How to care for the Boston fern? A detailed guide to its ecological habits and growing environment requirements
Ecological habits of the Boston fern
The Boston fern likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments, and also likes good ventilation; it dislikes intense heat.
Boston ferns are generally placed indoors in bright, indirect light for cultivation; they cannot take direct strong sunlight, but they also cannot be kept in dark places. The optimum growing temperature is 15-25°C, and in winter they can overwinter safely at above 10°C.
Although the Boston fern is drought-tolerant, it still needs plenty of water, and should not be too wet or too dry; keep the potting soil constantly moist. In summer, water 1-2 times a day and mist the leaves frequently. It needs little fertilizer; during the growing season, apply a dilute, well-rotted cake fertilizer once every 4 weeks. Do not use quick-release chemical fertilizers, and when fertilizing, never let it touch the leaves, so as to avoid damage.
For potted Boston ferns, a mixed growing medium of leaf mold, river sand and garden soil is suitable; if conditions allow, using sphagnum moss as the growing medium gives even better growth. Repot once every other year in spring.
A complete guide to caring for common household flowers and plants
Today the Flower and Bonsai Network introduces a complete guide to caring for common household flowers and plants
Peace lily tree (Cinnamomum kotoense): likes water, water once a week, water thoroughly, give plenty of sun. The peace lily tree, also known as: Lanyu cinnamon; other names: Hongtouyu cinnamon, Hongtoushan cinnamon, Fanglanshan cinnamon, large-leaf cinnamon, Taiwan cinnamon, etc.
Ficus (banyan tree): likes water, water once a week, water thoroughly, give plenty of sun.
Camellia: likes water, water once a week, water thoroughly, give appropriate sun.
Clivia: water once every half month, do not water thoroughly; right after watering, place it on a balcony with weak sunlight to cool for a few days, otherwise the roots will rot from being too wet. It should not be exposed to blazing sun.
Dragon's beard (Asparagus fern): likes water, water once a week, water thoroughly, give appropriate sun.
Anthurium: water once every twelve days, water thoroughly, give appropriate sun.
Bromeliad: water once every twelve days, water thoroughly, rarely give sun.
Pothos: likes water, water once every three or four days, water thoroughly, rarely give sun; placing it in a spot with light is also fine.
Azalea: water once a week, water thoroughly, must not be exposed to direct sunlight, place in a spot with light.
Begonia: water once a week, water thoroughly, rarely give sun, place in a spot with light; direct sunlight on the flowers will make them lose their true color and reduce their ornamental value.
Kalanchoe: water once a week, water thoroughly, rarely give sun, place in a spot with light; direct sunlight will make the flowers shrivel.
Snake plant: water once every half month, do not water thoroughly; right after watering, place it on a balcony with weak sunlight to cool for a few days, otherwise the roots will rot from being too wet. It should not be exposed to blazing sun.
Purslane (Jinzhi Yuye, jade plant): likes water, water once a week, water thoroughly, give plenty of sun.
Money tree: does not like water; spray a small amount of water every 20 days, or pour a little water into the saucer; it cannot be exposed to sun. If you often water it thoroughly in one go, it will die, so water cautiously.
ZZ plant: does not like water; spray a small amount of water every half month, or pour a little water into the saucer; it cannot be exposed to sun.
Dracaena (Brazilian wood): for potting, use fertile soil rich in humus and with good drainage, which can be made from leaf mold and river sand. Dracaena is drought-tolerant but not waterlogging-tolerant. Water generously during the growing season. Dracaena is afraid of cold and freezing; in winter it should be placed indoors in a spot with ample sunlight, with the temperature maintained at 5°C-10°C. Water once a week. Main pest: the sugarcane borer - the sugarcane borer mainly bores into the fleshy cortex of the dracaena as a larva.
Azalea: likes cool, ventilated conditions, dislikes high heat; likes semi-shade, dislikes blazing sun; likes moisture, dislikes dryness; likes acidic soil, dislikes alkaline soil; likes well-drained pine-needle soil, dislikes waterlogging; if drainage is good, it can take more water, and the leaves should be misted frequently.
Camellia: Camellia is a shade-loving flowering shrub, requiring about 50% shade; it grows well in dappled shade and is afraid of sun exposure. If exposed to direct blazing sun, the tender leaves are easily scorched, causing weak growth and affecting flowering. In summer it likes cool, humid conditions; in winter it likes a warm environment. The general optimum growing temperature is 15---25 degrees. The flowers and leaves should be misted frequently. It is afraid of drought and dislikes waterlogging. It grows well only in fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil, and will gradually die in alkaline or waterlogged soil.
