As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can offer you some advice on whether or not to cut the flowers off your string of turtles plant. The flowers, also known as inflorescences, can appear as long spikes in various colors ranging from whitish to reddish.
If you are looking to encourage more foliage growth and direct the plant’s energy towards that, then removing the flowers would be beneficial. By cutting off the inflorescences, you are diverting the plant’s resources towards the leaves and stems, allowing it to grow fuller and lusher. This can help create a more visually appealing and healthy plant overall.
However, if you are fond of the flowers and enjoy the aesthetic they bring to your string of turtles plant, there is no harm in leaving them on. It is important to note that once the flowers have bloomed and started to wilt, it is recommended to cut them off. This helps prevent the plant from expending unnecessary energy on producing seeds or prolonging the life of spent flowers. By removing them, you are allowing the plant to focus on new growth and development.
In my personal experience, I have found that removing the flowers from my string of turtles plant has led to a more vibrant and thriving foliage. The plant seemed to respond positively to the extra resources being directed towards its overall growth rather than towards seed production. However, I have also seen string of turtles plants with beautiful flowers left on, adding a unique touch to their appearance.
To summarize, whether or not to cut the flowers off your string of turtles plant depends on your personal preference. If you desire more foliage growth, removing the flowers can be beneficial. However, if you enjoy the flowers and find them visually pleasing, it is perfectly fine to leave them on. Just remember to trim off the spent flowers to avoid diverting unnecessary energy towards seed production.
