Why does overwatering flowers cause them to die?
We often say that watering potted flowers requires a great deal of care. Overwatering not only causes root rot in flowers, but in serious cases can even lead to the death of the plant. So exactly why does overwatering cause flowers to die? Let me break down the principle for you.
Rose
When a potted flower is overwatered, water fills the gaps in the soil, and the air in the soil is displaced by water. At this point, outside air cannot enter either, which causes oxygen deficiency in the soil, hinders root respiration, lowers physiological function, and blocks the roots' ability to absorb water and nutrients.
At the same time, because the soil lacks oxygen, aerobic bacteria in the soil that decompose organic matter multiply and become highly active, increasing soil acidity. Because butyric acid bacteria and others run rampant, they produce a series of toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which directly poison the root system. Meanwhile, due to the lack of oxygen, the plant consumes large amounts of soluble sugars in its body and accumulates excessive amounts of substances such as alcohol, which greatly reduces photosynthesis, and ultimately causes the flower to die of starvation.
In the practice of growing flowers, it is common to see cases where overwatering causes the flower's roots to turn black and rot, "drowning" the plant. Therefore, when cultivating flowers, watering must be done in the right amount.
Watering flowers and plants has its particular rules
Watering
Growing different kinds of flowers and plants all depends on a water source, so many people treat watering as a very important task when growing flowers. But I have found that many people, not understanding the principles of watering, cause once thriving and beautiful flowers to develop root rot, withered leaves, or even die. So how should you water flowers correctly? And what issues should you pay attention to while watering?
I. The "seven more" and "seven less" principles of watering flowers
1. Water herbaceous plants more, woody plants less
Herbaceous flowers have shallow root systems and a weak ability to absorb water, need a lot of water in their bodies, and their leaves evaporate quickly, so they should be watered more and more frequently. Woody flowers have roots that go deep into the soil and spread widely, with strong water-absorbing power, so the amount of water can be appropriately reduced.
2. Water moisture-loving flowers more, drought-tolerant flowers less
Moisture-loving flowers such as Monstera deliciosa and Reineckea carnea should be watered more; drought-tolerant flowers such as cacti, Echeveria, and Nandina domestica should be watered less.
3. Water those with large, soft leaves more, and those with small, waxy leaves less
The larger and softer the leaves, the more easily water evaporates, so they should be watered more; flowers with small, waxy leaves evaporate water from the leaf surface slowly, so they can be watered a moderate amount less.
4. Water sandy soil more, clay soil less
Sandy soil is loose and holds water poorly, so it is suitable to water somewhat more; clay soil is compact, holds water well, and has poor air permeability, so it should not be watered too much or too often.
5. Water more in hot weather, less in cold weather
In the scorching heat of midsummer when the weather is hot, the leaves evaporate a large amount of water and the potting soil dries quickly, so watering must be timely and thorough.
6. Water more in dry weather, less in cloudy weather
In dry weather, the soil loses water easily, so water more and more frequently: small pots twice a day, large pots once a day.
7. Water more during the vigorous growth period, less during the dormant period
During the vigorous growth period, flowers need large amounts of nutrients and water, so watering should be combined with fertilizing and done more and more frequently. During the dormant period, growth comes to a standstill and the water requirement is very small, so watering should be strictly controlled.
Lycoris radiata (spider lily)
II. The "five taboos" of watering potted plants
1. Do not water flowers with water containing grease or soap powder
These substances have a destructive effect on the soil, change the pH of the potting soil, and in serious cases can even cause the plants to die. By comparison, rice-washing water or old water changed out of a fish tank has some fertility and is much better than tap water; these kinds of water are perfectly fine to use.
2. Avoid watering at noon in midsummer
At this time, because the temperature is relatively high, the pores of the plant's roots are open, and a sudden watering easily gives the plants a "cold."
3. For flowers with hairy leaves, do not water with a spray bottle
After misting, water on the leaf surface does not evaporate easily and the leaves rot very easily, so we had best not water with a spray bottle and should instead use a watering method that pours water onto the soil.
4. If the flowers are in full bloom, do not mist them much
Otherwise the petals will rot. If you want the plants to set seed, watering during the blooming period will also affect fertilization of the plant, thereby reducing the seed-setting rate.
5. Never give "half-way water"
"Half-way water" means watering only enough to moisten the surface soil while the lower soil stays dry. Over time, a hard, compacted layer forms at the boundary between the dry and wet soil, making it difficult for the plant's roots to penetrate downward. Therefore, when watering we must grasp the principle of "if you water, water thoroughly." At the same time, along with watering, we should also develop the good habit of loosening the soil: loosening should be done after watering, when the potting soil is half dry, to a depth at which the roots are visible; cutting some surface roots is harmless and actually helps stimulate new roots.
A tip from the editor:Although some common household nutrient waters such as rice-washing water and vegetable-washing water are beneficial to flowers and plants, watering too frequently may have the opposite effect! So watering flowers and plants must follow the principles above.