Poinsettia: likes a warm, humid environment and is not cold-tolerant; likes ample light and is not shade-tolerant; it is not strict about soil quality, but likes fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Milan (Aglaia): likes warmth and humidity, is afraid of dryness, and is not cold-tolerant; likes sunlight and is not shade-tolerant; likes fertile, loose, slightly acidic sandy soil. A poem praises it: "Its small melon-seed leaves are also elegant, the whole tree blooms again with rice-shaped flowers, who can compare with its rich fragrance, welcoming distant guests to brew fragrant tea."
Bird of paradise: likes sunlight and cannot tolerate the blazing summer sun of the north; likes warmth and is not cold-tolerant; requires moderate temperatures in winter and a cool, humid environment in summer; likes humus soil with good drainage and aeration.
Bleeding heart glorybower (Clerodendrum thomsoniae): likes warmth and humidity and is not cold-tolerant; likes ample sunlight but is afraid of direct strong light; likes fertile humus soil with good drainage and aeration.
June snow (Serissa): June snow is an evergreen or semi-evergreen small shrub; it likes a shady, humid, warm climate and is not cold-tolerant; it is not strict about soil. It likes humus soil with good drainage and aeration. In summer, provide moderate shading; in winter, it can overwinter safely at a room temperature above 10 degrees.
Golden-veined shrimp plant (Sanchezia): likes warmth and humidity and is not cold-tolerant; tolerates semi-shade and is afraid of strong light; likes fertile, loose soil.
Ivy: likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments and is relatively cold-tolerant; likes fertile, loose, well-drained soil.
Lucky bamboo: likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments, likes indirect light, and dislikes direct blazing sun; likes loose, fertile soil. Usually place it indoors in a bright spot; avoid direct sunlight in summer, and give it more sunlight in winter.
Potted pomegranate: likes a warm environment with ample sunlight and is relatively cold-tolerant; tolerates drought and is afraid of waterlogging; likes loose, fertile soil. Only if light, water, fertilizer and pruning are all on point will it produce abundant flowers and fruit.
Christmas cactus: likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments and is afraid of direct strong light; relatively drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging; not cold-tolerant; requires loose, well-drained soil rich in humus. In high summer temperatures, stop fertilizing and control watering. When it is budding and flowering, do not move the pot, otherwise it easily causes bud drop and flower drop.
Similar to the Christmas cactus is the Easter cactus; the difference between the two is that the edges of the Easter cactus stems have no sharp teeth and are slightly wavy; the edges of the Christmas cactus stems have four sharp teeth on each side and generally bear white or pale flowers, and three sharp teeth generally bear red flowers.
Jasmine: likes a hot, humid, sunny environment and is not shade-tolerant, not cold-tolerant, and not drought-tolerant. It grows well at temperatures of 25---30 degrees. Below 4 degrees, cold damage begins to appear, leaves drop and it may even die. It likes loose, fertile, well-drained soil containing organic matter.
Zebra haworthia: likes a warm environment with ample sunlight, tolerates drought and is afraid of waterlogging; likes sandy soil rich in humus with good drainage.
Kalanchoe daigremontiana (large-leaf mother of thousands): likes a warm, humid environment; although it likes sunlight, it is also relatively shade-tolerant; dislikes intense heat and tolerates drought; likes well-drained sandy soil. Watering should alternate between moist and dry; in summer, provide appropriate shading and ventilation, and in winter strictly control watering.
Aloe: likes sunlight and a warm, humid environment and is not cold-tolerant; likes loose, fertile, well-drained soil. In summer it needs ample watering and frequent misting of the leaves; in other seasons control water. In spring and autumn it likes direct sunlight. Note: keep dragon's claw the same way as aloe.
Epiphyllum: likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments, is relatively drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant, is afraid of direct strong light, dislikes waterlogging, and requires well-drained, loose, fertile soil. Epiphyllum generally blooms at night when it gets dark, at 19---20 o'clock, and each flower's blooming period lasts about two hours. If you want the epiphyllum to bloom during the day, you can change the light, that is: in the few days before the buds are about to open, place it in a dark place during the day and shine light on it at night.
