CATDOLL : CATDOLL: How to prune goldfish flowers

How to prune goldfish flowers

After the kumquat plum fish spider plant blooms, the withered flowers, old branches, cross branches and diseased branches need to be cut off in time to reduce nutrient consumption.

You can also change the pot after flowering and cut off the old, weak and diseased roots to promote the germination and growth of new roots. The scissors need to be disinfected before pruning, and the goldfish spider plant needs to be placed in a sunny place in time after pruning.

Goldfish Chlorophytum can be propagated by sowing, division and cutting. Because seeds are not easy to obtain, sowing is not used. Generally, cutting is often used for propagation.

Cut branches in spring and autumn, insert them into river sand or vermiculite, maintain relatively high humidity, and then, when the temperature is 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, it will take root and sprout in about a month. After rooting and survival, the golden jade spider plant should be managed more closely to promote the growth of new branches.

Additional information:

Maintenance points:

1. Chlorophytum comosum is native to tropical American jungles, and the optimal temperature for its growth is 18-26℃. Generally, it can be placed in a bright window indoors or on a shady balcony. In high temperature and high humidity, it is easy to cause stems and branches to rot and die. The cultivation soil needs to be loose and well-drained. The soil should not contain lime and should be acidic. During the winter dormancy period, the temperature should be controlled at 15℃.

2. When growing goldfish plants in a greenhouse, porous pots and substrates such as peat moss, fern roots, and bark blocks are usually used to facilitate root drainage and good ventilation.

What's the name of this flower?

Goldfish Chlorophytum

Goldfish flower, also known as Koren flower, string goldfish, small-leaf goldfish flower, whale flower, button whale flower, small-leaf goldfish flower, goldfish spider plant, kangaroo spider plant, and kangaroo flower.

Perennial herbaceous plant, semi-woody at base. Stem obliquely ascending, 20-40 meters long, young stems green, old stems reddish brown; simple leaves, opposite, ovate, about 3-4 meters long, pointed at the tip, fleshy, dark green on the surface, red on the back near the main vein; flowers solitary in leaf axils, about 2-3 meters long, 5 sepals, corolla ± lip-shaped, swollen at the bottom, 5 small cracks at the tip, orange-red, lobes yellow, red between lobes; 4 stamens, attached to petals, anthers adherent; one pistil. Capsule, similar to that of Scrophulariaceae.

It likes high temperature, high humidity, and negative environment. If it is placed in the sun for a long time, it will be damaged. If it is too dry or the temperature is too low in winter, it will cause leaves to fall. Goldfish flowers are most likely to shed leaves in winter, which is related to temperature. The suitable temperature for the growth of goldfish flowers is 18-22℃. Avoid low temperatures. If the temperature is lower than 10℃ for two consecutive days, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry, and even fall off with a very slight vibration. In addition to low temperatures, if the temperature continues to exceed 30℃ for a long time, it will also fall off. In the high temperature in summer, goldfish flowers grow very slowly or almost stop growing. At this time, appropriate shading measures should be taken to make it grow vigorously and not shed leaves.

Kangaroo's rubber flower is as bright as a glittering flower. See the picture for the picture.

Like orchids or crabapples.

Looks like a flytrap to me

It's a goldfish flower.

【Basic Information】

【Scientific name】Columnea gloriosa

[Other names] Kolun flower, string of goldfish, small-leaf goldfish flower, whale flower, button whale flower, small-leaf goldfish flower, goldfish spider plant, kangaroo spider plant, kangaroo flower

[Classification] Spermatophyta, Angiosperms, Dicots, Scrophulariales, Gesneriaceae, Magnoliaceae

【Origin Distribution】

Goldfish flower is native to tropical America.

【Morphological characteristics】

Perennial herb, semi-woody at base. Stem obliquely ascending, 20-40 meters long, young stems green, old stems reddish brown; simple leaves, opposite, ovate, about 3-4 meters long, pointed at the tip, fleshy, dark green on the surface, red on the back near the main vein; flowers solitary in leaf axils, about 2-3 meters long, 5 sepals, corolla more or less lip-shaped, swollen at the bottom, 5 small cracks at the tip, orange-red, lobes yellow, red between lobes; 4 stamens, attached to petals, anthers adhered; one pistil. Capsule, similar to that of Scrophulariaceae.

【Growth habits】

It likes high temperature, high humidity, and negative environment. If it is placed in the sun for a long time, it will be too dry or the temperature is too low in winter, which will cause the leaves to fall. Goldfish flowers are most likely to shed leaves in winter, which is related to temperature. The suitable temperature for the growth of goldfish flowers is 18-22℃, and it is forbidden to be at low temperature. If the temperature is lower than 10℃ for two consecutive days, the leaves will begin to turn yellow and dry, and will fall off with very slight vibration. In addition to low temperature, the leaves will also fall off if the temperature exceeds 30℃ continuously. In the high temperature in summer, goldfish flowers grow very slowly or almost stop growing. At this time, appropriate shading measures should be taken to make it grow vigorously and not shed leaves.

