Potted baby's breath: transplanting into soil after cuttings, 2 propagation methods to fill the house with blooms

Growing Techniques Jan 1, 1970 0 views

Baby's breath (Gypsophila) is a very fresh and delicate flower, most commonly seen in many floral art arrangements. Earlier we explained how to grow baby's breath and how to prune it after flowering, and now let's talk about its propagation methods. Many common plants in daily life can be propagated, and of course baby's breath is no exception

I. How to propagate potted baby's breath: the cutting method

Many people love the fresh and delicate beauty of baby's breath, and growing a pot of it at home makes a beautiful sight. Growing potted baby's breath naturally involves propagation, and how to propagate potted baby's breath has become a hot search question among netizens. In fact, baby's breath has two propagation methods: one is cuttings, and the other is sowing. Let's first look at the cutting propagation method.

Baby's breath cutting method: In spring, cut new branches about 10 cm long from the plant, insert 3-4 stems as a cluster into a sand bed, spray water to keep moist, roots form in about 15 days, then after another 20-plus days of growing, transplant into soil to grow into large seedlings; generally roots form in about 30 days. In the plum rain season, softwood cuttings can be used, selecting the tender top shoots of the current year for cuttings; roots form 2-3 weeks after insertion.

The rooting rate of cuttings is not very high, and the survival rate is somewhat higher when transplanted into soil after cutting. It is best to choose cuttings with 4-5 pairs of leaves, treat them with rooting powder or other auxin, and insert them into a cutting bed with perlite as the medium; this is not restricted by season, but the best periods are mid-to-late March to early July and late September to early November. When the temperature is above 15°C, roots generally form in 20 days.

The growing conditions for baby's breath are: cool, full sunlight, and good air circulation. In terms of temperature, the suitable temperature is 15°C-25°C; the soil should be loose soil rich in organic matter with moderate moisture content, and the pH should be kept at around 7 as much as possible. When propagating by cuttings, attention should be paid to the growth habits of baby's breath and reasonable care should be given.

II. Baby's breath sowing propagation method

1. Soil: Choose loose soil to make the bed, sow in September, cover lightly with fine soil, germination in about 10 days, move to a cold frame before winter to overwinter. The suitable germination temperature is 15-20°C. Suitable growing temperature: 10-25°C. Sowing period: early autumn to early spring.

2. Seedling planting out: After baby's breath survives, transplant with soil into open ground the following spring; after the seedlings become established, pinch once to encourage more branching. When the plant reaches over 20 cm in height, reduce the amount of watering; slight drought can promote flowering, and it generally flowers in mid-to-late May.

In cold regions, spring sowing is suitable; in areas where the soil does not freeze, autumn sowing can be used. The optimal germination temperature is 21-22°C. Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. After planting out, pinch when the plant grows to about 8 nodes; when side buds grow to 5-10 cm, remove the buds, keeping the strong and removing the weak. Water frequently in the early stage after planting out, and control water appropriately when flower buds begin to form. The above are the two propagation methods for baby's breath. Now everyone knows how to propagate baby's breath, right? Below let's look at the precautions for propagating baby's breath.

III. Precautions for propagating baby's breath

1. Temperature and watering: It likes a warm, humid and sunny environment, is relatively shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and grows best in well-drained, fertile and loose loam. The cultivation soil is best a slightly alkaline calcareous loam, with good drainage and sunlight. When the plant has reached over 20 cm in height, reduce the amount of watering; slight drought can promote flowering. Especially after flowering, poor drainage or prolonged rain can easily cause root rot. It likes warmth and dislikes high temperature and humidity; the suitable growing temperature is 10-25°C.

2. Tissue culture: Using shoot tip culture, the propagation coefficient is high, the root system grows well, and the seedling quality is good. Using tissue-cultured plantlets to produce cut flowers, the flower stems are straight, the color is pure, and the cut flower quality is high. The above is the baby's breath propagation method brought to you by the Flower Encyclopedia editors. Go home and plant it right away.

Potted cascading chrysanthemum propagation methods and cultivation management key points

Cascading chrysanthemum is a pruning and planting style of chrysanthemum, trained into a drooping cascade shape, guided forward with bamboo frames and pinched in a timely manner, so that it has soft, curved main stems. Due to differences in plant form, cascading chrysanthemums can be divided into two types: one is pruned into a shield shape, called the front-drooping type, also known as the Kanto type; the other is pruned into a "zigzag" shape. The following text will guide everyone through potted cascading chrysanthemum propagation and management.

