Flowering synchronization

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mmcavall
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Flowering synchronization

Post by mmcavall »

What can we do to assure flower synchronization between two different individuals of the same species?

I have several "couples" grown in the same condition (even in the same pot). One plant is flowering profusely while the other does not show any flower bud.

Besides fertilization (tips are welcome!l) is there any kind of hormone or something like that to ensure flowering synchronization?

Thanks in advance!
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anttisepp
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by anttisepp »

Usually they synchronize themselves communicating by ethylene. If you have some "lazy" plant you can try to hold some fruits beside (bananas or apples) providing faster bud production.
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mmcavall
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by mmcavall »

Thank you anttisepp! Very interesting.

Probably there is "a" right time to do that. Probably it must be done some weeks before flower bus appear isn't it?

Definitely too late for the plant in the picture below:
20230505_114515_copy_600x800.jpg
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jerrytheplater
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by jerrytheplater »

I thought you could save the pollen for use soon after collecting when the next flower blooms.
Jerry Smith
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45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
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Minnesota
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by Minnesota »

I agree with Jerry's thought: collect the pollen now from the first plant, and then use it when the second blooms. Thought this is how asynchronous blooming would be overcome.

--bret
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mmcavall
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by mmcavall »

How do you collect and store pollen?
I have never been successful

Thank you
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jerrytheplater
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by jerrytheplater »

mmcavall wrote: Sat May 06, 2023 12:50 pm How do you collect and store pollen?
I have never been successful

Thank you
I have never done it, but have been thinking about it for my Madagascan Euphorbia. Sorry.

But, I just looked in my files and see I asked Bryan T on this forum how to pollinate those Euphorbia on Dec 22, 2022 and he replied showing how he collects pollen for cacti. So there you go: https://cactiguide.com/forum/viewtopic. ... &start=165
Last edited by jerrytheplater on Sat May 06, 2023 3:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jerry Smith
Bloomingdale, NJ
45 inches (114 cm) rain equivalent per year, approx. evenly spread per month
2012 USDA Hardiness Zone 6b: -5F to OF (-20C to -18C) min.
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BryanT
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by BryanT »

This is what I use to collect pollen.
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P1090335.JPG
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I use tweezers to remove the pollen from the flowers. Different shape/size of tweezers to suite different flowers.
Place the pollen into a medication capsule (size 000), then into a sealed plastic bag with label and silica gel (keep dry).
Store them in a sealed container in the fridge.

Depends on the species of plants, some pollen still good after few months, some only last for about a month. That also depends on the quality of pollen. From my own observations, the amount of sun and temperature when the flowers open, can have very significant effects on the quality and quantity of the pollen. Some people store their pollen in the freezer, they said it last much longer, but it's not necessary for me to do that at the moment.
Bryan
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7george
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by 7george »

Having just 2 mature plants of a kind is not enogh to expect a synchronization even keeeping those in identical condtions. For this reason viable populations consist of bigger number of individuals. It is also always possible to have two clones if these are not from known origin so pollination between such plants is always under question.
52876772670_1_b.jpg
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Always some of them are not in good mood for blooms.
If your cacti mess in your job just forget about the job.
°C = (°F - 32)/1.8
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by Minnesota »

7george wrote: Sun May 07, 2023 3:41 am Having just 2 mature plants of a kind is not enogh to expect a synchronization even keeeping those in identical condtions. For this reason viable populations consist of bigger number of individuals. It is also always possible to have two clones if these are not from known origin so pollination between such plants is always under question.https://cactiguide.com/forum/posting.ph ... e&p=400857# =P~

52876772670_1_b.jpg
Always some of them are not in good mood for blooms.
Very astute observations, and very true. :-k
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mmcavall
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by mmcavall »

Thank you for all replies and explanation
I'm trying to collect pollen
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7george
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by 7george »

Image
Almost sync.? I've tried to pollinate these two several times previous years with no luck. It's a magic.

Image
Insects are much better for this job.
Because I'd have to swing home at noon from work or to hire somebody with a brush... Are you always at home during sunny days? Maybe working from home like Nero Wolfe and be in the greenhouse 9 - 11 and 4 - 6 pm every day?
If your cacti mess in your job just forget about the job.
°C = (°F - 32)/1.8
Mrs.Green
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Re: Flowering synchronization

Post by Mrs.Green »

7george; I really like that last photo! 🙂
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