Why Clerodendrum does not bloom and how to fix it
Flowering indoor plants take a special place in the soul of flower growers, and one of them is clerodendrum. Its unusual inflorescences look very impressive and at the same time gentle, but, alas, not everyone and not always manage to see them. There may be several reasons why Clerodendrum does not bloom. Moreover, they all relate to either a violation of the conditions for keeping a flower, or improper care. If you initially create comfortable conditions for the flower and take proper care of it, it will bloom every year. Charming and unassuming, white bracts with a small but bright crimson corolla will cover the branches abundantly. How can this be achieved?
Why does clerodendrum not bloom
- the bush did not have a dormant period;
- the flower has not been transplanted or cut for a long time;
- the plant lacks nutrition or is "fed".
Interestingly, clerodendrum blooms first, and only then begins to release new shoots. The first inflorescences appear almost together with young leaves.
The dormant period is important and vital for the flowering of the plant
During the growing season, clerodendrum is comfortable at temperatures up to 25 ° C. For growth and flowering, it needs good lighting and regular watering. However, at the end of autumn, like any deciduous plant, the flower must be sent to rest. He has a short rest, no more than 2 months (approximately from the end of November to the end of January). But this is enough for clerodendrum to shed some of the leaves and save nutrients for setting buds. But if you do not allow the flower to rest, it may not have enough strength to bloom.
For a dormant period, the pot should be transferred to a cool room with a temperature not exceeding 15 ° C and watering should be reduced. At the end of January, it will be possible to take the flowerpot out into the heat again and resume the frequent moistening of the soil.
Why do you need a flower transplant and pruning
Clerodendrum grows relatively quickly and its root system needs a spacious container. Young bushes require an annual transplant, adult specimens - at least every two years. Transplanting is best done by transshipment, so as not to damage the roots. The optimal time for this is the end of the rest period.
At the same time, you should also cut the plant, shortening the lignified branches by 1/3. If you allow the bush to grow further, it will either not bloom at all, or it will give very few buds. A haircut stimulates not only branching, but also the laying of flower buds.
A balanced diet is the key to annual flowering
Even the most nutritious soil depletes over time, especially in pots, and the flowers begin to starve. In such conditions, there is no time for flowering - the clerodendrum begins to save energy.When the plant ends its dormant period, it is necessary to start making fertilizers... It can be a blooming mineral complex. The frequency of introduction is no more than 2 times a month in the dosage specified in the instructions. But with drugs that have a high nitrogen content, you should be careful. From them, the clerodendrum will only drive off shoots and foliage, but not bloom.