Forcing Plants to Bloom: Techniques and Tips for Successful Gardening
As a devoted hobbyist or professional gardener, you may find yourself wondering how to coax your plants to flower sooner than natural. With the right techniques and understanding of the plants' needs, you can encourage blooms and fruit on a wide variety of plants. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the methods to stimulate flowering and fruiting, ensuring your garden thrives.
Understanding Plant Growth and Flowering
It is important to understand that you cannot truly force a plant to fruit. Instead, the goal is to coerce the plant into the conditions it needs to initiate flowering and fruit development, simulating the natural spring conditions that typically trigger these changes.
For most plants, this means providing the appropriate light, temperature, watering, and nutrient conditions to mimic the beginning of spring. Each plant species has its unique requirements, so it is crucial to research and tailor your approach to the specific needs of the plant in question.
Methods to Coerce Flowering
1. Using Plant Hormones
One method to encourage flowering is by using plant hormones such as gibberellin. Gibberellin can stimulate flower growth and development. However, it is essential to follow the product instructions carefully, as overuse can harm the plant. Additionally, you can replicate a plant's natural winter dormancy by placing bulbs in a cool, dark location for 12-16 weeks before potting them and exposing them to a sunny location. This time period can help stimulate flower growth and encourage blooms.
2. Providing Nutrients for Flowering
Providing the right nutrients can significantly impact flowering. Phosphorus and potassium, for instance, are crucial for flower production. A simple way to provide these is by using a bloom fertilizer, which you can purchase easily. Alternatively, you can create a homemade compost by collecting and decomposing flowers, blossoms, or nuts, then using the ash from burning the compost. Apply this compost or ash through top feed and watering to nourish your plants.
3. Using Ethylene Gas
In some cases, inducing flowering can be achieved by using ethylene gas. A ripe apple enclosed in a bag can release enough gas to stimulate flowering for certain plants. Alternatively, you can purchase a commercial ethylene gas preparation. However, be cautious, as premature flowering can lead to undersized blooms and smaller pups.
Specific Plant Care: Bromeliads
Bromeliads, in particular, may require special care to encourage blooming. Overforcing these plants to bloom prematurely can result in undersized blooms and subsequent smaller pups. Instead, focus on providing optimal growing conditions and patience. Summer growth outdoors, if possible, and selecting fast-growing varieties such as Billbergia pyramidalis, Kyoto, or Aechmea gamosepala Lucky Stripes can be beneficial. Ensure your plants receive sufficient fertilizer; in the wild, this is achieved with decaying leaves and insects in the 'cup'. In captivity, use half-strength or less Miracle Gro, and frequently flush the cup to avoid salt buildup.
For indoor plants growing in bark mix, consider adding a bit of long-milled sphagnum for additional moisture. In environments with near-zero humidity, slightly more moisture is beneficial. In Indiana, for instance, you can put your bromeliads outdoors in the summer and water about every other day. Give them some fertilizer every three or four weeks, but flush it by the next day to prevent salt accumulation. Avoid sunburn by keeping them in bright indirect light and be patient with separation, as some like Neoregelias can spread horizontally, while upright growers perform better in clumps.
Conclusion
The key to successful plant flowering lies in providing the right conditions and being patient. Whether you are growing bromeliads, orchids, or any other variety, focus on growing your plants well and let nature take its course. By providing the necessary nutrients, simulating natural conditions, and using appropriate techniques, you can encourage your plants to bloom, bringing beauty and bounty to your garden.