I. Seed selection and propagation

1. Seed selection

Small chrysanthemum strains are preferable; choose varieties with tough stems, long internodes, many branches, fast growth, dense flowering, vigorous growth, obvious apical dominance and strong disease resistance; flower color depends on need, with brightly colored ones being best, and white, yellow and red being more commonly chosen; 'Button White', 'A Handful of Snow', 'Hollow Yellow', 'Baby's Breath' and 'Button Yellow' are commonly selected varieties.

2. Propagation

Cutting propagation is mostly used. The cutting material is mostly selected from the root crown part of old plants that are robust, have tough stems that are easy to extend, and are easy to branch; pick new basal shoots, and it is best to take two basal shoots together with roots and plant them into pots. The cutting time often varies depending on the specification at the time of leaving the nursery; for example, if the required crown drooping length at leaving the nursery is over 3 m, most are cut in November-December of the previous year; for 1-2 m long, cut in January-February of the current year; for 0.5-1 m long, cut in April-May of the current year.

The so-called basal shoots refer to new buds growing from the base of the mother plant. Cut 5-8 cm from their tips for cuttings, and after 10-15 days transplant into pots with a diameter of 15 cm; if the basal shoots are shorter and stouter, they can be dug up together with roots and planted directly into small pots; after planting, they should be placed in a ventilated and well-lit place, and diluted fertilizer (mainly potassium fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer) should be applied regularly to promote growth.

II. Pot turning and planting out

1. Planting

Before planting out, it is usually necessary to turn the pot once; especially when the length of the chrysanthemum body exceeds 1 m, and then plant it out. The growing soil should preferably be loam rich in organic matter, and sometimes some sawdust can be mixed in to facilitate drainage and aeration. When the propagated seedlings grow to 15-20 cm, they can be transplanted into pots with a diameter of about 20-25 cm; when turning the pot, appropriate base fertilizer should be added to increase growth vigor.

For fertilization, a fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of 20-10-20 is commonly used; occasionally calcium fertilizer and magnesium fertilizer are also applied to promote healthy plant growth; when the plant grows to 20-25 cm, insert a bamboo stick at its base, slanting slightly toward the sunlight direction, and gently tie the main branch along the bamboo stick, tying at every 1-3 nodes; when the plant grows to 40-50 cm, plant it out into a pot with a diameter of 30-40 cm; at this time, first place a layer of 4-5 cm of crushed stone or tile fragments at the bottom of the pot, and add appropriate base fertilizer at the bottom layer and around the edges; when planting out, at the same time insert a pre-made bamboo mat into the pot, with the length and shape of the bamboo mat determined according to the design.

Tie the main branch of the cascading chrysanthemum gently to the bamboo strip in the middle of the bamboo mat every 4-5 nodes, so that the main branch grows along the direction of the middle bamboo strip; when the crown of the cascading chrysanthemum grows to a certain weight, add wooden strips below the middle of the bamboo mat for support, to prevent the bamboo mat from sinking and harming the cascading chrysanthemum.

III. Management

1. Pinching and shaping

Pinching the side branches is an important step in cultivating cascading chrysanthemums. To cultivate a cascading chrysanthemum with a beautiful form, the key is to leave 6-7 leaves at the base of the plant and pinch, leave 4-5 leaves in the middle and pinch, and leave 2-3 leaves at the top and pinch; thereafter, all secondary side branches that grow again should be pinched leaving 2-3 leaves; repeat this several times, so that the side branches can quickly grow small side branches, and with repeated growth, the cascading chrysanthemum can become lush and full in foliage, with abundant flowers and great appeal.

Since the cascading chrysanthemum plant can reach over 1 m in length, the flowers at the upper and lower parts do not open at the same time, affecting its ornamental value. The purpose of shaping is to make the flowers open at the same time, neat and beautiful. Shaping is mostly carried out in September, usually starting at the base first, then the middle, and finally the tip. After the flower buds form, the uneven or protruding buds on the surface should be cut off in a timely manner. When the flowers bloom, with abundant blossoms dotting the branches and green leaves set off in between at the right time, one can naturally obtain a top-quality cascading chrysanthemum.

2. Watering and fertilizing

Water is extremely important for the growth of cascading chrysanthemums, especially during the growth stage; water an appropriate amount every early morning; the amount of watering should be suitable to maintain the supply for 1 day, and in the evening use a sprayer to mist the leaf surface to increase air humidity and restore vigor to poorly growing leaves. After White Dew, water appropriately before evening, otherwise it will affect flower bud differentiation. Cascading chrysanthemums generally should not be watered under the hot sun, to avoid damaging leaves and flower buds; on rainy days, depending on the pot soil conditions, either water less or do not water; if there is continuous rain, promptly drain the accumulated water in the pot.

