Care methods and key points for Dianthus before and after flowering

I. Before flowering:

1. Water. When it is forming buds and preparing to bloom, pay frequent attention to its water requirements. Generally, once the soil is seen to be dry, water it immediately, but because it is forming buds, its demand for water is relatively high, so it needs to be watered in time.

At this time, note that you must not be greedy and water too much at once, causing waterlogging; this plant is very afraid of waterlogging. Once too much has been watered, drain it promptly. In addition, before flowering, appropriately spray water around it to increase air humidity, which can prevent the buds from splitting open before they have even bloomed.

2. Fertilizer. Because it is going to bloom, it needs to absorb a large amount of nutrients for bud development. At this time, make sure to add fertilizer solution once every 10 days. The fertilizer solution used needs to be diluted and can be applied together with watering.

3. Temperature. In summer, pay attention to shading it; in winter, place it in a well-ventilated spot facing the sun to ensure it gets sufficient light.

II. After flowering:

1. Pruning. After the flowers fade, promptly cut off the spent flowers starting from the base of the flower stem; before long, new flower stems will grow again from between its leaf axils.

2. Temperature. Keeping the ambient temperature between 14°C and 28°C can allow it to bloom over a long period.