What are the home cultivation methods for hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas originate from Japan and the Sichuan area of China, and were introduced to the UK in 1736. In Europe, they are relatively commonly cultivated in the Netherlands, Germany and France. In flower shops, red, blue, purple and other colored hydrangea varieties can be seen, and hydrangeas are also often planted in small courtyards and in front of buildings. Now let us take a look at the home cultivation methods for hydrangeas!
The home cultivation environment for hydrangeas
1. Temperature: The suitable growth temperature for hydrangeas is 18-28°C, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C. Flower bud differentiation requires 6-8 weeks at 5-7°C, and a temperature of 20°C can promote flowering. After flowering begins, maintaining 16°C can extend the viewing period. However, high temperatures cause the flowers to fade quickly.
2. Humidity: The potting soil should remain moist, but watering should not be excessive. Especially in the rainy season, pay attention to drainage to prevent root rot caused by waterlogging. In winter, indoor potted plants are better kept slightly dry. If too dry or too wet, the leaves are prone to rotting.
3. Light: Hydrangeas are short-day plants. With more than 10 hours of darkness treatment per day, flower buds form in about 45-50 days. During normal cultivation, avoid direct sunlight, and 60%-70% shading is most ideal.
4. Soil: A loose, fertile and well-drained sandy loam is best. However, changes in soil pH cause relatively large changes in hydrangea flower color. To deepen the blue color, aluminum sulfate can be applied during the flower bud formation stage. To maintain pink, lime can be applied to the soil.
Common propagation methods for hydrangeas
1. Division propagation: This is best done in early spring before sprouting. Separate the rooted branches from the mother plant and pot them directly. Do not water too much, and maintain them in semi-shade. After new buds sprout, switch to normal care.
2. Layering propagation: Carry this out when the buds begin to swell. Growth can occur after 30 days. In the spring of the following year, cut it off from the mother plant, transplant it with soil, and it can bloom that same year.
3. Cutting propagation: Carry this out during the plum rain season. Cut off the tender top shoots, about 20 cm long, remove the lower leaves, and the suitable temperature for cuttings is 13-18°C. Roots form 15 days after inserting the cuttings.
Four-season care methods for hydrangeas
1. Spring: For potted plants, prune dead branches and repot with fresh soil. After the plant has adjusted, apply one or two times a dilute liquid fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer, which can promote the sprouting of branches and leaves.
2. Summer: Place in semi-shade or under a shade canopy to prevent direct sunlight and avoid leaves turning yellow and scorched. Apply one or two topdressings before and after flowering to promote green leaves and abundant flowers. After the flowers fade, promptly trim off the flower stalks to maintain a beautiful shape. Keep the potting soil consistently moist, but prevent water accumulation after rain, so as to prevent the fleshy roots of the hydrangea from rotting due to excessive water.
3. Autumn: The care method is the same as in summer.
4. Winter: After winter begins, plants grown in the open ground should be earthed up around the base for warmth so they can overwinter safely; potted plants can be placed in a warm spot facing south and exposed to sunlight, without cold wind. Although the leaves fall off in winter, the roots and branches remain alive, and new leaves sprout again the following spring.