Fertilization should follow the key principles of frequent, little, precise and abundant; each time the pot is changed, appropriate base fertilizer should be applied to strengthen the foundation. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, topdressing should use aqueous solutions of nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer to facilitate absorption. After each pinching, apply nitrogen fertilizer at a concentration of 0.3%-0.6% to promote the formation of leaf buds and flower buds; after the flower buds form, apply a mixed solution of potassium fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer at the same concentration, spraying the leaf surface once every 5 days, for 3-5 consecutive sprays; after the flower buds show color, stop fertilizing and just keep the pot soil moist.

3. Light and ventilation

Cascading chrysanthemum is a sun-loving positive plant, so the pot should be placed in a place with sufficient sunlight and good ventilation; otherwise it will not only grow poorly but also be prone to pests and diseases.

Sometimes from August of the planting year to March of the following year, light should be increased to more than 14 hours per day to inhibit the appearance of flower buds that year, so that the flowering time can be uniform; if natural light cannot reach 14 hours, artificial supplementary light should be used to strongly supplement the shortage of natural light. Except for the afternoon when the hot summer sun is overhead, cascading chrysanthemums do not need shading.

4. Pest and disease control

Common diseases of cascading chrysanthemum include black spot, rust and leaf spot, etc. When disease occurs, 75% chlorothalonil 50-800 times solution and 50% thiophanate-methyl 1000 times solution can be used alternately, once a week, to achieve good control results.

Pests include leaf rollers, aphids, red spider mites, cabbage caterpillars, etc., which can also be killed by spraying beta-cypermethrin 1500-2000 times solution and omethoate 1500-2000 times solution.

The above is all the content today about potted cascading chrysanthemum cultivation and management techniques. Flower growers who are interested can save it for study. Hui Nong Network also has more wonderful nursery stock knowledge waiting for you!

Baby's Breath Gypsophila Baby's Breath Flower Guide: How to grow baby's breath / How to propagate baby's breath

Baby's Breath Flower Profile
Baby's Breath Gypsophila
Aliases: conical flower gypsophila, double-petaled gypsophila, gypsophila, xia cao
Classification: perennial herbaceous flower
Family and genus: Plantae, Angiosperms, Dicotyledons, Caryophyllales, Caryophyllaceae, Gypsophila genus
Full bloom period: summer
Baby's breath, originally named double-petaled gypsophila, is native to the Mediterranean coast. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous flower. It is an evergreen dwarf small shrub, with a plant height of about 65-70 cm, thin and smooth stems, very many branches, narrow and long leaves, sessile, opposite, and powdery green in leaf color. It likes a warm, humid and sunny environment, is suitable for planting in flower beds, roadsides and flower hedges, and is also very suitable for potted ornamental display and bonsai making. It blooms in early summer, with flowers like beans, each with 5 petals, and a slight fragrance. Also known as "broken copper coin", it can be used as a medicinal plant, and can also be used as a companion for roses for lovers.

Baby's breath cultivation methods and precautions, and an introduction to baby's breath
Baby's breath, originally named double-petaled gypsophila, is native to the Mediterranean coast. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is a perennial herbaceous flower. It is an evergreen dwarf small shrub, with a plant height of about 65-70 cm, thin and smooth stems, very many branches, narrow and long leaves, sessile, opposite, and powdery green in leaf color. It likes a warm, humid and sunny environment, is suitable for planting in flower beds, roadsides and flower hedges, and is also very suitable for potted ornamental display and bonsai making. It blooms in early summer, with flowers like beans, each with 5 petals, and a slight fragrance. Also known as "broken copper coin", it can be used as a medicinal plant, and can also be used as a companion for roses for lovers.

