How to grow hydrangeas so they look absolutely ethereal? (Part 1)

High branches laden with rain press down on the carved railing, a thousand flowers on one stem form a white jade ball.

How cruel that fragrant heart, in spring's bewildering tangle; who rolls up the curtain to gaze at it in the moonlight?

- Ming Dynasty, Xie Zhen, "Hydrangea"

Image source: internet

When hydrangeas bloom, the clusters of flowers are gorgeous and captivating. We often see large expanses of beautiful hydrangea seas in parks, and once home we can't resist wanting to plant a few to get our fix, but alas, the desire is there while the care experience is not. Seeing other people's beautifully blooming hydrangeas, aren't you envious? Master these methods, and your home can bloom into a sea of flowers too~~

Hydrangea cuttings

Tools and materials needed: scissors, healthy hydrangea branches, soil, flower pots

Step1:Select relatively robust, healthy branches with plump buds as cuttings; ideally the branches should feel semi-lignified to the touch.

Step2：First disinfect the prepared scissors, then cut starting two or three cm from the leaves, cutting the lower end of the flower branch at a 40-degree angle, trying to cut through in one go.

Step3:Hydrangea leaves are very large and need to be cut off to reduce transpiration from the branch; it is best to cut flat about one cm above the leaves, generally leaving two leaves.

Continue trimming the leaves, cutting off about half, generally trimming them to look like the one below.

Step4：To help the hydrangea take root as quickly as possible, you can place the trimmed branch in a rooting powder solution for about 3 seconds, or make your own rooting water by soaking willow branches in water.

Step5:Prepare some loose, breathable growing medium. Insert the trimmed flower branch into the medium; at this point you need to water, but be sure to water thoroughly, keeping the potting soil moist so the branch can drink its fill.

Plant care tip: hydrangea cuttings are mostly taken during seasons with more rain and fairly humid weather, which greatly increases the survival rate of the cuttings.

Taking cuttings is only the first step; the follow-up care must be done properly

Care after cutting

1. Temperature：The optimal temperature for cuttings to take root is 20°C~30°C. Below 20°C, growth is slow; above 30°C, it will cause root rot. If low temperatures occur after cutting, it is best to wrap the pot and container with plastic film. When the temperature is too high after hydrangea cuttings, the main cooling measure is to shade the cuttings, then use a spray bottle to mist appropriately, 3~5 times a day; if the temperature is low, water less or not at all depending on the situation.

2. Humidity：When taking cuttings, be sure to maintain sufficient humidity. Before the cuttings have grown roots, be sure to ensure they can carry out full photosynthesis. But at this time, because the cuttings have not yet rooted, they cannot absorb enough water, so you must reduce water evaporation from the cuttings through shading and spraying water. However, do not water too frequently; it depends on the weather at the time and the growth state of the cuttings.

3. Light: Light is an indispensable condition for the growth of cuttings, but the stronger the light, the more vigorous the transpiration of the cuttings and the more water they consume, so they need appropriate shading. From 14:00 to 16:00 each day the light is stronger and shading is needed; after 16:00 the shade net can be removed to let the cuttings receive photosynthesis.

Hydrangeas have large, full flower heads and colorful blooms, making them highly ornamental houseplant flowers. Plant them now, and when the garden is full of blooms, invite a few friends for a stroll in the courtyard and some casual chat - how relaxing and free that would be~~

Want to know more about hydrangea care? Keep following the all-capable plant care tipster; even a beginner can become a care expert. Enough said, off to plant flowers~