Chrysanthemum: it is a sun-loving flower and likes cool conditions; it likes ample sunlight; autumn is cool, and its cold tolerance is relatively strong, with 18---22 degrees being best; it is relatively drought-tolerant but not moisture-tolerant, and especially fears waterlogging; it can tolerate mild alkalinity and requires sandy soil rich in humus, loose and well-drained. Chrysanthemums are generally propagated by division or cuttings, that is: divide the pots in April, pinch in May, fertilize in June, pinch again in July, and keep the water flowing in August and September. According to the growth of the flowers, when pinching the growing tips in mid-to-late May, keep 3---5 leaves, and when pinching the growing tips in mid-to-late July, keep 2---3 leaves. If the method is appropriate and management is good, it can bloom to achieve three, three, nine tripods.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema), also known as painted drop-tongue: likes warmth and humidity, is strongly shade-tolerant, dislikes dryness, is afraid of direct strong light, and is slightly cold-tolerant; it can overwinter safely if the winter room temperature is kept above 5 degrees. It likes loose, fertile growing medium; sticky potting soil will cause root rot, so it is best to use leaf mold plus a small amount of river sand. It likes compound liquid fertilizer rich in nitrogen and potassium. In high summer temperatures, water more; in spring and autumn, water so that it alternates between moist and dry; in winter, restrict watering.
Croton (variegated-leaf croton), also known as golden-sprayed banyan: likes high temperatures, high humidity and sunlight, and is not cold-tolerant; likes loose, fertile, well-drained sandy soil. It grows well at winter temperatures above 15 degrees, and temperatures below 10 degrees will cause death.
Michelia figo (banana shrub): likes warmth and humidity; it is a semi-shade-loving flower and requires good ventilation and appropriate shade. When air humidity is high, the leaves are dark green and glossy. It is not drought-tolerant and dislikes exposure to blazing sun, otherwise the leaves easily turn yellow. It likes fertilizer and water but is afraid of waterlogging; it is not very cold-tolerant and likes fertile, loose, slightly acidic sandy soil. A poem praises it: "When the flower blooms it does not open its mouth, bashful and bowing its head, like a beauty smiling, deep feelings flowing secretly."
Echeveria (stone lotus): likes warmth, dryness and ample sunlight, and can also tolerate semi-shade; it fears cold and prefers fertile, well-drained sandy loam. During the growing period, maintaining 4---6 hours of light per day keeps it growing vigorously with vivid leaf color. Spray the leaves with clean water once every 7---10 days; it does not matter if the stone lotus is not watered for ten days to half a month. If it is kept in a dark indoor spot for a long time, it will drop its leaves.
Gardenia: Gardenia is an evergreen shrub or small tree. There are four commonly seen types: (1) Large-flowered gardenia, also known as Hehua gardenia. The leaves are large, oblong, and the flowers are large, mostly double, with a strong fragrance. (2) Small-leaved gardenia, also known as sparrow-tongue flower. The plant is short, the flowers are relatively small, double, with a very strong fragrance. (3) Ovate-leaved gardenia, with smaller, obovate leaves, bearing single small white flowers with a light, elegant fragrance. (4) Walnut-veined gardenia, with large, ovate leaves, prominently protruding veins in a mottled pattern, large flowers, and a relatively light fragrance.
Gardenia likes a warm, humid climate and is not cold-tolerant; south of the Yangtze River it can overwinter in the open ground, while in the north it is always grown in pots and moved indoors to overwinter in winter. It likes light and also tolerates shade; in summer, when sunlight is intense, it should be kept in a semi-shaded spot for care. The leaves should be misted frequently. If direct strong light, high temperatures and overwatering are combined, these three factors together most easily cause yellow leaves and may even cause the whole plant to die. Gardenia likes fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil.
Peace lily (spathiphyllum): the peace lily is a perennial herbaceous flower, divided into large-leaf and small-leaf types. It likes warmth and humidity, is a semi-shade-loving flower, requires good ventilation, and needs appropriate shading in summer. Water so that it alternates between moist and dry; too much water easily causes root rot. It requires sandy soil rich in humus, loose and well-drained.
Golden barrel cactus: the golden barrel cactus is a perennial succulent flower; it likes a warm, dry environment and ample sunlight, and also tolerates semi-shade and drought. It will not die even if not watered for a long time, but too much water will cause root rot and death. It requires well-drained sandy soil. Note: the habits of succulent flowers such as Shan Ying, tiger head, dragon bone and climbing cactus are basically the same as those of the golden barrel cactus.
Calathea (peacock plant), also known as blue-flower banana: the plant is small and graceful, the leaf color is gorgeous, and the patterns on the leaf surface are like a vivid peacock displaying its tail. The peacock plant is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the Marantaceae family. It likes high temperatures, high humidity and a semi-shaded environment, is relatively shade-tolerant, and grows well under bright indirect light indoors. The suitable growing temperature is 18---22 degrees, and it requires loose, fertile growing medium. In summer, never expose it to direct strong light, otherwise the leaf edges easily become scorched. The ambient air must circulate, and mist the leaves with clean water frequently. The cultivation of other calatheas is basically the same as this.
