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The Elusive Five: Ornamental Trees with a Floral Conundrum

"Certain ornamental plants are quite elusive when it comes to witnessing their blooms. However, it is important to take note that the following five ornamental plants should be pruned when they flower. These plants possess unique characteristics, and their flowering period is a crucial time for maintenance."

Administrator

23 July, 2024

Most plants will flower during their growth and development. However, today, we will show you 5 rare ornamental plants that should be pruned as soon as they flower.

1. Succulents

Many people enjoy growing succulents, but flowering can deplete the plant’s nutrients, stunting its growth and altering its unique leaf or stem shape. Additionally, the stem tends to stretch and become unsightly as the plant prepares to flower. Thus, it is recommended to prune succulents as soon as buds appear and then place them in a cool area to continue regular care.

Prune succulents when they first flower

2. Money Plant

The money plant, with its small leaves resembling ancient coins, is believed to bring prosperity and is, therefore, a popular choice for many households. Its flowers are white with a pink hue, and the blooming season usually lasts until the end of July. However, the flowers emit an unpleasant burnt smell, reducing the plant’s overall appeal. To prevent the plant from diverting its energy to flower production, it is advisable to prune the buds as soon as they appear. If the flowers have already bloomed profusely, you may need to trim the entire plant, but the leaves will quickly regrow.

Prune the money plant when it first flowers

3. Tiger Jaws

Tiger Jaws have a relatively high probability of flowering annually, but usually, only plants older than five years have sufficient nutrients to bloom in late autumn or early winter. As the flowers are not particularly attractive, they are often pruned when the buds first appear.

Additionally, when in full bloom, tiger jaws may secrete a sticky substance that is challenging to clean and may drop onto the pot or leaves. For convenience in plant care and to enhance the aesthetic appeal, it is recommended to prune the flower buds located in the center of the leaves.

Prune tiger jaws when they first flower

4. Five-fingered Orange Tree

The Five-fingered Orange Tree is often displayed in living rooms or offices as it is believed to attract wealth and luck. Its flowering season typically occurs in November and lasts for about two months. The flowers are small and pale yellow, emitting a faint fragrance. However, as the flowers wither, the tree starts to bear fruit, which can be unsightly and cause the tree to become weak and lose branches. Therefore, it is advisable to prune the buds as soon as they appear to protect the tree’s overall growth, development, and beauty.

Prune the Five-fingered Orange Tree when it first flowers

5. Tamarind Tree

With its vibrant and diverse foliage, the Tamarind Tree has been described as “God’s palette thrown up and stuck on the leaves.” Its flowers usually bloom in early summer, but the flowering season can last until the end of autumn. The flowers create a slightly untidy appearance and deplete the plant’s nutrients, causing leaf loss and reducing the tree’s aesthetic appeal. As the tree is propagated through cuttings rather than seeds, you can prune the flowers down to the stem as soon as they appear.

Prune the Tamarind Tree when it first flowers

These are the five rare ornamental plants that require pruning when they flower. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable information to help your indoor plants thrive and become even more beautiful!

Frequently asked questions

The five trees are the Ann Magnolia, the Saucer Magnolia, the Star Magnolia, the Jane Magnolia, and the Royal Star Magnolia.

These trees are known for their beautiful and fragrant flowers, but they present a conundrum because they are short-lived and tend to flower sporadically, making it a challenge to time their blooming period.

The trees typically bloom in early to mid-spring, with some variation depending on the specific cultivar and the regional climate.

The Ann Magnolia is known for its large, fragrant flowers in shades of purple-red and white. The Saucer Magnolia has massive, goblet-shaped flowers in shades of pink and white. The Star Magnolia features star-shaped, fragrant flowers in white or pale pink. The Jane Magnolia has vibrant pink flowers with a white interior, and the Royal Star Magnolia boasts large, fragrant, white, double flowers.

These magnolias prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Ensure they receive adequate water, particularly during dry spells, and consider adding a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is generally not necessary, but if needed, do so immediately after flowering as they set their flower buds for the next year soon after blooming.