Qingming Is Approaching: Care for Flowers Now to Ensure Blooms Next Year

As the Qingming rainy season approaches, temperatures rise accordingly. Although cold air still reaches the north, it is already quite weak. This is the time to do some work on potted flowers.

1. Repotting

Warmth-loving flowers such as Milan (Aglaia odorata), jasmine, epiphyllum, spider plant, Monstera deliciosa, bird of paradise (Strelitzia), sago palm (Cycas revoluta) and Calathea species can be repotted and given fresh soil, with dead branches and withered leaves pruned away, and the soil loosened and weeds removed or fertilizer applied. For some cold-tolerant flowers, fertilizer can be applied along with repotting, soil replacement, pruning and soil loosening. For example, roses are currently growing branches and leaves and developing buds, so a fertilizer combining nitrogen and phosphorus can be applied once every 10-15 days, while buds should be thinned appropriately at the same time.

2. Propagation

This month is an important period for flower propagation. Flowers such as canna, gladiolus, dahlia and Caladium can be propagated by root division; flowers such as Cyperus alternifolius, Rhapis excelsa, bamboo palm (Bambusa multiplex), spider plant, hosta and clivia can be propagated by division of clumps. When dividing dahlias, each plant should retain 1-2 thick, strong buds. For Caladium, the tubers can be taken out and the offsets planted separately: plant 1 large tuber per pot, or 2-3 small tubers per pot. Alternatively, when the tubers begin to sprout and grow leaves, cut the large tubers apart with a sharp knife and plant them separately; the cut surfaces must be coated with plant ash to prevent rot. Division propagation is generally carried out together with repotting. When dividing, make sure the offset retains part of the root system to aid its later growth.

3. Fertilizing

For flowers that bloom in winter and spring, such as camellia, Christmas cactus and winter daphne, blooming consumes a large amount of nutrients, so when warm spring weather restores growth, apply a fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen to promote growth. For flowers currently in bloom, such as clivia, amaryllis and banana shrub (Michelia figo), fertilizing should be stopped in order to prolong the flowering period.

4. Watering

In April, many succulents enter a period of vigorous growth. Watering can be adjusted according to the variety: fast-growing varieties can be watered more, while slow-growing varieties should be watered less. In short, the plant's water needs for growth must be met without waterlogging, so for succulents in active growth, follow the rule of not watering when the soil is dry and watering thoroughly when you do.

5. Succulent Growth

In April the weather turns warmer, and succulents enter the golden season of growth for the year. Plants that have not been repotted can be repotted, given fresh soil, and propagated by division. Indoor plants can gradually be moved outdoors to receive sunlight and the spring breeze. If continuous rainy weather occurs, take care to prevent them from being rained on for long periods, so that low temperatures and dampness do not cause the plants to rot.