How to prune wax begonia? Master the pruning method of keeping the strong and removing the weak

Wax begonia (Begonia semperflorens) is an ornamental flowering plant that can be seen in many gardens in our country. However, during its growth, some dead branches and rotten leaves will appear, so we need to prune it regularly. So how do you prune wax begonia? What are the pruning methods for wax begonia? Below, the editor will walk you through it.

I. How to prune wax begonia

II. Pruning methods for wax begonia

1. Choosing tools

Before pruning wax begonia, we must first choose pruning tools. Generally, it is best to choose relatively sharp tree shears, because if they are not sharp enough, they will damage the plant's cortex, so everyone must pay attention to this point. Also, after choosing the tools, remember to disinfect them first, to avoid bacteria on the tools infecting the plant.

2. Pruning after planting

Among the pruning methods for wax begonia, pruning after planting should follow the principle of keeping the strong and removing the weak. When pruning, we can select 3-5 healthy branches and cut off the excessive weak branches above, which can promote branching. However, when pruning, everyone should be careful not to leave stubs.

3. Pruning during the growing season

Regarding how to prune wax begonia during the growing season, the method is actually very simple. We need to cut off from the base the crossing branches, internal branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and so on that affect its plant shape. Then choose to keep branches with suitable directions and robust growth, and prune them to a uniform height. This not only maintains the plant shape but also lays a foundation for wax begonia to bloom.

4. Pruning after flowering

After wax begonia finishes flowering, the flowers will gradually wither. At this time, we need to prune off the old branches that have flowered and the withered flowers, to avoid excessive loss of nutrients that would affect the formation of flower buds for the next year. Everyone should remember this point.

Pruning methods for wax begonia. How to prune wax begonia

How do you prune wax begonia? Begonia-type flowering shrubs all have long and short branches; short branches are flowering branches, while long branches are vegetative branches. Two weeks after flowering, besides thinning out some inner branches and crossing branches, you can appropriately shorten long branches, leaving 3-4 buds from the base on long branches and cutting off the rest, which helps increase the short branches that form flower buds. Today, wed114 brings you related content on the pruning methods for wax begonia. Let's take a look.

Wax begonia flower pictures

I. Introduction to wax begonia

Wax begonia, also known as four-season begonia and clam-flesh begonia, Latin name: Begonia semperflorens Link et Otto. It is a succulent herb in the Begoniaceae family, Begonia genus. Roots fibrous; stems erect, succulent, hairless, usually much branched at the base, leafy. Leaves ovate or broadly ovate, base slightly oblique, margins serrate and ciliate, glossy on both sides, green, but the main veins are usually slightly red. Native to Brazil. Wax begonia is the most common and most widely cultivated species among begonia plants. It has a graceful posture, tender and glossy leaf color, clustered flowers, blooms in all four seasons, and carries a slight fragrance. It is one of the main potted flowers for indoor and outdoor decoration. People use it in flower bed arrangements with excellent results. With the emergence of some relatively heat-tolerant varieties, wax begonia is very likely to become one of the most important flower bed flowers in China, with advantages such as neat plant shape, abundant and dense flowers, being very easy to combine with other flower bed plants, and a long ornamental period, thus becoming increasingly popular. It is generally cultivated in spring and autumn.

Wax begonia flower pictures

II. Pruning methods for wax begonia

Spring pruning

It is best to prune in early spring when the tree body has not yet begun to sprout, and the pruning methods are mainly heading back and thinning out branches.

1. Newly planted plants:

According to the principle of keeping the strong and removing the weak, generally choose 3 to 5 healthy branches and cut off excessive weak branches, diseased and pest-infested branches, and crooked branches from the base, to promote the sprouting of vigorous new branches from the root crown the next year and increase the number of branches in the clump. When pruning, be careful not to leave stubs. For the healthy branches already selected, usually prune strong branches lightly and weak branches heavily. Leave the pruning cut at an outward-facing bud to expand the range of the shrub cluster, and at the same time keep the interior of the clump hollow, which facilitates ventilation and light penetration and the formation of more flower buds. In places with good fertilizer and water conditions, prune lightly and leave longer branches; in places with poor fertilizer and water conditions, prune heavily and leave shorter branches.

2. Plants after planting:

An ideal shrub shape should maintain a state of being high inside and low outside, and sparse inside and dense outside. This not only allows the branches to receive sunlight evenly, but also increases the shrub's permeability, which is more conducive to healthy plant growth. The specific pruning methods are as follows:

(1) Cut off from the base the diseased and pest-infested branches, crossing branches, overly dense branches, overlapping branches, and inward-growing branches that affect the tree shape. Choose 5 to 8 branches with suitable directions and suitable thickness to keep, and the pruning height should be consistent at the base.

(2) Since Chaenomeles speciosa flower branches 3 to 5 years old bloom the most, flowering branches should be renewed year by year so that the plant always maintains a full-bloom state. Renewal of flowering branches should be carried out year by year, generally renewing 2 to 3 branches each year, and excess new growth branches and old flowering branches can be removed.

(3) Since the flower buds of Chaenomeles speciosa are basically borne on short branches, when pruning, leave several nodes before cutting, to increase short branches.

Pruning after flowering

In order to maintain the tree shape and make the overall effect beautiful, appropriate pruning is needed after flowering. Two weeks after flowering, thin out crowded branches on the plant and branches protruding from the crown outline. Appropriately shorten long branches, leaving 3 to 4 buds from the base and cutting off the rest, which helps increase the short branches that form flower buds. Fruits formed after flowering should be removed as early as possible to avoid nutrient loss and affect flower bud formation the following year.

