How do you mix a nutrient solution for flowers? Be sure to pay attention to these 3 major issues

In the process of growing flowers, fertilizer is often needed. Solid fertilizer can be used, but the amount is relatively hard to control and it is also rather troublesome. There are now many nutrient solutions on the market that can be purchased, but in fact nutrient solutions can be mixed yourself, so how do you mix a nutrient solution for flowers? What precautions are there?

I. Several commonly used nutrient solution formulas

1. Sodium nitrate 10 g, superphosphate 70 g, ammonium sulfate 25 g, potassium sulfate 35 g, magnesium sulfate 40 g.

Directions: When mixing the nutrient solution using the above formula, first mix it with water, then add the mixed trace elements at a ratio of 3 g per 100 L of water before use (the trace elements are usually prepared by mixing 100 g ferrous sulfate, 14 g boric acid powder, and 10 g manganese sulfate, grinding them evenly into powder, and setting aside for later use).

2. Potassium nitrate 0.7 g/L, boric acid 0.0006 g/L, calcium nitrate 0.7 g/L, manganese sulfate 0.0006 g/L, superphosphate 0.8 g/L, zinc sulfate 0.0006 g/L, magnesium sulfate 0.28 g/L, copper sulfate 0.0006 g/L, ferric sulfate 0.12 g/L, ammonium molybdate 0.0006 g/L.

Directions: When using, mix all the elements together and add 1 L of water to make the nutrient solution. When mixing the above nutrient solution, the types and amounts of elements can be increased or decreased according to the different requirements of different flowers.

3. Urea 5 g, potassium dihydrogen phosphate 3 g, calcium sulfate 1 g, magnesium sulfate 0.5 g, zinc sulfate 0.001 g, ferric sulfate 0.003 g, copper sulfate 0.001 g, manganese sulfate 0.003 g, boric acid powder 0.002 g; add 10 L of water, and after dissolving, the nutrient solution is ready.

Directions: For potted flowers, water once a week during the growing season, and the amount used each time can be determined according to the size of the plant. For example, for sun-loving flowers in a flowerpot with an inner diameter of 20 cm, water about 100 mL each time, while for shade-loving flowers the amount should be reduced as appropriate. In winter or during the dormant period, water once every half a month or once a month. For ordinary water replenishment, still use tap water.

II. Issues to pay attention to when mixing nutrient solutions

1. When mixing the nutrient solution, do not use metal containers, and even more so do not use them to store the nutrient solution. It is best to use glass, enamel, or ceramic vessels.

2. When mixing, it is best to first use a small amount of warm water at 50°C to dissolve the various inorganic salts separately, then pour them in the order listed in the formula into water that equals 75% of the specified volume, stirring while pouring, and finally add water to the full amount.

3. If tap water is used when mixing the nutrient solution, the tap water must be treated, because tap water mostly contains chlorides and sulfides, which are harmful to plants, and some bicarbonates will also hinder the roots' absorption of iron. Therefore, when using tap water to mix the nutrient solution, a small amount of sodium edetate or humate compounds should be added to treat the chlorides and sulfides in the water. If peat is used as the substrate for soilless cultivation, the above disadvantages can be eliminated. If the quality of groundwater is poor, unpolluted river water or lake water can be used for mixing.