【Common varieties】

The varieties introduced for cultivation in recent years include: C. microphylla, also known as button goldfish flower, produced in Costa Rica. The stem is slender and branched. The leaves are opposite and small. The flowers are solitary in the leaf axils, orange-red. The flowering period is spring and summer. C. stavanger. Also known as Sida goldfish flower, a hybrid variety bred in Norway. It is creeping and hanging. The flowers are large and numerous, crimson, and the flowering period is winter and spring. C. magnifica, also known as whale flower. Produced in Costa Rica and Panama. The stem is upright and the branches are hairy. The corolla is scarlet. In addition, there are varieties such as bulb goldfish flower, sparse hair goldfish flower, and Adam goldfish flower.

【Reproduction method】

Propagation can be done by top branch cuttings or stem cuttings. It can be done all year round, but it is best done indoors after flowering. Cut one-year-old branches about 10-15 cm long, retain 3-4 leaves, remove several pairs of leaflets at the base, and insert into sandy soil. Cover with glass or plastic film, control the temperature at 20℃, and maintain a high air humidity. It will take about 3-4 weeks for roots to grow. Start pinching the tops two months after survival to promote more branches and facilitate more flowering, and then plant them in pots. The seedlings do not bloom in the first year, and red flowers will appear in the axils of the leaves at the tip of the drooping branches after two or three years.

Goldfish flower can be propagated by sowing, division and cuttings before the Spring Festival. Because seeds are not easy to obtain, sowing is not often used for propagation. Cuttings are generally used for propagation. In spring and autumn, cut branches about 10 cm long (3-4 nodes) and insert them into a bed made of river sand or vermiculite, maintaining a high humidity. It will take about a month to take root at a temperature of 20-25℃; after taking root and surviving, strengthen management to promote the growth of new branches, and pinch the tops to promote branching. After 1-2 months, it can be planted in pots.

Goldfish flower potted plants require a substrate rich in humus, loose, and well-drained. Generally, peat soil, perlite, and vermiculite are mixed in equal amounts, and the soil is acidic to facilitate growth. Apply liquid fertilizer every 1-2 weeks during the growth period, and apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers during the growth and flowering period. There is a short dormant period in winter, during which you can water less and keep the pot soil appropriately dry; in winter (i.e. the flowering period), you can water more appropriately; there must be sufficient water during the growth period, the pot soil must be kept wet at all times, and try to increase the air humidity. High temperature and high humidity can easily cause stems and branches to soft rot and die. If this happens, cut off the soft rot part in time. Goldfish flowers prefer bright non-direct light environments, so shade (50% shade) is required when the light is too strong in summer; in order to promote the formation of flower buds, give sunlight in autumn and keep the pot soil slightly dry; it is best to place it in a dry and cool environment during winter dormancy to promote flower bud differentiation; before flowering in winter, the light can be appropriately increased, and it must be moved to the brightest window indoors to ensure vigorous growth and flowering.

Goldfish flower has dense branches and leaves, and its stems and vines hang naturally. During the peak flowering period, a large plant can bloom more than a hundred flowers at the same time, and the flowers are large and colorful, which is quite spectacular. Therefore, it is an ideal shade-loving hanging foliage and flower viewing plant. It is very suitable as an epiphytic potted plant in greenhouses and indoor gardens, and can also be used as a hanging plant for home appreciation.

Cultivation techniques

Goldfish flower, also known as kangaroo flower, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Gesneriaceae family. The leaves are leathery, dark green and shiny, and the leaves are neatly and compactly arranged. The flower color is orange-yellow, and the flower shape is peculiar, with a swollen middle, small ends, and a small opening in the front. It is suitable for small and medium-sized potted plants or indoor hangings and corridor greening. Its cultivation characteristics are described as follows:

1. The base soil for cultivation is a mixture of leaf mold, manure and sand in a ratio of 3:1:1, with a pH value of 6 to 6.5. Apply a thin compound fertilizer solution every month. In the first two months of flowering, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizer solution once every half month. Repot every other year.

2. The suitable temperature for growth is 16℃ to 28℃. When the temperature is above 30℃, shade and ventilation must be strengthened, otherwise leaves will fall. The temperature should be kept at least above 10℃ during the winter.

3. Shade-tolerant, suitable for scattered light, avoid strong direct sunlight. Water thoroughly when the surface of the pot soil is dry, spray water on the leaves and around the plants frequently to increase air humidity, and reduce watering in winter.