Dendrobium (ball orchid), also known as cherry blossom vine or Burmese fragrance: the flowers are ball-shaped and elegantly pale; at night, the whole room is fragrant. It likes high temperatures and a high-humidity environment and also needs frequent misting of the leaves with clean water. It likes sunlight and can also tolerate semi-shade, but is not cold-tolerant. During the peak growing season, apply a dilute liquid fertilizer combining nitrogen and phosphorus once every 1---2 months. The overwintering temperature must be above 12 degrees, and at minimum must not fall below 8 degrees. It likes a growing medium of leaf mold or peat soil mixed with river sand or perlite, plus a small amount of bone meal as a base fertilizer. Humus soil, moss, etc. can also be mixed as a base fertilizer. For plants that have already formed buds and are flowering, the pot must not be moved at will, otherwise it easily causes bud drop and flower drop; after the flowers fade, let them wither naturally and do not cut off the flower stems, because most of next year's flower buds will still sprout from the same place, and cutting them off will affect the number of flowers the following year.
Kalanchoe (longevity flower), also known as the birthday flower: it likes ample sunlight. In the hot summer of the north, the light intensity is high and easily turns the leaves yellow, so around noon it should be appropriately shaded, or placed indoors in a semi-light spot, but care should be taken to ventilate and cool it. For the potting soil, it is best to use a mix of 40% leaf mold, 40% garden soil and 20% river sand, plus a small amount of bone meal. This soil is loose, fertile, well-drained and slightly acidic. Do not use heavy clay soil, which will cause poor growth, root rot and leaf drop. In winter, the room temperature must not be lower than 10 degrees; at around 7 degrees the leaves turn red and the flowering period is delayed.
Freesia, also known as fragrant snow orchid or foreign tuberose. Its leaves are like small swords stuck in the ground, and from the clump of swords emerge several flower spikes packed with golden-bell-like flowers, about 8 of them, just like little golden funnels. The flower colors include bright yellow, pure white, violet, rose red and so on, with strange and beautiful forms. It has both the delicate fragrance of orchids and the aroma of osmanthus. Placing a pot indoors, the fragrance is rich and pure, making one instantly feel fresh and comfortable. The freesia's habits are that it fears both cold and heat; when summer is hot it enters dormancy, and after the weather cools the corms begin to sprout and grow and send up stems to bloom. The optimum growing temperature is 18---20 degrees during the day and 14---16 degrees at night, and the overwintering temperature is 6---7 degrees. Freesia is a light-loving plant, so it requires ample light, but under conditions of strong light and high temperature it easily becomes leggy. Its flower bud formation is completed under short-day conditions, and after the buds form, long days promote its flowering. Freesia is relatively strict about water, that is, it fears dampness and is also not drought-tolerant. Too much soil moisture easily causes root rot; a lack of soil water hinders growth and the leaves lose their luster. Plant it in mid-to-late September each year, about 10 per pot. The flower soil can be mixed from 20% leaf mold, 50% garden soil, 20% compost soil and 10% sand. Freesia has a dormant habit; after flowering, when the leaves turn yellow around May, the corms can be tipped out of the pot, the dead leaves removed, and after the corms are dried they are stored in a cool, ventilated place.
African violet, also known as African violet (Saintpaulia): it is a perennial herbaceous plant. It likes ample indirect light to thrive and bloom. The African violet's potting soil must not be too dry or too wet, and when watering, do not pour water on the leaves, otherwise yellow spots or leaf rot will appear on the leaf surface. It likes warmth, is not cold-tolerant, and is also not high-temperature-tolerant. In summer, avoid direct sunlight; the overwintering temperature should be kept above 12 degrees. It likes fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic sandy soil.
Rose (Chinese rose): the Chinese rose has strong adaptability to the environment and likes warmth. It grows best at an average temperature of 22---25 degrees. The Chinese rose is not strict about soil, but grows vigorously in fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil. During the growing period, sunlight must be ample, otherwise the plant is weak, the leaves turn yellow, and the flowers are small and off-color. The Chinese rose must be pruned; the pruning period is generally in spring and autumn before and after flowering, cutting off diseased and weak branches, crossing branches, inward-growing branches, and dead branches and spent flowers. In summer, when it is hot, the soil dries out very easily, so it must be watered in good time to keep the soil moist; especially during the budding and flowering period, the water supply must not be lacking. In the rainy season, drain accumulated water promptly. In winter, it is best to put it in a cellar to let it go dormant, and take it out around mid-March the following year to prune.
