How Overwatering Kills Flowers and How to Water Correctly
Schematic diagram of watering flowers and plants
Water is the source of all things and the foundation of life; without water there is no life. Flowers and plants cannot do without water in the processes of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration. Yet the most important part of growing flowers is watering. In fact, anyone can water, but not everyone can master a scientific watering method, because many flower lovers often cause the death of their flowers through overwatering. So why do flowers die from overwatering? And how should you water flowers and plants correctly?
I. Why potted flowers die from overwatering
When potted flowers are overwatered, the water fills the gaps in the soil and the air in the soil is replaced by water. At this point outside air cannot enter either, thus causing a lack of oxygen in the soil. The respiration of the roots is hindered, physiological functions decline, and the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients is blocked.
At the same time, because the soil lacks oxygen, aerobic bacteria that decompose organic matter multiply and become highly active in the soil, increasing soil acidity. Because butyric acid bacteria and others run rampant, a series of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are produced, directly poisoning the root system. Meanwhile, due to the lack of oxygen, the plant consumes a large amount of its soluble sugars and accumulates excessive amounts of substances such as alcohol, which greatly reduces photosynthesis and finally causes the flower to die of starvation.
In the practice of growing flowers, one can often see cases where overwatering causes the flower's roots to turn black and rot and the flower to be "drowned". Therefore, when cultivating flowers, watering must be done in appropriate amounts.
II. How to water potted flowers correctly
1. Pay attention to water quality
The best water quality is clean fresh water free of salt and alkali. Generally, rainwater is best for watering potted flowers; if tap water is used, it must be stored for a certain time until the chlorine in the water evaporates before use; well water contains various impurities and is generally not suitable for use. Rice-washing water and the waste water changed from a goldfish tank can also be used to water potted flowers. Laundry water containing soap or soap powder and dishwashing water with grease stains must not be used. For flowers such as camellias, azaleas, orchids and clivias that require acidic soil, even more attention must be paid to water quality, otherwise the potting soil will become alkaline and the plants will grow poorly.
2. Pay attention to water temperature
When there is a large difference between soil temperature and water temperature (or room temperature and water temperature), do not water. You can choose appropriate times in the morning or evening, or adjust the water temperature (generally it is stored in advance in a jar; if cold water is poured under the high temperature of the scorching sun, the plant will immediately suffer "physiological drought" and the leaves will quickly scorch and wilt).
3. Pay attention to the amount of water
In the practice of pot cultivation, people have summed up the watering experience of "nine more, nine less".
1) Water more for herbaceous plants, less for woody plants;
2) Water more for moisture-loving flowers, less for drought-loving flowers;
3) Water more for plants with large, soft leaves, less for plants with small, waxy leaves;
4) Water more during the vigorous growth period, less during the dormant period;
5) Water more for large seedlings in small pots, less for small seedlings in large pots;
6) Water more for plants on balconies, less for plants in courtyards;
7) Water more in hot weather, less in cold weather;
8) Water more in dry weather, less on cloudy days;
9) Water more when flower buds are forming, less when in bloom.
The so-called more or less is a comparison under the same conditions. If drought and dehydration occur and the branches and leaves wilt, first move the plant to a shaded place, add a little water to the pot, spray a small amount of water on the leaves, and once the stems and leaves stand up, water thoroughly. If you water heavily right away, it will damage the roots and cause leaf loss. If there is continuous rainy weather, it is best to move the pot to a sheltered spot under the eaves to avoid the rain; if water has already accumulated in the pot for a long time and waterlogging has occurred, the plant must be removed together with the soil and placed in a cool, ventilated place to quickly breathe and release moisture; after 3-5 days, once it has recovered, repot it. If the weather suddenly clears after a long period of rain, woody flowers must first be placed in a cool, ventilated place for 1-2 days before seeing sunlight. If exposed to the sun rashly, because the roots' ability to absorb water has become poor during this period, even though the potting soil is very wet, the branches and leaves will still lose water and shrivel (called "waterlogging onset"), and may even die. If this phenomenon has already occurred: immediately move the pot to a cool, ventilated place, cut off some of the shriveled branch tips, stop watering, and let it slowly recover.