4. After flowering, all weak branches, top branches and overly long drooping branches should be pruned. In winter, withered flower stems should be cut off from the base and kept dry to facilitate the sprouting and growth of new flower branches in the following spring.

5. Cutting propagation is mainly used. Cut the branches with nodes, about 8 cm each, cut off half of the upper leaves, and cut off all the lower leaves. Keep the environment semi-shaded and moist. It can take root and be potted in about 30 days. It can also be propagated by division, which is carried out in early spring or late autumn. Each clump must have 1 to 2 terminal buds, and 2 to 3 plants are planted in each pot.

【Cultivation and management】

Goldfish flower is an epiphyte. The culture medium can be a mixture of peat, perlite, and vermiculite in equal amounts; or peat moss, fern roots, bark blocks and other materials can be used for cultivation in porous flower pots to facilitate ventilation and good drainage. Indoor cultivation should place the potted plants in a place without direct sunlight all day, and can be moved to a sunny place before flowering. Goldfish flower is sensitive to low temperatures. When the temperature drops below 10℃, the leaves turn yellow, become mottled and fall off. Avoid heat and heat. It should still be placed indoors in summer, pay attention to ventilation and shade, and keep it moist. Watering should be based on the principle of "preferring wet to dry". In the dry season of spring and autumn, the leaves evaporate vigorously, and the number of watering should be increased, but be careful not to over-humidify. From December to January of the following year, the plant enters a dormant period. In order to make the flowers bloom luxuriantly next year, the room temperature should be controlled between 14 and 16℃, and the water supply should be controlled to keep it appropriately dry. Pay attention to maintaining a high humidity environment during the growing season. Spraying can be used for humidification, or the potted plants and the surrounding ground can be sprayed with clean water frequently. But when the buds are colored or entering the flowering period, spraying should be stopped, otherwise yellow spots will appear on the leaves. Fertilize once every 1 to 2 weeks during the vigorous growth period, and add more phosphorus fertilizer to facilitate the formation of flower buds. Goldfish flowers are more resistant to pruning. If they are not pruned for a long time, the flowering part will move upward. You can lightly prune the main and side branches after flowering to form more branches.

How to grow goldfish flowers in hanging pots

Goldfish flowers like high temperature and high humidity environment. When planted in hanging pots, their long branches dangle and look very elegant. In summer, they can be used as foliage plants to decorate the room, and in winter and spring, you can enjoy the unique small goldfish flowers.

Goldfish flower can be propagated by cuttings: cut new branches about 5-6 cm and insert them into the river sand seedling bed. The surviving seedlings are planted in a culture soil mainly composed of humus soil, with 3-4 plants per pot, which will lay a foundation for future shaping. To promote branching, pinch the tops during the growth period.

Daily management requires the following: Move the plant outdoors appropriately in spring to prevent excessive growth that will make the plant weak and affect its appearance; avoid too much direct sunlight in summer; pay attention to adequate watering and appropriate fertilization during the growing period; move the plant outdoors frequently in autumn to promote the formation of flower buds, do not water it too much, and keep it slightly dry; keep the indoor temperature above 10℃ in winter.

【Maintenance points】

Goldfish flowers are cultivated in greenhouses, usually using porous flower pots and substrates such as peat moss, fern roots, and bark blocks to facilitate root drainage and good ventilation. In the home, to prevent water leakage during watering, use a round, beautiful pot, choose coarse-grained stones with good drainage to pave the bottom of the pot, and then add a small amount of leaf humus and perlite as a culture soil. Select a few goldfish flower branches with full and plump root systems, evenly plant them in the culture soil around the pot, and let them fall to the edge of the pot, and then fill the culture soil. At this point, the planting is complete. You can add an appropriate amount of slow-release fertilizer to the pot soil. When the new branches grow to a certain length, they will hang down along the edges of the pot, and the ornamental effect is quite good. During the peak flowering period, the red flowers look like goldfish jumping in the blue waves, which is particularly beautiful. When the new branches grow to a certain length, you can pinch the tops to make the scattered and drooping plant shape more symmetrical and beautiful.

Goldfish flowers should be watered more often in spring, summer and autumn. The ground around them should be sprayed with clean water frequently, but water should not be sprayed on the leaves. In summer, when the temperature is high, it is best to place the flower pot in a shallow tray filled with water. These measures can prevent leaves from falling due to dry air. Goldfish flowers should also be watered more appropriately before they bloom in winter and spring, so that the flowers can bloom fully and have bright colors.

Goldfish flowers need more shade in the winter except for the winter, and 60% to 70% of the sunlight should be blocked in the spring, summer and autumn, or hung in an outdoor shade shed, or in a cool and ventilated place under the shade of a big tree, so that they can receive more scattered light without direct sunlight. Such an environment is very suitable for its growth.

