What to do when the succulent light bulb plant blooms?
Comprehensive analysis of what to do when the succulent light bulb plant blooms and the knowledge of flower and plant aspects, including the four methods of dealing with succulent flowering. Let's take a closer look together.
Remember when I first started taking care of succulents, I was extremely excited to see them bloom. As time went by, except for some varieties that can be safely appreciated, I would cut off the flower spikes as soon as the color of the flowers could be seen to prevent excessive nutrient consumption and affect the plant shape. In fact, when it comes to succulent plant flowering, besides cutting and observing, it can also be used for propagation and breeding. Many experienced succulent enthusiasts will pollinate the flowers to cultivate new varieties, which are the currently very popular hybrid succulents on the market.
Due to the different growth characteristics of succulent plants themselves, there are usually four methods of dealing with succulent flowering, which need to be treated differently. Let's take a look together!
One: Cases where it needs to be cut off
In fact, for most succulents, whether to cut or not is entirely up to the grower's preference. While it is true that they consume nutrients and affect the shape, the small flowers of succulents are very characteristic and worth observing. It is particularly important to note that for varieties like法师 (Sword Leaf), Mountain Rose, and Cobweb Plant, the flower spikes must be cut off because after the flowering period, the flowering branch tips will dry up and die, and some may even cause the entire plant to die. When dealing with flower spikes, it is best to cut them off when the flowers start to bloom. If cut too early, the plant may produce new flower spikes. For young succulents that bloom, the best approach is also to cut them off.
Two: Cases where it's safe to admire the flowers
Although succulents are not flowering plants, some varieties are still very beautiful when they bloom and can be maintained as flowering plants. Varieties like Biyu Lian, Green Tortoise Egg,黄花照波 (Yellow Flower), Xiaomi Star, Purple Moon, Damo Fuyu, Stone Flower, Cactus, and others are safe to admire. There are many other such varieties, and these are just the ones I can think of at the moment. If you have any to add, please leave a message to share.
What to do when the succulent light bulb plant blooms?
Three: Flower spikes can also be used for propagation
For the propagation of succulent plants, the common methods used by growers are leaf cutting or stem cutting. In fact, the flower spikes of most succulents can also be used for propagation, and for some varieties that are difficult to grow from leaf cuttings, using flower spikes may be easier. As long as there are leaves on the stem, there is a chance of survival. We simply cut off the flower, and the rest of the operations are similar to stem cutting.
Four: Pollination and seed setting to cultivate new varieties
Compared to the above three methods, pollination and seed setting should be the most challenging, as it involves a series of processes including pollination, seed setting, sowing, and selection. For merchants, the success rate may be higher, while for us hobbyists, it's mainly about participation and finding more fun in growing succulents, so it's also very good to learn about it.