If you’re wondering why your favorite plant isn’t blooming it could be for a number of reasons, let’s dive in and learn what to do if your plants aren’t blooming. Do you want to have more flowers? But you don’t know why your plants aren’t producing flowers? This is what you need to do if the plants are not flowering.
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1. Lack of sun
The main reason most flowering plants do not bloom is lack of sunlight.
Contrary to popular belief that 4-5 hours of sunlight is more than enough, most flowering plants need more than 6 hours of sunlight per day to bloom profusely.
While some flowering plants may be more than happy to bask in sun all day, others may need just the right amount of sun and then shade for the rest of the day.
Impatiens, azaleas, rhododendrons and hydrangeas love their dose of partial sunlight, but they won’t be happy if exposed to harsh afternoon light.
While blooming succulents, roses and bougainvillea will be more than happy to be in the afternoon sun.
You need to know the growing needs of each particular plant to see if the sunlight requirements are being met.
2. Excess fertilizer
People believe that using too much fertilizer will cause the plant to flower immediately and excessively.
It’s not true. If you use too much, you may be doing the exact opposite, and it may not only prevent the plant from flowering, but eventually kill it.
Check your plant’s soil and fertilization needs before changing your course of action and take appropriate steps to add nutrients to the soil and help it thrive.
Tip: Avoid using nitrogen-rich compost, as this will promote lush foliage at the expense of colorful flowers.
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Using a fertilizer high in phosphorus will promote flowering as it promotes energy transfer for root development and flowering.
It also helps with photosynthesis and regulates many metabolic processes, all of which work in favor of plants to produce more flowers.
Opt for a 15-30-15 or 10-30-20 mix for prolific flowering, but if you notice a general lack of growth, a balanced liquid fertilizer like 20-20-20 would be best.
4. Maturation period
Each plant has its own maturity period and flowers accordingly. Some can flower quickly, others not.
Annuals, as their name suggests, bloom once in their growing season, usually in spring and summer or fall, and some may appear to bloom in winter.
Biennials bloom best in the second year. Don’t expect flowers like hollyhocks to bloom profusely the first year.
Perennials are the ones to go for if you like flowers almost all year round.
5. Is your plant sick?
Pests and diseases can also be the cause of your plants not flowering. Check occasionally for signs such as fallen foliage, leaf spots and pests on the underside and buds.
Treat the plant with insecticidal soaps or neem oil solution to eliminate the problem immediately. Once the plant has regained its health, wait for it to flower.
6. Incorrect size
If pruned at the wrong time, this could be the main reason for plants not showing flowers. Pruning the plant late in the season removes all buds for flowering the following year.
Consult the size guide for your flowering plants before you start cutting healthy shoots ahead of time.
7. Winter damage
Normally, snow acts as insulation for plants and protects them, but cold, strong winds can kill buds.
Plants need a period of dormancy to produce their buds. If it’s too cold, it can kill them, preventing the plant from flowering.
Bringing the plant indoors will keep the buds and plants safe from extreme cold. You also have the option of growing plants like the Christmas cactus, which will be more than happy to bloom indoors in the winter.
Depending on the winter care needs of the plant, give it all the warmth, protection and care during harsh winters so that it blooms perfectly the coming season.
8. Pot too big
Growing flowers in larger pots than necessary will cause them to bloom less, as the plant will divert more energy to establishing its roots.
Ideally, the pot should always be one size larger than the root ball of the plant, especially for annuals. This will ensure that your plant will thrive in the present and not focus its energy on root development.
9. Get rid of hickeys
Suckers are shoots emerging from the bush rootstock. They are long and slender and have slightly different leaves and foliage than the main plant.
If you grow grafted roses, you need to be careful with them. If they are not cut in time, they replace the original plant.
10. Don’t cut faded flowers
Removing faded flowers is the best way to ensure plants continue to bloom.
It may be interesting to read: Tips for getting hydrangeas to flower properly
It also helps stimulate the appearance of new flowers, simply prune old flowers with pruning shears or with your hands.
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