Schematic diagram of watering flowers and plants
4. Pay attention to the time of watering
Watering should be done when the plant is growing and active, but avoid the scorching sun. Therefore, in general, watering in winter should be after 9-10 a.m.; in summer it should be before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. For plants under direct sunlight, water more generously in the morning, otherwise they will wilt before the afternoon is over.
5. Grasp the principles of watering
Most problems with potted flowers come from improper watering. No matter what kind of potted flower or in what season, watering must follow one principle: "Water when dry, do not water when not dry, water thoroughly when completely dry." Under the condition of not causing water-deficiency damage to the flowers, the soil generally maintaining less moisture is safer and more reliable than too much moisture, that is, "better dry than damp".
In addition, note: do not just wet the surface with "half-way water", leaving the potting soil wet on top and dry below. Over time, the plant roots will wilt from lack of water and the potted flowers will grow poorly.
III. How to judge whether potted flowers need watering
1. Tap the flower pot with your finger (or a small stick). If there is a hollow "kong kong" sound, it indicates that the potting soil is very dry, and you can water. If the sound is rather dull, it indicates that there is still moisture in the lower layer of the potting soil, and there is no need to water immediately.
2. If the soil appears gray and loose, it indicates that the potting soil is dry and can be watered; if the soil is not loose and a small stick inserted into the soil feels damp, it indicates that the potting soil is moist and watering can be postponed.
3. Pinch the soil with your hand. If the soil forms a sheet or clump, it indicates that the potting soil is moist; if it crumbles when pinched, it indicates that the potting soil is dry and needs watering.
In the course of growing flowers, it is inevitable to encounter a few odds and ends of doubt, but as long as you master the above watering techniques, your flowers and plants will certainly grow vigorously and bloom brilliantly.
Why overwatering kills flowers
When potted flowers are overwatered, the water fills the gaps in the soil and the air in the soil is replaced by water. At this point outside air cannot enter either, thus causing a lack of oxygen in the soil. The respiration of the roots is hindered, physiological functions decline, and the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients is blocked.
At the same time, because the soil lacks oxygen, aerobic bacteria that decompose organic matter multiply and become highly active in the soil, increasing soil acidity. Because butyric acid bacteria and others run rampant, a series of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are produced, directly poisoning the root system. Meanwhile, due to the lack of oxygen, the plant consumes a large amount of its soluble sugars and accumulates excessive amounts of substances such as alcohol, which greatly reduces photosynthesis and finally causes the flower to die of starvation.
In the practice of growing flowers, one can often see cases where overwatering causes the flower's roots to turn black and rot and the flower to be “drowned”. Therefore, when cultivating flowers, watering must be done in appropriate amounts.
Why overwatering causes flowers to die
We often say that watering potted flowers requires great care. Overwatering not only causes root rot in flowers but, in serious cases, can also cause the flowers to die. So exactly why does overwatering cause flowers to die? The editor will analyze the principle for you.
Rose
When potted flowers are overwatered, the water fills the gaps in the soil and the air in the soil is replaced by water. At this point outside air cannot enter either, thus causing a lack of oxygen in the soil. The respiration of the roots is hindered, physiological functions decline, and the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients is blocked.
At the same time, because the soil lacks oxygen, aerobic bacteria that decompose organic matter multiply and become highly active in the soil, increasing soil acidity. Because butyric acid bacteria and others run rampant, a series of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia are produced, directly poisoning the root system. Meanwhile, due to the lack of oxygen, the plant consumes a large amount of its soluble sugars and accumulates excessive amounts of substances such as alcohol, which greatly reduces photosynthesis and finally causes the flower to die of starvation.
In the practice of growing flowers, one can often see cases where overwatering causes the flower's roots to turn black and rot and the flower to be "drowned". Therefore, when cultivating flowers, watering must be done in appropriate amounts.