Colorful Family Flower and Plant Growing Encyclopedia

Author: Lai Zhaorong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-04-01
Features: How to provide the pruning and cleaning needed for plants. Dust can hinder growth in several ways: it damages the appearance of foliage plants; blocks the stomata on leaves, preventing the plant from breathing normally; forms a light-blocking layer, reducing the effectiveness of sunlight; and may contain harmful chemicals, especially in areas near industrial zones. Once dust accumulates noticeably on the leaves, it must be removed. Small plants can be soaked in a bucket for cleaning, but more commonly, they are rinsed with water or wiped with a sponge. The best time for cleaning is in the morning so that the moisture on the plant can dry before nightfall. If the leaves are very dirty, a soft cloth can be used first to wipe them before cleaning to prevent mud from sticking after the water dries. Of the two cleaning methods, rinsing with water is preferable, and remember to support the leaves with your palm during cleaning to avoid causing damage. For cacti, succulents, and plants with fuzzy leaves, avoid using water sprays or washing and instead gently brush off the dust with a soft brush.
Waxing After cleaning and drying, leaves may appear less shiny and less vibrant, and the luster of new leaves will fade quickly. There are many plant-based waxes available on the market, and it is important to choose carefully. You can also use diluted vinegar, milk, or beer to coat them, but these natural substances do not provide a shine. While olive oil can create a glossy finish, it tends to attract dust and can also cause damage. You can purchase liquid products specifically designed for plants to wipe them or use a spray on the leaves. The spray method is simpler and more efficient when the plant has small and numerous leaves. Additionally, plant shine products can be safely used on many smooth-leaved indoor plants. To use, dip a cotton cloth in the shine product and gently wipe the leaves.
Key points to note when applying wax: Do not treat young leaves; do not press too hard on the leaf surface. Also, before use, read the instructions on the label to check which plants should not be treated with this product.
Staking Staking can fix branches and help the plant maintain an attractive posture. This pruning technique is particularly important for climbing plants. Other non-climbing plants with long, flexible stems (such as plants in the Diospyros genus), those with heavy terminal flowers (such as Hydrangea plants), and brittle-stemmed varieties (such as Impatiens plants) also require staking. When staking, avoid using a single thin stick to support the plant. Instead, use 3–4 agricultural stakes, ensuring they are long enough to be deeply inserted into the pot. There are also many other types of stakes available, such as grids that can be placed on the pot, moss stakes, iron rings, and metal or wooden frames placed around the pot.
Fixing stems when staking Avoid tying them too tightly. After the branches grow, prune them before they become long, messy, and difficult to bend. Vines must be frequently tied or their tendrils used to bind the stems together. Sometimes, allowing a few climbing stems to hang without pruning can actually enhance the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Pruning and Pinching Pruning and pinching involve removing the growing point of the stem. This can be done by hand or with scissors.