Bougainvillea, also known as paper flower: it likes a warm, humid climate and sunlight, and is not cold-tolerant. Insufficient light will cause very few flowers and leaf drop. It likes fertilizer and water, grows robustly, and is not strict about soil. Pruning is generally done after flowering and before new shoots grow, cutting off overly dense, inner, and leggy branches and taking care to keep the tree shape attractive. The overwintering temperature is best above 12 degrees.
Epiphyllum (Lingjian lotus): it is a tropical plant and likes high temperatures and high humidity, sunlight, and a well-ventilated environment. It likes fertile soil; for the potting soil it is best to use 20% hair, 20% cinder, 30% loam and 30% sandy soil. It is not cold-tolerant. Keep the potting soil at 40% humidity; when the temperature is low, do not water much and do not fertilize. The overwintering temperature is best above 10 degrees, and place it in a spot where sunlight can shine directly.
Anthurium: it is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant. Also known as Anthurium andraeanum, red flamingo lily, fire candle flower, etc. The plant height is 30---50 cm, and the flower form is wonderfully beautiful. It likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments, dislikes direct strong light, and is not cold-tolerant. In summer, give it sunlight in the morning and evening, and around noon take care to shade it and mist the leaves with clean water frequently. When watering, take care to alternate between dry and wet. For the potting soil, it is best to use a mixed substrate of leaf mold or peat soil and moss, plus a small amount of garden soil, charcoal and superphosphate.
Spider plant: the spider plant is a perennial evergreen herbaceous flower. It likes warmth, semi-shade and a humid air environment, and requires loose, fertile, well-drained soil. The potting soil should preferably be on the dry side, and the leaves should be misted with clean water frequently. It can overwinter safely if the indoor temperature is kept no lower than 10 degrees.
Boston fern: it is a drooping fern. It likes warm, humid and semi-shaded environments and dislikes intense heat. It can be placed indoors in bright indirect light for cultivation; it must not be exposed to direct strong light, otherwise the leaf color easily turns yellow or the leaf edges dry up, but it also cannot be kept in a dark place, otherwise the leaves will drop after a few weeks. The Boston fern is relatively strict about water; it should not be too wet or too dry, and it is best to keep the potting soil constantly moist. In summer, take care to mist 2---3 times a day; in winter, when the room temperature is low, reduce watering. It can overwinter safely if the room temperature is kept above 8 degrees.
Asparagus fern: the asparagus fern has leaves that spread out flat, like thin clouds layered, and stems like bamboo, hence it is also called cloud bamboo. It likes warmth, humidity and semi-shade, is afraid of drought, is not cold-tolerant, and likes fertilizer. It requires soil rich in humus and well-drained. The asparagus fern is a shade-loving plant and grows well under indirect light. It can overwinter safely if the winter room temperature is no lower than 10 degrees.
Hibiscus: the hibiscus flower likes light, warmth, humidity and a well-ventilated climate, is not cold-tolerant, and prefers loose, fertile, deep sandy loam. The minimum winter temperature should not be lower than 15 degrees, otherwise it easily causes leaf drop. If the room temperature is kept above 20 degrees, it may continue to bloom in winter. Note: cultivating the wooden chrysanthemum is basically the same as the hibiscus. The hibiscus generally bears trumpet-shaped flowers with long buds, while the wooden chrysanthemum is mostly double and semi-double. The flower color can be judged from the color of the new shoots: new shoots that are green generally bear red flowers, and new shoots that are smoky-colored generally bear pink or pale flowers.
Potted peach: it likes light, warmth, humidity and a well-ventilated climate, is afraid of waterlogging, and is relatively cold-tolerant. It is not strict about soil, but fertile, loose soil is best. For overwintering, it is best to put it in a cellar when the weather turns cold, or place it indoors in a shaded, cool spot, water less, and go by whether the potting soil is dry.
Evergreen begonia: it is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Brazil, also known as autumn begonia, strawberry begonia, melon-seed begonia, and glass begonia. In summer it cannot tolerate direct sunlight or rain, so it should be shaded and protected from rain; if it is exposed to rain for a long time, the flower stems and leaves easily rot. In winter it likes ample sunlight; if the light is insufficient, the growth is weak, the plant is slender, and the leaf and flower colors fade; if the light is too strong, the leaves shrivel and scorch spots appear; and if fertilizer is insufficient, the plant is short and the leaves turn red. For potted evergreen begonias, water only after the potting soil has dried; if the potting soil is kept moist for a long time, it easily causes root rot and damping-off disease.
