How to grow and prune lantern flowers

The lantern flower is also called hanging fuchsia and hanging bell crabapple because its flowers look like a lantern hanging on the branches, hence the name. It is not only highly ornamental but also has good meaning, so it is very suitable for indoor potted plant maintenance. So what are the cultivation methods and pruning points? Let’s learn more about it below.

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1. Soil selection

Lantern flower should choose soil with good air permeability and drainage. The culture soil for potted plants can generally be prepared by mixing 5 parts of leaf mold, 4 parts of sandy loam, and 1 part of decomposed cake fertilizer powder.

2. Light control

Lantern flower prefers semi-shady environment and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. In summer, shade should be provided to avoid leaf burn. It can receive full sun in winter, early spring and late fall.

3. Temperature management

The most suitable temperature for the growth of lantern flower is 15℃-25℃. Within this temperature range, the lantern flower can grow and bloom normally. When the temperature is below 10℃ in winter, the lantern flower needs to be moved indoors to keep warm.

4. Reasonable watering

Watering should follow the principle of watering when the soil is dry. When the weather is dry in spring and autumn, and in the hot summer, you can spray water on the branches and leaves 1-2 times a day. Do not water too much to cause water accumulation. In winter, watering should be strictly controlled and the soil should be loosened in time after each watering to facilitate ventilation and prevent root rot.

5. Fertilization method

During the growing and flowering periods, fertilizer should generally be applied every 7-10 days. Adopt the principle of applying thin fertilizers frequently, adding some dilute compound fertilizer solution or cake fertilizer each time. Be sure to loosen the soil before applying fertilizer to ensure that the roots can better absorb nutrients.

6. Pruning tips

The natural branching of the fuchsia is not particularly good. If it is grown from a seedling, you should pay attention to topping it in time to promote branching. Multiple topping can make the plant fuller. Topping is usually done when the seedlings grow 6-8 leaves, simply remove the top buds of the fuchsia.

After the side branches emerge and 4-6 leaves grow, you can pinch the top again to promote secondary branching. It doesn’t matter if you top the tree late. You can wait until the branches grow a little taller before pruning them back. This way, the cut branches can be used for cuttings as backup. In addition, in addition to pruning during the growing season, you can also trim the branches appropriately after each flowering to promote branching and control the plant shape.

In general, by mastering the above maintenance methods and pruning points, you can basically maintain the healthy growth and beautiful shape of the lantern flower. But be careful to avoid excessive pruning, as it may affect the health and flowering of the plant.