Surfinies can give a last color shot even in September, but it is necessary to act quickly: Cut the stems of 15-20 cmgive a decisive scissor and administer a dose of potassium (at least 20 g per plant). With this double intervention, the exhausted plants return to bloom for another 20-25 days.
When surfinas begin to give signs of tiredness – radios, elongated branches and pale leaves – does not mean that the season is over. There is still room for an explosion of color, just know how to intervene. This simple but effective method has also been tested on balconies very exposed to the sun, demonstrating excellent results. Those who cultivate surfinies in pots know how generous, but equally delicate. A small irrigation error or a week of extreme heat can put them in crisis. However, just when they seem passed off, they can surprise with a second spectacular flowering.
The secret? A sort of “ticening care” that unites Poring and targeted nourishment. After all, who has never tried to save a plant at the last minute, hoping for a miracle? This time, the miracle has scientific bases.
Because cutting tired surfinies really works (and does not damage the plant)
Cut surfinies in September may seem contraintive: why shorten an already weakened plant? In reality, the cut stimulates a new vegetative response. The plant, perceiving pruning as a stress, activates growth hormones that induce The formation of new shoots. This means less wasted energy on wood branches and more resources concentrated on young flowers and leaves.
There are those who say they have tried this method by chance, cutting an almost dry plant, and after two weeks he found themselves with a waterfall of new flowers. It’s not magic, it’s just physiology. The trick is not to be shy: the main stems of at least 15-20 cm must be shortened, leaving 2-3 active knots. The cuts must be clear, with well sharpened and disinfected scissors.
How to give potassium (and why it is now essential)
After cutting, the plant needs nourishment. But not any: in this phase it serves pure or high -titled potassiumwhich stimulates the formation of flowers and strengthens plant fabrics.
Potassium is found in soluble fertilizers, in products for flowering plants or even in liquid formulations to be diluted in the water. Alternatively, pure potassium sulphate can be used, widely used in horticulture.
For each plant, about it is enough 20-25 grams of product dissolved in a liter of water. The important thing is do not overdo it: too much fertilizer can “burn” the roots. Better to fertilize in the morning, with the wet soil.
Some florovivaists also recommend combining a little phosphorus, but only if the plant shows healthy roots. Potassium, on the other hand, is always useful in this phase, because it stimulates flowering and color.
Necessary to restore vigor to surfinies
Before starting, better to have everything at hand. A few tools are enough, but they must be the right ones.
- Well -sharpened pruning scissors
- Disinfectant (alcohol or diluted bleach)
- Fertilizer rich in potassium (granular or liquid)
- Gardening gloves
- Sprayer or watering can with spout
- Universal soil (for any small repotted)
Better to work early in the morning or late afternoon, avoiding the hottest hours.
Quick steps for reborn surfinia
Here are the fundamental steps to apply the “cutting + potassium” cure correctly:
- Check the plant: Delete dry leaves and broken branches.
- Shortens the main stems of about 15-20 cm, leaving active knots.
- Disinfect the scissors before each plant.
- Prepare the fertilizer: melt the potassium in the water according to the doses.
- Water with the fertilizer Only with humid substrate.
- Place the plant in full lightbut not direct sun in the hottest hours.
Repeat the fertilization a second time after 7-10 days if the plant responds well.
The errors to be avoided with surfing at the end of the season
Despite good intentions, some errors can compromise the success of the treatment. Here are the most common:
- Cut too little: If the branches remain long and bare, the plant does not react.
- Use universal fertilizer: serve specific potassium, not nitrogen.
- Fertilize to dry soil: risks damaging the roots.
- Leave the plant in the shade: The light stimulates the new flowers.
- Forget to disinfect the scissors: Diseases are transmitted.
- Abandon after the first treatment: Costanza is everything.
When and where it is better to intervene
The ideal period for this type of intervention is Between the end of August and mid -Septemberwhen the days begin to shorten but the climate is still favorable.
Those who have balconies or terraces exposed to the south or west will notice faster results: the sun stimulates flowering, but it is important to shield the plant in the hottest hours.
In the mountain gardens or cooler areas, it is better to anticipate the pruning of a week. In case of very weakened plants, it can be repotted with new soil before proceeding.
A final pampering before autumn
Surfinies, with their flower waterfall, are a symbol of summer. But even in September they can give satisfaction, if treated with care.
The combination of decisive pruning and targeted potassium It is like a pampering of the end of the season: a small gesture that returns beauty, color and vitality. And those who pass in front of the balcony cannot help but notice that unexpected blow, almost out of season.
In the end, it takes little to make a plant flourish. But you need to do it at the right time, with a firm hand and a pinch of trust.
Because even surfing, when they seem tired, can still amaze.
Photo © Stock.adobe and Ai
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