Before the goldfish flower blooms in winter, the light should be increased appropriately so that it can bloom in abundance and color. When it is grown in a pot at home, it can be placed in a bright and ventilated room and can be placed and admired all year round.

Do not fertilize the goldfish flower when it is in bloom. After the flowers fade, it should be pruned and shaped, and more nitrogen-containing fertilizers should be applied. During the growth period, apply thin organic fertilizer every 1 to 2 weeks to make it grow vigorously; before flowering, phosphorus fertilizer should be added to make it bud and bloom more, enhancing its ornamental effect.

Goldfish flower is propagated by cuttings. In spring and autumn, cut branches about 10 cm long and 3 to 4 nodes as cuttings, insert them into a cutting bed with coarse sand as the substrate, maintain a high humidity and a temperature of about 20℃, so that it is easy to take root and survive.

How to make the small-leaf goldfish flower full of branches and vines?

The leaves of the small-leaved goldfish flower are small, oval, dark green, thick, and leathery. The flower has two lips, is orange-red, and looks like a goldfish. It blooms mostly in spring, with a flowering period of more than 20 days. When it blooms, the branches are covered with bright red flowers, like lively little goldfish floating in the lush green water plants, which is very interesting. The flower vines float, droop, and sway gently, which is really interesting and has a unique charm.

Small-leaf goldfish flower is suitable for indoor cultivation. In spring, summer and autumn, place it in a bright scattered light place indoors. After budding, move it to a south window with sufficient light. It should also be placed in a well-lit place in winter. If it is cultivated in a dimly lit place for a long time, the stem will be slender and weak, the leaves will fall off easily, and the flowers will be few or no. The air humidity should be above 75% during the growing season. If it is too dry, the leaves will fall off easily and affect flowering.

Therefore, except for the dormant period, it is necessary to keep the pot soil moist and spray water on the stems and leaves frequently to increase the air humidity. However, during the flower bud differentiation period in late autumn and early winter, it is necessary to reduce watering appropriately to facilitate flower bud differentiation. The suitable temperature for growth is 18℃-22℃, and it is advisable to keep it at 14℃-16℃ during the dormant period. If the temperature drops below 10℃, the leaves will turn yellow and become mottled and the buds will fall off. Generally, the plant enters a dormant period between December and January of the following year. During this period, a lower temperature and controlled watering should be given, but a high air humidity must still be maintained to make it bloom luxuriantly in the following spring. Spraying should be stopped after the buds are colored until the flowering period. Thin liquid fertilizer can be applied once every 7-10 days in spring and autumn.

In autumn, nitrogen fertilizer is mainly applied to promote more stems and leaves. After the spring, more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied to facilitate more colorful flowers. Pay attention to timely pruning after the flowers fade. Pruning is not only conducive to promoting branching and making the plant shape fuller, but also to the moderate flowering position, thereby improving the ornamental value. Otherwise, the branches and vines are slender; only the top of the hanging stems bloom, which is unsightly. Generally, the pot is changed every year after flowering. The potting soil is prepared by mixing peat soil, land, and river sand in equal amounts, and adding a small amount of bone meal or cake fertilizer as base fertilizer. The propagation of small-leaf goldfish flowers is mostly done by cuttings, which can be done all year round, but it is best to do it after flowering.

【Application value】

Garden use:

It is very suitable for epiphytic potting in greenhouses and indoor gardens, and can also be used as a hanging plant for viewing in home homes.

Pest and disease control;

The diseases of goldfish flowers are mainly leaf spot and anthracnose. Leaf spot mainly harms the leaves. It is yellow-brown granular small spots at first. There may be several or even more than a dozen small spots on a leaf. Then the small spots gradually expand and form lesions with a diameter of 1-2cm. The inside is light brown and the surrounding is slightly angular with different shades of concentric rings. This is leaf spot. Anthracnose is a small spot on the leaves, which gradually expands into yellow-brown spots. In severe cases, most of the leaves can wither and blacken, and the stems will gradually develop lesions, wither and die. This disease should be prevented first. Once discovered, it is necessary to spray the leaves with 500 times of 50% carbendazim or 700 times of 75% thiophanate-methyl every 7-8 days. 2-3 times in a row, it can be basically cured.

The main pests that harm goldfish flowers are red spiders and scale insects. Both of these pests are piercing-sucking pests, which suck the juice of plants with their mouthparts and spread diseases and viruses at the same time. Once the pests are found, they must be killed immediately. You can use 3000 times dilution of imidacloprid or its modified agents such as Wanlihong and Dinghong, spray the leaves once every 7-8 days, and repeat 2-3 times to basically kill them.