Morphological characteristics of baby's breath Morphological characteristics
Perennial herb, 30-80 cm tall. Root thick and strong. Stems solitary, rarely several clustered, erect, much branched, hairless or lower part glandular-hairy. Leaves lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, 2-5 cm long, 2.5-7 mm wide, apex acuminate, midvein obvious. Paniculate cyme much branched, loose, flowers small and numerous; pedicels slender, 2-6 mm long, hairless; bracts triangular, acute; calyx broad. Teeth bell-shaped, 1.5-2 mm long, with broad purple veins, sepals ovate, rounded-obtuse, margin white, membranous; petals white or pale red, spatulate, about 3 mm long, about 1 mm wide, apex truncate or rounded-obtuse; filaments flat and linear, nearly as long as petals, anthers round; ovary ovoid, about 1 mm in diameter, style slender. Capsule spherical, slightly longer than the persistent calyx, 4-valved; seeds small, round, about 1 mm in diameter, reddish-brown, with neat blunt wart-like protrusions. Flowering period June-August, fruiting period August-September. Flowers terminal on branch tips, arranged in a compound corymb. Small snow-white, scattered evenly by the thousands, clear and elegant; cut flowers are top-grade floral material for arrangements, and after drying in the shade they become natural added dried flowers. Varieties include semi-double or double-petaled types, and double-petaled types flower more and densely. It can bloom all year round, but due to weak heat tolerance, in flatland areas with high summer temperatures, it must be cultivated in a greenhouse.
The texture is hard and not easy to break; in cross-section, 2-3 whorls of anomalous vascular bundles can be seen. It is perennial and dwarf, with a strong bitter taste, and is often added to silver thoroughwort for medicinal use. Stems slender and creeping, spreading flat on the ground in patches, leaves alternate, round or kidney-shaped, 0.5-3.5 cm in diameter, not divided or 5-7 deeply lobed to the middle, margin bluntly serrate, upper surface green, smooth or sparsely hairy, lower surface usually pubescent; petiole slender, 0.5-9 cm long. Simple umbel opposite to leaves, borne on nodes, umbel ray 0.5-3 cm long; involucral bracts 4-10, oblanceolate, about 2 mm long; each umbel has 10-15 flowers, flowers sessile or short-stalked; no calyx teeth, petals ovate. Schizocarp slightly heart-shaped, laterally flattened, smooth or spotted, middle ridges slightly sharp. Flowering period is more than one month.

Shape
Baby's breath is an evergreen dwarf small shrub. Every early summer, countless flower buds gather at the branch tips, with flowers as fine as beans, each with 5 petals, white as clouds,
with a slight fragrance, like ten thousand stars shining, hanging all over the horizon. If viewed from afar, it seems like morning mist and evening rosy haze, hence the alias "xia cao" (rosy haze grass).
Stems and leaves
The main root is thick and strong; stems clustered and much branched. Leaves oblong-lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, 4-8 cm long, 5-12 mm wide, apex pointed, base slightly narrowed, slightly stem-clasping; cymes terminal or axillary, arranged in a conical shape.
Flowers
Flowers relatively small, dense. Bracts ovate, membranous, apex acute. Pedicels 2-4 mm long. Calyx bell-shaped, 2-2.5 mm long, calyx teeth 5, ovate-triangular, margin membranous, ciliate; petals 5 cm, pink or white, obovate, 4-5.5 mm long; stamens 10, longer than petals; ovary elliptical, style 2 cm, exceeding the petals. Capsule ovate-spherical, longer than the calyx, apex 4-lobed. Flowering period May-July.
Seeds
Seeds nearly kidney-shaped, about 1.2-1.5 mm long, light gray.

Ecological habits of baby's breath Growing environment
Native to the Mediterranean coast. It likes to grow in a warm, humid and sunny environment, and has the characteristics of being relatively shade-tolerant, cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant. It is suitable for growing in well-drained, fertile and loose loam. The cultivation soil is best a slightly alkaline calcareous loam, with good drainage and sunlight. When the plant has reached over 20 cm in height, the amount of watering should be reduced; slight drought can promote flowering. Especially after flowering, poor drainage or prolonged rain can easily cause root rot. It likes warmth and dislikes high temperature and humidity; the suitable growing temperature is 10-25°C, and it is mainly propagated by sowing.
Habits
Perennial gypsophila is a long-day plant, with a flowering period of June-August. Flower bud differentiation requires more than 13 hours of sunlight. As day length increases, flower bud differentiation speeds up. Different types of perennial gypsophila have different critical day lengths; generally, large-flowered varieties are more sensitive to long days than small-flowered varieties. Under natural growth conditions, it is generally planted in autumn and blooms in May-June of the following year. With an unheated greenhouse, it can be marketed in April-May. In recent years, there have been cultivation for market in March-May, October-November, or January-February of the following year, for year-round production. Baby's breath is native to the dry summer regions of Europe, northern Africa and central and western Asia. It likes cool conditions and grows best under conditions of sufficient sunlight and good air circulation. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C. Above 30°C or below 10°C, with insufficient water content, it easily forms rosette-like clustering, only growing rhizomes and not flowering. The soil should be loose, rich in organic matter, with moderate moisture content, and a pH of around 7.
Suitable environment
It likes a warm, humid and sunny environment, is relatively shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and is suitable for growing in well-drained, fertile and loose loam. The cultivation soil is best a slightly alkaline calcareous loam, with good drainage and sunlight. The roots are prone to rot. It likes warmth and dislikes high temperature and humidity; the suitable temperature for growing potted baby's breath is 10-25°C.
Growing environment
Baby's breath is native to the Caucasus of the former Soviet Union (Europe, northern Africa and central and western Asia). It is cold-tolerant and dislikes heat and rain. It is suitable for growing in sunny environments and in loose, fertile, well-drained slightly alkaline sandy loam. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C. Above 30°C or below 10°C, it easily forms rosette-like clustering, only growing stems and not flowering. The soil should be loose, rich in organic matter, with moderate moisture content, and a pH of around 7. In most of southern China, it is planted in autumn, at about 2000 plants per mu. After pinching, 4-6 branches are retained per plant, and ultimately more than 5 flower stems can be produced. If grown in a greenhouse, the flowering period can be further regulated, striving for market before the Spring Festival. Because the price per stem is several times higher than other cut flowers, most flower vendors divide large branches into thin branches and sell them at different prices according to quality, and sometimes supply falls short of demand. For commercial cut flower production of baby's breath, seedling propagation is mainly by tissue culture, and cutting propagation can also be used; some single-petaled types can be propagated by seed.