Wax begonia flower pictures

III. Precautions for pruning wax begonia

1. When shortening flowering branches to control plant height, it should be done lightly and carried out year by year, to avoid heavy heading back affecting the amount of spring blooming.

2. The number of retained branches should be determined according to the size of the space. When planting a single plant, more branches can be retained; when planting in rows or patches, and the space is relatively small, fewer branches can be retained appropriately.

3. When pruning after flowering, leafy branches are removed, reducing the photosynthetic area, which will inhibit plant growth, so pruning should be light.

Wax begonia flower pictures

IV. Precautions for growing wax begonia

1. Applying fertilizer

During the growth period of wax begonia, fertilizer should be applied according to the plant's leaf color and leaf growth conditions. Do not apply too much fertilizer, otherwise it will cause excessive leaf growth and affect flowering. Before flowering, apply an appropriate amount of phosphorus fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to improve flowering quality.

2. Key points for propagation

In East China, spring from April to May and autumn from August to September are generally the most suitable. Seeds should be evenly scattered on the fine soil in the pot (no need to cover with soil). Then use the bottom-watering method to let the sowing pot absorb enough water, then cover it with a piece of glass and place it in a semi-shaded place. After 10 days, it will germinate. Seedlings sown in spring can bloom in autumn of the same year.

3. Key points for pruning

Another characteristic of wax begonia care is pinching. Like jasmine, Chinese rose, and other flowers, after the flowers fade, the faded flowers must be pruned and the tips pinched in time to promote more branching and more blooming. If the work of pinching and pruning is neglected, the plant tends to grow thin and elongated, the plant shape is not very beautiful, and it blooms less.

4. Key points for watering

In summer, water in the morning and evening; in winter, water around noon. Do not water too much, and by all means do not let the soil become waterlogged, otherwise excessive moisture will cause root rot and the leaves will turn yellow.

5. Pest and disease control

During periods of high temperature and dryness, wax begonia is prone to root rot and stem rot. At the early stage of discovery, watering should be controlled in time, and carbendazim should be sprayed for control. Continuous use for a period of time can show curative effect.

Wax begonia flower pictures

V. Experience in growing wax begonia

1. Selection of seedlings. When purchasing seedlings, choose seedlings with large and complete basal leaves and buds or branches in the leaf axils. Such seedlings have characteristics such as strong growth vigor, many branches, and abundant flowers.

2. Winter cold protection and warmth. Wax begonia is afraid of cold, so cold protection and warmth work should be done early. Before Frost's Descent, move the pot indoors to a sunny place facing south. When a cold wave arrives, it can be covered with a plastic bag, and then uncovered after the sun comes out the next day; it cannot be placed next to a heater, otherwise the leaves will be scorched; in an air-conditioned room, pay attention to ventilation.

3. Summer cooling and ventilation. In summer, the pot should be placed in a cool, ventilated place, with the temperature controlled below 30°C. By all means avoid direct strong light and sunburn.

4. Fertilizer and water management. During the growing season, apply 1 diluted liquid fertilizer about every 10 days. When flower buds form, increase the application of quick-acting phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to make the flowers vivid; watering should follow the principle of watering thoroughly when dry, and pay attention to maintaining humidity, often spraying water on the leaf surface, especially in hot summer and dry winter. The potting soil is better slightly drier in summer and winter, which helps increase resistance, but it must not be too dry. Avoid rain exposure.

How to grow wax begonia, the correct cultivation methods for wax begonia / regular pinching and pruning

Wax begonia is a flower native to the India region and was later introduced to our country. Today it can be seen in many areas of our country. However, it is not easy to grow this plant well, and there are many points that need attention. So how do you grow wax begonia? What are the correct cultivation methods for wax begonia? Below, the editor will walk you through it.

I. How to grow wax begonia

If you want to know how to grow wax begonia, we must first understand its growth habits. Wax begonia is a plant that likes sunlight, so during cultivation it is best to maintain sufficient light. In addition, fertilization, watering, and other aspects also require attention. The specific details are introduced in detail below. Let's take a look.

II. Correct cultivation methods for wax begonia

1. Soil selection

When growing wax begonia, choosing soil is a very important part. Generally, it is best to choose sandy soil with relatively high looseness. This kind of soil has relatively good air permeability and drainage, allowing wax begonia to absorb nutrients better.

2. Fertilization requirements

During the growth process of wax begonia, the demand for fertilizer is very high. During the growing season, it basically needs fertilization once about every 10-15 days. When fertilizing, maintain the principle of applying thin fertilizer frequently. It must first be diluted with water, so that wax begonia can absorb it better.

3. Water requirements

There is no fixed frequency for watering wax begonia. Do not water once a day or once every few days on a fixed schedule. When the potting soil turns white, you can water it. As much as possible, maintain the principle of not watering when not dry, and watering thoroughly when watering. But do not wait until it is completely dry before watering.

4. Light requirements

During the process of growing wax begonia, it is best to let it maintain sufficient light so that it can grow better. But it cannot be exposed to the sun for a long time, especially in summer when the light is too strong, and shading still needs attention.

5. Pinching and pruning

During the growth process of wax begonia, timely pruning and pinching are also part of care, because this can promote more branching and more blooming. If the work of pinching and pruning is neglected, the plant is likely to grow thin and elongated, the plant shape will also be less beautiful, and it will bloom less. So everyone should pay attention to this point.

6. Pest and disease control

During the growth process of wax begonia, if care is improper, pests and diseases and other phenomena are very likely to appear. Such phenomena are extremely harmful to the plant, so they must be dealt with in time. For specific handling methods, everyone can refer to the article on pest and disease control for wax begonia. The editor will not repeat them here.