A treasury of home flower growing
Flower (Flower ['flauə]; plural: Flowers) is a general term for plants grown for appreciation; it is a modified short shoot with reproductive function, and there are many kinds.
A typical flower, on a short axis of limited growth, bears the calyx, petals, and the stamens and pistils that produce reproductive cells. A flower is composed of the corolla, calyx, receptacle and stamens/pistils. They come in all kinds of colors; some grow very showily, and some are fragrant.
1. How can you extend the vase life of cut flowers?Generally, in the flower container you can use a 1/3000 aspirin solution or a 1/4000 potassium permanganate solution, or add an appropriate amount of salt, boric acid, etc.; for some woody flowers such as ivory red, silver willow, peach blossom, etc., the cut ends of the branches can be singed with fire, and after charring, cut off the wound and put them in the vase; for lilac, peony, hydrangea, magnolia, etc., the cut ends of the branches can be split and small grains of sand inserted to prop the split open, then put into the vase. All of the above can extend the vase life of cut flowers.
2. How is the general growing medium used for potted flowers prepared?
General potted flowers and trees are made from 3 parts leaf mold, 3 parts garden soil (the loess from the surface layer of a courtyard), 2 parts barnyard manure and 2 parts rice-husk ash. This growing medium is loose in texture, has good water permeability and plenty of nutrients, and is suitable for growing potted flowers.
3. Why do potted flowers need to be repotted and have their soil changed?
After potted flowers develop and grow, the plant keeps getting stronger and taller, and the original pot is too small and the fertility in the potting soil is exhausted, so it can no longer meet the growth needs of the root system; therefore repotting and soil changing are needed. The soil change should be scheduled according to the different growth periods of different flower and tree species, generally once every two or three years.
4. What issues should be noted when dividing orchids into pots?
First, master the timing of division, generally carried out during the dormant period after flowering. For orchids that bloom in spring, divide the pots from late September to November or before the new buds sprout; for orchids that bloom in summer and autumn, do it from early to late April. Second, wash the roots and leaves before planting. After the potting soil has dried thoroughly, gently take out the plant, remove the soil, cut off rotten roots and broken roots, wash the roots and leaves with clean water, and let them dry until the orchid roots soften; then use scissors to cut apart at the pseudobulbs where the gaps are large, coat the cut with charcoal powder or sulfur powder (to prevent infection by pathogens), and then plant. Third, the seedling roots must be in close contact with the potting soil. When planting, face the new buds outward to favor growth. When potting, place the plant in the middle of the pot so that the roots are evenly distributed. Hold the seedling with one hand and fill in the growing medium with the other, shaking the pot while filling so that the roots and soil are in close contact. Fourth, water thoroughly. After potting, water thoroughly and place in a wind-sheltered, slightly shaded and humid place, then control the water appropriately until the new buds sprout.
5. How do you master the watering of home potted flowers and trees?
First, understand the water requirements of different types of flowers at each stage of growth and development. Second, judge watering by the current weather, whether cloudy or clear, the temperature and humidity levels, the size of the flower or tree plant, the type of pot, and the texture and dryness/wetness of the potting soil. Third, water thoroughly: when potted flowers need water, the amount of watering should be such that the potting soil from the surface to the bottom is uniformly moist; never leave the top wet and the bottom dry. Fourth, keep the water temperature close to the soil temperature. Arrange the watering time according to the season: in spring and autumn before 10 a.m., in summer before 8 a.m., and in winter at 2 p.m.
6. How do you prevent and control the bagworm (also called skin worm) that bites and eats leaves?
If there are only a few, after they form cocoons, pick off the insect bags by hand and peel out the adults to feed chickens and birds. When larvae are doing damage, spray with a 1000-1500 times dilution of 90% trichlorfon crystal.
7. How do you prevent and control the cactus scale on the stems and leaves of cactus, Christmas cactus, epiphyllum, epiphyllum (Lingjian lotus), etc.?
During the nymph hatching period, spray with a 800-1000 times dilution of 25% phosmet emulsifiable concentrate; or a 1500 times dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate; or a 1000-1500 times dilution of 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate; or a 2000 times dilution of 50% trithion emulsifiable concentrate. For a small number in home flower growing, they can be removed by scrubbing with an old toothbrush dipped in soap.