Cultivation techniques for baby's breath Cultivation management
Baby's breath can be used in landscaping in most cities and can maintain a flowering period of more than 300 days, which other varieties cannot compare with. It is also an indispensable cut flower variety with broad market prospects. The specific cultivation techniques are as follows.
1. Land preparation
Before planting out, the soil should be deeply plowed 40-50 cm, with sufficient organic fertilizer applied, and an appropriate additional application of some phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. For acidic or neutral soil, some lime should be applied appropriately to adjust the soil pH. Make raised beds, with the bed surface 30-40 cm high.
2. Planting out
Plant 2000-2500 plants per mu (1 mu = 667 sq m), using double-row planting, with a row spacing of 50 cm and a plant spacing of 35-50 cm. Before planting out, irrigate sufficiently, then choose a cloudy day for planting out, and water thoroughly after planting out. Planting time: for cut flower cultivation, if produced in a greenhouse, it can be planted in summer or autumn or even early spring. In this way, flowers can be harvested from early autumn until early summer. After harvesting flowers, the plants should be dug up in June-July, then cold-stored until August-September, and then planted out again.
3. Fertilizer and water management
Like other herbaceous flowers, baby's breath has relatively high fertilizer and water requirements, but it is most afraid of indiscriminate fertilization, concentrated fertilizer and one-sided application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. It is required to follow the two fertilization (watering) principles of "diluted fertilizer applied frequently, small amounts and many times, complete nutrition" and "alternate dry and wet, dry means thoroughly dry, do not water if not dry, water thoroughly when watering", and after fertilizing, keep the leaves and flowers dry at night. After planting out, topdress in stages, mainly with nitrogen fertilizer in the early stage and mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in the later stage. Water management should be strictly controlled; too wet will weaken growth, and water accumulation will cause root rot and death. When the plant grows to 30 cm, watering should be controlled, and especially during the budding stage, more care is needed; during the flowering period it should also be on the drier side. In rainy areas, a shelter should be built to keep off rain.

Spring
After the temperature rises, growth recovers rapidly and gradually enters the flower bud differentiation stage and flowering stage, with high fertilizer and water requirements. Fertilizer and water management follows the cycle of "Hua Bao" - clear water - "Hua Bao" - clear water - in sequence, with an interval of about 2-4 days. After entering the seed-setting stage, stop fertilizer supply.
Autumn
After the sown seedlings are potted and have recovered for a period, fertilizer and water management should be quickly stepped up. Fertilizer and water management follows the cycle of "Hua Bao" - "Hua Bao" - clear water - "Hua Bao" - "Hua Bao" - clear water - in sequence, with an interval of about 1-3 days; on sunny days or during high temperatures the interval is shorter, and on cloudy and rainy days or during low temperatures the interval is longer or no watering is done.
Winter
Although it continues to grow, the relatively low temperature will slow its growth rate, and its fertilizer and water requirements are not high; fertilizer and water may even need to be controlled. Fertilizer and water management follows the cycle of "Hua Bao" - clear water - clear water - "Hua Bao" - clear water - clear water in sequence, with an interval of about 4-7 days. Watering time should be arranged as much as possible at noon on sunny days when the temperature is relatively high.

Care methods
The cultivation soil is best a slightly alkaline calcareous loam; the roots are prone to rot. During the flowering process, cutting off spent flowers with three leaves can extend the flowering period.
It likes warmth and dislikes high temperature and humidity; the suitable growing temperature is 10-25°C. Conical flower gypsophila can bloom all year round.

