How to pinch the tip of bougainvillea

1. What is pinching?

Every plant has buds at the top of its trunk, which is the reason why the plant continues to grow taller and has fewer branches. Pinching means removing the tender buds on the tips of the main branches of the plant. Generally, the top buds of the vigorously growing side branches should also be removed appropriately depending on the situation. Some plants will grow too tall if they are not topped for a long time, and many leaf buds will appear at the top. At this time, it is necessary to pick off several tender buds connected at the growth point together, which is also called removing apical dominance.

2. Methods

There is no need to consider pinching the plant when it is young. When it grows to within 20 to 30 centimeters, the branches should be cut off. The plant is in the growth stage at this time and the leaf buds are still very tender. Do not accidentally damage other tender buds. After cutting off the branches, the auxin in the main trunk diffuses downward, promoting the growth of side branches, and soon multiple side branches will be produced. According to this method, when the side branches grow to about ten centimeters, continue to remove them, but leave three or four leaves for later shaping. Pick off the other top leaves, and then use the same method to pinch the small branches on the side branches. After multiple operations, a spherical plant with nine to twelve side branches will be formed. Note that only shorter branches can be pinched. If there are long and leggy branches, choose to prune them short.

3. Function

Pinching can appropriately stop the growth of the main trunk, allow the plant to sprout more side branches, and prevent it from growing too tall. If you want to make the plant fuller, you must dwarf it so that it looks full and fluffy, and the only way to achieve this effect is to pinch it. Pinching can increase the number of flowers that sprout, thereby increasing the number of flowers and making the plant more beautiful when it blooms. Not only that, pinching can also delay the flowering time. If it is well cared for, it can bloom once more a year.