more, so that more new branches can grow.
III. Precautions for Pinching Back
1. The sprouting of new branches usually occurs after the weather begins to turn cool in autumn, so while pinching back, you should water it generously to replenish its moisture, so that it can grow better.
2. Give the Rieger begonia that has already been pinched back sufficient light to meet its growth needs.
3. Moreover, the temperature of its growing environment must not be lower than 10°C, otherwise it will hinder its growth.
The above is the introduction to pinching back Rieger begonia brought to you by Qinnong Web. Pinching back is the reason many flowers bloom abundantly. If you find that under the same environment, the plants others grow are more luxuriant than yours, it is very likely because they have done this thing called pinching back!