The Latest Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Million Bells
Million Bells, also called dancing spring flower, is a perennial herbaceous plant and a variety of the small-flowered petunia. This flower is fairly easy to grow and can be planted directly in the open ground in most parts of our country. Its petals are small but very numerous, and at peak bloom they look like countless tiny bells, which is where the name “Million Bells” comes from. Below, Qinong Web gives a detailed introduction to the growing methods and precautions for Million Bells.
1. Transplanting
Million Bells transplants poorly. Once the roots are damaged, they need a long time to recover, and in severe cases it is difficult to save the plant. Therefore, the best time to transplant is after the roots have filled a small pot, and during transplanting you must be careful to avoid damaging the roots. After a successful transplant, it needs one week to recover. First place it in a shaded spot, mist the leaves morning and evening, and then move it to a full-sun environment for growing on.
2. Fertilizing
Million Bells does not need much fertilizer for growth. The base fertilizer can be prepared in a smaller amount, and it can be mixed in a ratio of worm castings : soil (1:3). During the growing period, apply thin fertilizer as well, and the frequency of application can be increased.
3. Light and Water
Million Bells grows relatively well in a sunny environment, and it can also grow normally in a semi-shaded environment.
Sufficient sunlight helps promote branching and increase the number of flowers. In summer, when temperatures are high, pay attention to replenishing water. If dehydration causes the stems and leaves to wilt, the leaves also need to be given water.
4. Precautions When Growing Million Bells
1. Pests and Diseases
Common pests and diseases of Million Bells include stem blight, whiteflies, and aphids.
When stem blight is found, immediately prune away the diseased branches. For aphids and whiteflies, effective insecticides should be sprayed promptly. Do not wait until the pest damage worsens before treating it.
2. Choosing Pots
In an ordinary flowerpot, planting three Million Bells plants is enough, because the flowers are so numerous; planting one is also fine.
A reasonable pinching method can make even a single plant grow into a beautiful flower ball. If you choose Million Bells of different colors for planting, you need to consider exactly how to combine them according to the different plant characteristics.
The above are the growing methods and related precautions for Million Bells. Growing Million Bells requires patient and careful care, but its flowering period lasts as long as several months, and with proper growing it is even possible for it to bloom in all four seasons. This depends on how well everyone cares for it.