Flowering regulation
The growth and flowering characteristics of perennial gypsophila, that is, its growth and development characteristics. Besides the two self-evident characteristics of flowering under long days and the rapid elongation of flower stems after flower bud formation, there are three more points: namely, plants that have already become rosetted in autumn break the rosette after receiving low temperatures, and growth activity increases. After activity increases, even under the relatively low temperature conditions of early spring, it grows slowly; after growth reaches a certain degree, if the temperature rises, flower buds form under long days, and at the same time the flower stems elongate rapidly and bloom. If it encounters high summer temperatures, growth activity decreases, and under autumn-cool, short-day conditions it welcomes winter in a rosette state. If a rosette state forms, the growth activity of perennial gypsophila is extremely low in autumn and winter, and it is in a state where flowering is difficult. High temperature and long-day treatment can be used to prevent the occurrence of rosetting.
Specific method: Cultivate at a temperature of 15-25°C with more than 16 hours of sunlight (preferably lighting late at night), and cut flowers can be obtained in autumn, winter or early spring; or, starting from mid-July, cold-store the plants at 2-3°C until mid-September for planting, then cultivate under long-day conditions above 8°C, and they bloom in December; rosetting can also be prevented with hormones: when rosetting is about to form, spray with aminopurine (300×10-6), or spray with gibberellin (300×10-6), both of which can significantly promote the elongation and flowering of perennial gypsophila.

Cultivation tips
Suitable germination temperature: 15-20°C. Sowing period: early autumn-early spring. After the seedlings become established after planting out, pinch once to encourage more branching. When the plant reaches over 20 cm in height, reduce the amount of watering; slight drought can promote flowering, and it generally flowers in mid-to-late May. In cold regions, spring sowing is suitable; in areas where the soil does not freeze, autumn sowing can be used. The optimal germination temperature is 21-22°C. Seedlings emerge in 7-10 days. After planting out, pinch when the plant grows to about 8 nodes; when side buds grow to 5-10 cm, remove the buds, keeping the strong and removing the weak. Water frequently in the early stage after planting out, and control water appropriately when flower buds begin to form.
Planting conditions Suitable growing temperature
Growth is best at a daytime temperature of 25°C. If it exceeds 30°C, and the time or number of days is too long, the probability of deformed flowers easily increases. The nighttime temperature is best at 10-15°C; if it is below 10°C, and combined with short days in autumn and winter, it easily causes a dormant state or clustering.
Daylight requirement
For most commercial varieties, the critical photoperiod for flowering is roughly between 12-18 hours. Long-day treatment itself only effectively induces the differentiation of flower spikes, while more long-day treatment can obtain more flowers. Moreover, a longer photoperiod not only promotes earlier flowering but also makes the flowers larger. Bristol Fairy's requirement for long light is not as sensitive as other varieties such as Perfecta diamuna; it can bloom under 12 hours of light, which is one of the reasons why this variety became the main variety for professional production in Taiwan, China.
Light intensity requirement
Light has an extremely profound effect on whether baby's breath blooms, especially in winter. If summer baby's breath is given 80-24 Klux illuminance, all plants can bloom; the difference is that the less illuminance the plants receive, the relatively fewer the number of flowers. In winter, those given 58 Klux can all bloom; while those given 24 Klux cannot bloom even if continuously given a 24-hour full-light period.
Soil requirement
Generally, well-drained slightly alkaline calcareous soil or gravelly loam is preferable.
Water requirement
The seedling stage has relatively high water requirements; after pinching, sufficient water and nutrients are still needed so that the plant can gradually transition from the vegetative growth stage to the reproductive growth stage, that is, enter the bolting stage (flowering stage). Until the small flower spikes emerge and the petals grow out, water should be slightly reduced to prevent a decrease in cut flower quality and water uptake, and also to promote neat and uniform flowering. Especially in the hot and humid summer season, whether water is controlled appropriately is often the main factor determining the success or failure of baby's breath cultivation.