8. How do you fertilize cacti?
If the potting soil is relatively fertile, during the peak growing season of cacti, apply a fully fermented soybean cake liquid fertilizer once a month as a top dressing (note: use dilute fertilizer and apply often; each time use 20% fertilizer diluted with 80% water). To make the flowers more abundant and beautiful, it is best to apply a 500 times dilution of monopotassium phosphate once before budding. When the temperature is too low or too high, and during the cactus dormancy period, do not fertilize.
9. How do you help cacti overwinter safely?
In winter, move them indoors to protect from the cold and keep warm, and take care to control the amount of water; the drier the potting soil, the more cold-tolerant they are. The room temperature is generally kept at
around 15°C and they can still grow, green and lovely, and some can even bloom. At home, they can be placed in a glass frame or a simple plastic shed to overwinter. If the room temperature is relatively low, cacti are in a dormant state; during dormancy they should still be given sunlight. If they are always kept in a shady place, after spring begins they will easily be scorched by suddenly encountering strong light.
10. How do you properly master the watering of cacti?
Cacti are drought-tolerant, but you must never think that they require a dry environment at all times. If you do not water them reasonably, it will cause the plants to shrivel and age. In the Central China region, November to March of the following year is the dormant period, when watering should be restricted; watering about once every two weeks is enough. The growing season from April to October should be watered generously; the higher the temperature, the greater the amount of watering, but drainage must be good and there must be no water accumulation. When watering, for some spherical types with a depression at the top, take care not to pour water into the depression, to prevent the growing point from rotting. In addition, for some types with fine long hairs, take care not to splash water onto the long hairs, which would affect their appearance.
11. What is the key to successfully rooting cactus cuttings?
First, the soil must be very loose; coarse sand, sawdust, etc. can be used as the cutting medium. These materials have large gaps and are permeable to water and air, which favors rooting. Second, the cut-off part used as the cutting should be dried in the shade for about 10 days, until a layer of callus tissue grows on the surface of the cut, before it is inserted. Otherwise, the cut is very easily infected and rots. Third, the humidity should be controlled at around 25°C when cuttings are taken, which favors rooting. The cutting soil must have a certain humidity and must not be too damp, otherwise it easily causes the cut to rot.
12. How do you make crape myrtle bloom abundantly year after year?
The habit of crape myrtle is that it likes a warm, humid climate. It likes light and tolerates shade slightly. It likes fertile soil. It is drought-tolerant and afraid of waterlogging. It has strong sprouting ability. To make crape myrtle bloom abundantly year after year, in addition to applying an organic mixed fertilizer once each after leaf drop every year and before flowering, the main thing is to pay attention to pruning. Besides cutting off dead branches and diseased branches, because the flower buds of crape myrtle form on the current year's branches, you can cut off the one-year-old old branches after leaf drop in winter or before sprouting in spring, so that strong branches sprout again and bloom abundantly.
13. How is camellia propagated by cuttings?
Take cuttings from mid-to-late June to early July, when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is not too high. For the cuttings, choose branches of the current year that are robust, with dark green, smooth leaves, and internodes of 2-2.5 cm, and 10 cm long; each cutting must have 1-3 top leaves. For a small amount of home flower growing, you can use mountain soil, growing medium, vermiculite, perlite and other cutting soils with strong drainage and aeration for pot cuttings. After cutting, place in a cool, ventilated place, water thoroughly, and keep the bed soil moist often; when dry, mist the leaves 3-4 times a day, and roots will form after three weeks.
14. When are chrysanthemums cuttings taken? How are they propagated by cuttings?
Generally cuttings are taken in May-June. From the new shoots that sprout from the old plants of the previous year (the current year's tender shoots), cut off shoot tips about 8-10 cm long with 2-4 nodes. Cut flat 0.2 cm below the lowest node (leaf base), remove the lower half of the leaves, cut the upper leaves in half, and insert into the potting soil to a depth of about 1/3 of the total length of the cutting. After inserting, press the soil at the base of the cutting firmly, water thoroughly, and place the pot in a shaded place. Afterwards, mist an appropriate amount of water every morning and evening. After a week, it can be given a little morning and evening sunlight; after half a month, slightly increase the light time; after 20 days it begins to root; after a month, apply a dilute fertilizer.
15. How do you care for spider plants? How are they managed in winter?
Spider plants like warm, humid and semi-shaded places and are not drought-tolerant. For home-grown spider plants, in summer avoid sun exposure and place them indoors for viewing during the day. If conditions allow, put them outdoors in a wind-sheltered place at night (but they need ventilation). According to growth conditions, in spring, in April, carry out division propagation together with repotting, and after repotting place in a semi-shaded place. The soil should be loose, rich in humus and well-drained; soil that is too wet or too dry will cause the branches and leaves to turn yellow and wither. Usually, clean water can be used frequently to spray and water the leaves, keeping them clean and moist. In winter, keep them indoors at around 15°C to protect them from cold damage.
