How to pinch the tips of million bells

Topping method

Step 1: First pinching

After the successful cuttings of Million Bells, the growth of branches is closely related to the pinching work. The first photo shows the Million Bells before pinching. Generally speaking, when the seedlings grow to this size, they need to be pinched.

The growth height of the seedlings may vary due to different climatic and environmental conditions. If the growth of the million bells is similar to the stage shown in the picture, the first pinching should be started.

Step 2: Modeling

After pinching the million bells, the remaining part can allow it to grow normally. Some flower lovers may think that pinching is too early, but actual operation shows that there is no need to worry.

If the flower seedlings are ordered online, some of them may have grown quite tall when they arrive. After the seedling acclimatization work is done, they can be topped for the first time.

It will not have much impact if you pinch off the tips of the flowers as soon as you receive them. The purpose of the initial pinching is to prevent the seedlings from growing too high and to keep the branches as short as possible to facilitate later shaping.

Step 3: Lateral bud germination

The first pinching can promote the germination of side buds. As can be seen from the picture below, the "Golden Rooster Standing on One Leg" shape can be avoided. Therefore, whether the first pinching is done well is very important for the subsequent growth.

Step 4: Observe the leaves

Observing from another angle, you can see that the leaves have a better glossiness, indicating that the seedlings that have been pinched are also growing healthily, and pinching has no obvious adverse effect on their normal development.

Step 5: Maintenance after pinching

When pinching the tops, you should also ensure that the seedlings receive sufficient sunlight.

The time for the second pinching should be chosen after the side buds sprout and the branches grow to a certain length. Do not wait for natural branch growth before doing it.

Even though some varieties have better branching, most of the small bell plants can become full if the pinching work is done properly.

Precautions

time

In fact, the progress of pinching work depends on the growth of the seedlings. Since the climatic conditions vary from place to place, the time of pinching is not fixed. In the process of the seedlings growing slowly, pinching work cannot be neglected.

frequency

If there are more branches in some places, you can pinch the leaves several times accordingly, leaving only 2-3 leaves each time, and allow the unsatisfactory places to continue growing to improve the plant shape.

For example, in the pot in the picture below, the two plants have different developments, and it is normal for them to grow differently.

It is necessary to rely on frequent pinching to get a plant shape that satisfies you. A careful observation will reveal that there are almost no buds on the left, so strong pinching and frequent pinching are needed to promote development.

quantity

As for the specific amount of "picking" and "keeping" when pinching, you can roughly see it in the close-up of the plant in the picture below.

After repeated pinching to adjust the plant shape, you can finally achieve the shape that satisfies you.

We can also perform minor local trimmings in subtle areas, so the pinching of the Million Xiaoling can actually continue until before it blooms.

Now I believe you should have a better understanding of the work of pinching. You can learn from it and use it in future flower care to make the flowers grow more beautiful and stylish.