Cultivation techniques Planting
First, in terms of cultivation techniques, the planting field must have a good drainage system. In addition, weeds in the field need to be cleared away completely, and the soil should be turned twice. For fields where the land is not very fertile, fertilizer should be applied in advance. It is best to use box-style cultivation with a width of 2.5-3 m and unlimited length, and break up the soil clods and level the soil surface for easy management. Select small seedlings about 15 cm tall from the seedbed, take 2-3 plants as a cluster, and transplant at a plant-row spacing of 20 cm × 30 cm; plant about 8000-10000 plants per mu. Planting slightly deeper helps increase the root system, and it is best to transplant on a cloudy and rainy day or on a sunny afternoon; after planting, water to keep moist, and generally new roots will regrow in 3-5 days. Afterward, according to weather conditions, apply 1%-2% urea or compound fertilizer solution together with watering, which is beneficial for rapid growth. Prune according to tree shape and growth height to increase crown diameter. Generally in 6-8 months, it can grow into large seedlings about 30 cm tall, which can then be used for landscaping projects. The larger the plant shape and crown diameter, the higher the price.
Cultivation tips
Baby's breath likes cool conditions and grows best under conditions of sufficient sunlight and good air circulation. The suitable growing temperature is 15-25°C. Above 30°C or below 10°C, it easily forms rosette-like clustering, only growing stems and not flowering. The soil should be loose, rich in organic matter, with moderate moisture content, and a pH of around 7.
Cutting propagation
March to May
After treatment with rooting powder or 500 mg/kg naphthalene acetic acid, insert cuttings into a seedbed with a medium of 1:1 perlite and rice husk ash, keep warm and moist, and roots form after about 25-30 days. Because rooting from cuttings is relatively difficult, tissue-cultured plantlets are now mostly used.
Choose a plot with loose soil and good drainage, apply sufficient base fertilizer, using 10 kg nitrogen, 7 kg phosphorus and 14 kg potassium per 100 sq m; the amount of base fertilizer should account for 60%-70% of the total fertilizer amount. Planting out should be shallow, and soil should be gradually banked up later. The planting spacing should be about 50 cm.
Side branches. When the side branch leaves unfold, keep 3-4 side branches and remove the rest. The seedling stage requires more watering to keep the soil moist, and combined with watering, apply a thin fertilizer about once every 10 days, mainly nitrogen fertilizer. During the seedling stage, the soil should also be loosened and banked frequently to ensure the soil is loose and aerated and the root system develops well. At the same time, pay attention to timely weeding.
Moss stage management
June to August
Bolting stage. During this period, heavy fertilizer and water should be applied, and the proportion of nitrogen fertilizer should be reduced while increasing the amount of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; at the same time, apply more quick-acting fertilizers such as calcium nitrate and plant ash. 45 days before flowering (late bolting stage), nitrogen fertilizer should be stopped, and water should be controlled; use 0.2% potassium dihydrogen phosphate for foliar topdressing, once a week. Baby's breath requires strict rain protection during cultivation, and watering should also be on the dry side rather than wet; it especially fears waterlogging, and in the rainy season even more attention should be paid to keeping drainage inside and outside the greenhouse unobstructed.
During the flowering period, to prevent the branches from becoming weak, water should be strictly controlled, and fertilizer should also be controlled, with appropriate foliar topdressing. In the plum rain season, prevent the occurrence of Phytophthora disease; after summer rain, promptly spray 500 times chlorothalonil to control common diseases of baby's breath such as Phytophthora and gray mold. In hot and dry seasons, baby's breath is susceptible to red spider mite damage.
September to December
After September, artificial electric lighting should be used to supplement light to meet the long-day conditions for winter flower production, so as to induce flower bud differentiation and shift vegetative growth to reproductive growth. Methods of all-night lighting or late-night (22:00 to 2:00) lighting are often used, and the light intensity should be ensured at 50-100 lux. Winter flower production also requires maintaining a temperature above 15°C; low temperatures below 10°C easily produce rosette-like clustered leaves and cannot bolt normally.
Cut flowers and marketing
There is no fixed standard for cutting Gypsophila flowers. In the international market, weight is mostly used as the standard, generally requiring each stem to be no less than 10 grams; some cut at the base of the stem, using the entire reproductive stem as a unit. In the domestic market, each stem is generally required to have three branches. The suitable time for cutting fresh flowers is when 75% of the flowers have opened; if the transport distance is relatively long, it may be appropriately advanced.
Wild Gypsophila has small single-petaled flowers and reproduces through seeds. It is a typical long-day plant, and autumn sowing with spring flowering is a typical characteristic of long-day plants. The wild species of Gypsophila has small single petals and relatively low commercial value; it is mostly used as breeding material and rarely cultivated commercially.