16. After a cyclamen has finished flowering, is the corm still useful? Can it be made to bloom again next year?
Strictly speaking, after flowering the cyclamen corm can still be kept and continue to be cultivated. But the possibility of making it grow well and bloom again next year is only 50%. If you are willing to keep it, after the flowers fade in spring, control water until the upper part of the plant withers. Then place the corm together with the pot in a cool place outdoors, watering only twice a month. In July or August, repot it, then gradually increase the amount of watering, and move it to a bright place (but not in sunlight). After 4-6 weeks of care in this way, if the cyclamen still does not show vigorous growth, you will just have to give it up.
17. Is dieffenbachia poisonous? Can it be grown in water?
If you chew the stem of dieffenbachia, its sap will keep you from speaking for a while; apart from that it has no other toxicity. Dieffenbachia can be grown in water and can root and maintain growth and development for quite a long time, but it is best to plant it in soil (ratio: 2 parts humus, 1 part sand or vermiculite) so that it can get a normal nutrient supply.
18. When can you cut off vigorous ivy branches grown outdoors for propagation, to use as an indoor foliage plant in winter?
After the rainy season, when the ivy branches are full of water, cut them off; each cutting should be 18-25 cm long. Wash them briefly in soapy water, remove the leaves on the lower 1/3 of the cutting (otherwise, soaking in water easily makes the water go bad and foul), immerse the lower 1/3 of the cutting deeply in a bucket of water, and place in a shady place; natural humidity is enough. Ivy water-propagated in August roots faster than that propagated in autumn and winter.
19. Why do the leaves of indoor foliage ferns turn yellow?
Too much sunlight, too little fertilizer, air that is too dry, and too much or too little watering can all cause fern leaves to turn yellow. Ferns like bright places, but should not grow in sunlight. During the peak growing season, apply a balanced dilute liquid fertilizer once every 3-4 weeks. Some ferns, such as the Boston fern, bird's nest fern and maidenhair fern, need higher humidity to grow well.
20. What are the growing conditions for the Boston fern? How is it cultivated?
The Boston fern prefers loose garden soil rich in humus (mix: 2 parts sandy loam, 2 parts humus soil, 1 part sand or vermiculite). It grows best at a temperature of 12-17°C, in an environment with ample light but no sunlight. The Boston fern is relatively difficult to propagate by division, but easier to root by layering with stolons.
21. How much water do ferns actually need?
Ferns like a humid air environment, while most home environments are dry. Therefore, to grow shade-loving ferns, you usually need to water more to supplement the humidity. Generally, use a fine-holed watering can to spray lukewarm water on the ferns every day, which can also drive off pests. In addition, water thoroughly once a week by the soaking method to ensure the roots at the bottom of the pot have enough water. You can also place the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water, so that the bottom of the pot of the potted fern stays moist and warm.
22. Can you make your own fertilizer for home flower growing? How do you make fertilizer yourself?
You can collect the vegetable leaves, vegetable roots, bean shells, melon and fruit peels, fish scales, fish innards, leftover bones and scraps of chicken, duck, crab and shrimp, spoiled soybeans, peanuts and so on that are left over from daily picking, add rice-washing water, soak them in a jar or vat and seal it. After they ferment and rot, add clean water and apply. This is an excellent organic fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Or dilute the leftover soybean milk or milk residue, and the egg white washed out of eggshells, with water and then apply to the pot.
23. How do you grow Acorus gramineus (sweet flag) in water?
Sweet flag likes shade and moisture; in this respect, water growing is better than soil planting, but when growing in water, only the roots may be submerged, not the leaves. It is best to place it among flowers in the shade, so that it receives wind and dew, and do not let it be exposed to the sun. When summer comes and the climate is hot, apart from showing it to visitors, the water basin of sweet flag should be placed among flowers in the shade all day, to avoid the heat consuming nutrients.
For water growing, it is best to use large old roots, and the best are those whose old roots rise above the mud surface and wind like a dragon, but these are not easy to find. Scattered small sweet flag plants can be tangled into a clump and then wrapped in palm bark and placed in a water basin, but the root hairs of small sweet flag plants are very short, and both clumping and wrapping are not easy, so you can use enameled wire to string these sweet flags into a clump (note: do not damage their old roots), and then wind several loops of enameled wire around the outside; even if soaked in water and pressed by stones, it will not easily come apart.