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Posted 1Y ago by @Fabigail

Flowers shriveled but leaves look great?

Is Toto a lost cause? I either overwatered or sunburned it weeks ago. After repotting and being more careful, the leaves look great but flowers are crunchy/ shriveled. Do I cut all the flowers off (if so, where?) and keep watering or give up? #PlantTherapy #NewPlantMom
(The 1’ pot is there for support)
9” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 year ago
@Fabigail first of all good morning, happy Sunday and Easter. 🐣

IMO when you replanted it, it’s in to big of a pot. It should be in a much smaller pot. Maybe a 6”.

I don’t know much about them, but this is what I found on Google.

To deadhead African daisies, pinch off spent flowers at the base of the flower head, encouraging new blooms. This helps the plant focus its energy on producing fresh flowers rather than developing seeds. For best results, deadhead regularly throughout the growing season.
Detailed Care:
Sunlight: African daisies thrive in full sun, but can tolerate light shade.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil, either loamy or sandy, and can be amended with compost or peat moss if needed.
Watering: African daisies are drought-tolerant once established but benefit from consistent watering, especially during dry spells.
Fertilizing: They can benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
Pruning: While not strictly necessary, pinching back new growth in early spring can encourage bushier growth and stronger stems.
Overwintering: In colder climates, African daisies may be grown as annuals and will need to be replanted each year.
Deadheading: As mentioned, deadheading spent blooms by snipping them off at the base promotes continuous blooming.

This is from Greg:

Deadheading isn't just busywork; it's essential for a flourishing African Daisy. By snipping off the faded flowers, you're essentially giving your plant a productivity boost, redirecting its energy from seed production to pumping out fresh, vibrant blooms.
Grab your shears and get close. Look for the base of the spent flower and make a clean cut. This precision avoids harming any nearby buds primed to burst open. Remember, it's not just about aesthetics; it's about encouraging your African Daisy to focus on what we all wantβ€”more flowers.
πŸ•° Timing Your Deadheading for Maximum Impact

Timing is everything. Deadhead your African Daisies regularly, ideally when you first notice the flowers wilting. This proactive approach keeps your plant looking sharp and maximizes the blooming period.
Don't wait for a full-blown fade. Act swiftly when blooms start to look tired, and you'll likely see a new flush of flowers in no time. It's like a never-ending floral parade in your garden, courtesy of timely deadheading.
Rejuvenation and Control: Pruning for Vigor and Containment
🌱 Rejuvenating the Overgrown: When and How Much to Cut

Pruning isn't just about snipping away; it's a revival. For the African Daisy that's gone wild, early spring is your golden hour. Before new growth starts, get in there with your shears.
Assess the Situation
Look for stems that are older than Methuselah or just plain dead. These are your first victims. Cut them back to the ground. Yes, to the ground. It's tough love, but your African Daisy will thank you with fresh, vigorous growth.
The Rule of Thirds
Never go Edward Scissorhands on your plant. A good rule of thumb is to remove up to one-third of the plant. This encourages new growth without leaving your Daisy traumatized.
Keeping It in Check: Preventing Invasiveness with Pruning

African Daisies can be the life of the party, but without a chaperone, they'll take over the whole garden.
Timing is Everything
Regular pruning throughout the growing season keeps the enthusiasm in check. After each bloom cycle, give your Daisy a light trim. This not only prevents a garden takeover but also encourages more blooms.
Spot the Rogues
Keep an eye out for runners or rogue shoots that try to escape their designated area. Snip these adventurers early to maintain the shape and integrity of your plant.
The Right Tools
Always use sharp, clean pruning shears. Blunt tools can crush stems, making your Daisy susceptible to disease. And nobody wants a sick Daisy.
Remember, pruning is not just about cutting back; it's about giving your African Daisy a clear path to thrive and shine.
Thanks @TwistedThreads I’ll remove the flowers, keep it in the sun (I live in the desert so I tend to baby them from the sun), and replant it in a smaller pot next week. I guess I judged more off the size of the β€œbush” rather than the root ball here… I can fix that.