The newly bought flowers ended up looking so different from how they were advertised - what should I do if I want to throw them away?

Seller's photo VS buyer's photo

1. Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' (Variegated Elephant Bush)

"Within 1 month of bringing my Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' home, it turned into this sorry sight. There was actually a moment when I wanted to give up..."

Huahua says: Portulacaria afra 'Medio-picta' absolutely needs plenty of ventilation - underline this, plenty of ventilation - otherwise the potting soil stays damp and stuffy, air permeability is poor, the roots rot quickly, and dropping leaves and flowers becomes completely normal!

2. Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg'

"I originally thought Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg' would look as beautiful as a lotus, but it turned out like this. Is there still time to swap it for a lotus?"

Huahua says: Echeveria 'Perle von Nurnberg' can't tolerate high temperatures or full sun, and it will definitely go dormant in summer. At this time you must provide ventilation and shade, water sparingly, and fertilize with caution!

3. Haworthia cooperi (Crystal Clear Haworthia)

"Everyone says Haworthia cooperi is crystal clear, so why is mine all dry and shriveled, like it's been thirsty for a month?"

Huahua says: In summer, just mist your Haworthia cooperi with a little water every so often, keep it shaded and ventilated, and it will be fine once it gets through the dormancy period!

4. Aloe

"The seller's aloe looks like it's pumped full of energy, while mine is shriveled, drooping and all limp. How am I supposed to make a face mask with this?"

Huahua says: Aloe grows most vigorously in summer, so water it more, otherwise it will wilt in no time. Apply a liquid nitrogen fertilizer once every 2 weeks!

5. Pachira aquatica (Money Tree)

"My home probably has no money luck. I'd only had the Money Tree for 1 month when all its leaves dropped off. The heartache is so bad I can't breathe."

Huahua says: In summer, Money Trees are prone to root rot. When watering, wait until the potting soil is dry before watering - better dry than wet, otherwise root rot will be a real hassle.

6. Asparagus setaceus (Asparagus Fern)

"They said Asparagus setaceus would be as elegant as a cloud pine, but I ended up growing it to look like roadside weeds."

Huahua says: In summer, Asparagus setaceus must be kept in a spot with diffused light. Mist the leaves and the surrounding area every day to keep them moist, make sure to open the windows for ventilation, and trim overly dense branches as needed - after trimming, reduce watering!

How do newly bought flowers get through the acclimatization period?

Seeing everyone grow their flowers into this state, Huahua has to share a very key but often overlooked flower-growing experience: how to get through the acclimatization period!

1. Soak bare-root plants first

If the newly bought flower comes without soil, be sure to first soak the roots in clean water for 3~4 hours so the roots can absorb enough water. Gently wash off the clumps of mud wrapped around the roots, and be careful not to damage the roots.

If the flower you bought comes with soil, check the potting soil first. If the potting soil is moist, don't water it right away; if the potting soil is dry, water it thoroughly in one go.

2. Potting and transplanting

Wait until the flower seedling has adapted to the new environment, then pot and transplant it. When transplanting, take the plant out together with the soil, don't touch the root system, and then place it into the prepared soil. The soil must be sterilized beforehand to avoid infection from pests and diseases.

3. Do not fertilize

During the first half month of the acclimatization period, do not fertilize. The roots are very weak at this time, and improper fertilizing can easily burn the seedling.

4. Avoid direct strong light

During the acclimatization period, keep the pot in a ventilated spot with diffused light, don't change its position frequently, and avoid direct strong light. Once the plant has grown steadily, you can care for it normally.

Flower friends,

Did you get hit too?

Is there a big gap between your flowers and the seller's?

Hurry up and share your photos with Huahua!