How to prune wax begonia after it finishes blooming

After wax begonia finishes blooming, the spent flowers, declining branches and foliage need to be pruned promptly. The flower stems together with the receptacles can all be cut off, and some declining branches can also be removed; counting down from where the branch blooms to the second node, they can be cut off directly. Dead leaves, yellow leaves and diseased leaves also need to be removed.

Steps

1. Cut off spent flowers

After wax begonia finishes blooming, pruning should be done promptly; the flower stems together with the receptacles can all be cut off, but note that the entire flowering branch tip should not be cut off. This effectively reduces nutrient consumption and concentrates nutrients in the branches.

2. Prune declining branches

Besides pruning spent flowers, some declining branches also need to be pruned. Counting down from where the branch blooms to the second node, cut it off directly, which promotes the sprouting of lateral buds on healthy branches. Elongated leggy branches, thin 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 all need to be removed, which effectively avoids nutrient consumption, increases the air permeability and light transmittance of wax begonia, greatly reduces the occurrence of pests and diseases, and helps concentrate nutrients so that robust foliage grows lush and green.

4. Care and management

After pruning, disinfect the cut surfaces promptly, using potassium permanganate or carbendazim solution, which speeds 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 burn.