How to grow gladiolus indoors properly? Care methods for the cut-flower favorite
Gladiolus, that is, the sword lily, is a popular cut flower in midsummer and in autumn and winter. Because its stem resembles a long sword and its flowers open in layered tiers, it is also called “shisan taibao” (the thirteen guardians), and it is a “cut-flower favorite.” At present it is mainly grown indoors in two ways: in pots and in vases in water, so specifically, how should gladiolus be grown?
I. How to grow gladiolus in a vase in water?
Growing gladiolus in a vase in water is a method many people are very keen on, because using gladiolus for flower arrangements is really just too beautiful! So what specific care methods are there?
1. Choosing the vase
To grow gladiolus you should choose a transparent, wide-mouthed glass vase, so that changes in water quality can be seen in time, which helps extend the growing period.
2. Keep the water clean
When gladiolus is grown as a cut flower, its requirements for water quality are fairly strict, so it is best to change the water once a day to keep the water clean. In particular, avoid letting fallen leaves float in the water for a long time, as this breeds bacteria. You can also buy a special cut-flower preservative solution, which can both inhibit the growth of bacteria in the water and supplement nutrients in good time.
3. Clean and trim the roots in time
Generally speaking, every time you change the water you need to clean the roots of the gladiolus. First wash off the slime produced on the roots with clean water, then use scissors to cut off 2 cm of the roots at an angle.
4. Control the growing temperature
As a cut flower, gladiolus grows best in an environment of 20-25°C; otherwise the flowers are prone to wilting.
II. How to grow gladiolus in pots?
1. Choosing the pot
The gladiolus plant is fairly large, so when choosing a pot for planting you need to choose a large pot with a wider mouth and greater depth, so that the gladiolus can survive better.
2. Planting time
The best time to plant gladiolus in pots is April to July each year, when the temperature is most favorable for the gladiolus to take root and survive.
The soil for potting also needs a little attention; sandy soil with good drainage is best. Before planting, it is best to apply a base fertilizer to the soil to ensure the soil's fertility.·
3. Water appropriately
When growing gladiolus in pots, the soil must not be too dry or too wet. Too much water tends to cause waterlogging and root rot, while too little water leaves the soil short of water and causes problems such as yellowing leaves and drying out; neither is good for the growth of gladiolus.
4. Keep plenty of light
If you are going to grow gladiolus in pots indoors, then you must ensure plenty of light; it is best to have 16 hours of light, though in the hot summer you need to avoid long periods of direct sunlight.
Friendly reminder: Gladiolus goes into a “dormant state” in the cold winter, when most gladiolus will wither. So if you want to see the gladiolus you grow bloom in the same year, it is best not to plant gladiolus in autumn or winter.