Complete Guide to Spring Balcony and Office Flower Growing Tips

Keeping flowers is a hobby of many middle-aged and older friends; it can cultivate the mind and character, nurture body and mind, exercise the muscles and bones, provide exercise, pass the time, and beautify the home environment. Many flower-growing enthusiasts can also share a great deal of experience in growing and caring for flowers.

Spring has come, and it is again a good season for growing flowers. But the weather recently has changed a great deal, with temperatures fluctuating quite considerably, which truly worries flower-growing enthusiasts. Spring weather is fickle, and potted flowers grown indoors for a long time also become pampered; once they are not cared for properly at this time, all the effort spent protecting them through the winter will be wasted, so at this time protecting and caring for flowers requires extra care.

1. Do not move potted flowers outdoors too early

Spring weather is changeable, so just as people should “keep warm in spring,” do not move potted flowers outdoors too early, lest cold wind directly strike the flowers and cause damage. The time for moving potted flowers out is generally from Qingming to Lixia. After being moved out, potted flowers should be placed in a sheltered, sunny spot; if severe weather occurs, the potted flowers should promptly be temporarily moved back indoors.

2. Prune diseased and dead branches in time

Prune away all diseased branches, dead branches and excess side branches of potted flowers to promote vigorous plant growth and also keep their appearance neat.

3. Water appropriately

Flowers that are beginning to revive or sprout need appropriate watering, but not too much; just keep the potting soil alternating between dry and moist. Too much watering easily makes branches and leaves grow excessively, affects flowering and fruiting, and may even cause root rot. Because spring is dry and windy, water should often be sprayed on the leaves.

Spring winds are strong, and the flowers and plants are growing at this time; flowers consume more water than at any other time. Some wintering flowers and trees contain insufficient water, and especially newly rooted cuttings are easily dehydrated by the wind and die. Flower pots moved outdoors are best placed in a sheltered spot; do not let the wind blow directly on the pots. Flowers moved outdoors should first be watered thoroughly once with clear water; before moving them back, observe the moisture condition of each pot and water a little more if needed.

4. Do not apply concentrated fertilizer

The amount of fertilizer applied in spring should go from small to large, generally applying a fully rotted, thin liquid fertilizer once every 10-15 days. Never apply concentrated fertilizer, lest it harm the young roots or “burn the flowers to death.” After fertilizing, water and loosen the soil in time.

5. Repotting

To promote the growth and development of flowers, repotting, adding soil and applying base fertilizer should be done in spring. Repotting is mostly done in early spring before various flowers enter their period of vigorous growth. After repotting and watering thoroughly, first place the pots in a spot not exposed to direct strong sunlight so the plants can recover, and after they regain their vigor, move them to a suitable place.