Propagation Methods of Gypsophila Flowers
Gypsophila is mainly propagated by sowing.
Components: contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins
Suitable germination temperature: 15-20°C. Sowing period: autumn to early spring. Suitable growing temperature: 10-25°C. Flowering period: May to July. Seedling raising: choose loose soil to make a bed, sow in September, cover lightly with fine soil, germinate in about 10 days, and move to a cold frame before winter to overwinter. Cultivation: in the following spring, transplant with soil to open ground; after the seedlings become established, pinch once to encourage more branching. When the plant height reaches more than 25 cm, reduce the amount of watering accordingly; slight drought can promote flowering. It blooms in mid-to-late May. This species can also be directly sown in open ground before freezing in November or sown in early spring. Mainly propagated by cuttings. In spring, carry out hardwood cuttings: cut mature branches from the previous year 10-15 cm long, insert them into a sand bed, and they generally root in about 30 days. During the plum rain season, softwood cuttings can be used: select young tip shoots of the current year for cuttings, and they root in 2-3 weeks after insertion. When repotting each spring, add fresh fertile soil; during the growing period, keep the potting soil moist and fertilize once every 2 weeks to promote abundant foliage and branching and lush flowering. In autumn, pay attention to pruning the whole plant to maintain a good plant shape.

Propagation method: tissue culture
Using shoot-tip culture, the propagation coefficient is high, the root growth condition is good, and the seedling quality is good. Using tissue-cultured plantlets to produce cut flowers, the flower stems are upright, the color is pure, and the cut flower quality is high.
Cuttings

The rooting rate is not very high. It is advisable to select cuttings with 4-5 pairs of leaves, treat them with rooting powder or other auxins, and insert them into a cutting bed with perlite as the substrate. It is not restricted by season, but the best periods are mid-to-late March to early July and late September to early November. When the temperature is above 15°C, roots generally develop in 20 days.
It can be sprayed with a 600-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder. Pests include aphids and red spider mites, which can be killed by spraying with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.

Disease and Pest Control of Gypsophila Flowers
Because this variety grows quickly, the cultivation time is greatly shortened. There are few diseases and pests during the growing season. If aphids are found damaging the leaves at the seedling stage, they can be killed with a general 800-fold dilution of dichlorvos. This variety is suitable for cultivation in all four seasons, generally mainly in spring, autumn, and winter. When transplanted with soil during rainy summer days, the seedlings generally will not die, and the survival rate is high.
Gypsophila is mainly harmed by leaf spot disease, which can be controlled by spraying with a 600-fold dilution of 65% zineb wettable powder. Stem rot and stunting disease are fatal diseases of Gypsophila; before planting, the soil should be disinfected with formaldehyde solution. Pests include aphids, mites, and red spider mites, which can be killed by spraying with a 1000-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate, or with a 1000-fold dilution of dicofol and a 1500-fold dilution of fenvalerate.

Variety Classification of Gypsophila Flowers Varieties
At present, the following 6 varieties perform relatively well: native to the Eurasian continent. Gypsophila elegans grows up to 50 cm (20 in) tall, is much branched, has narrow blue-green leaves, and is widely cultivated. Common varieties include 'Carminea' (deep rose-red flowers), 'Grandiflora Alba' (large white flowers), and 'Rosea' (light rose-colored flowers). Gypsophila paniculata grows up to 1 m (40 in) tall and resembles Gypsophila elegans in appearance, but has thicker rhizomes, and the flowers are white to light pink. A common variety is 'Compacta'. In recent years, coastal open cities in China have successively introduced Gypsophila, especially Shanghai, which has introduced more and better ones. Yunnan and Guangdong also have many flower farms gradually going into production. There are many horticultural varieties. At present, there are mainly 5 varieties in the world cut flower market and in cultivation introduced in China.
Fairy
It is the most widely used in cut flower production, accounting for about 80%, and is a small-flowered type. The flowers are white, and it has strong adaptability, can withstand high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures, is relatively easy to cultivate, and is also easy to produce year-round. It can also be cultivated in summer, can bloom year-round, and the flower color is pure white.
Perfect
The flowers are large, the internodes are short, the stems are thick and upright, the flowers are relatively large, and crystal white; suitable for making corsages and dried flowers. During high temperatures, it is prone to rosette-like clustering, and flowering stops at low temperatures. Cultivation is difficult, but the price is high.
Flamingo
It is a large-flowered variety selected from Fairy, with short internodes, and flowering is delayed at low temperatures. Year-round production is relatively difficult. The plant is relatively short, grows vigorously and easily, blooms in autumn, and the flower color is pure white.
Hamingo
The flowers are light pink, the flowers are small, the stems are slender, and it blooms in spring.
RedSea
The flowers are deep peach-red, large, and the stems are thick. In high-cold regions, it is planted in spring and sold in autumn. The flower color is very bright and not easy to fade. In warm regions, it can bloom from autumn to spring. It is a newly selected variety.
Better Varieties
(1) "Fairy". It can also be cultivated in summer, can bloom year-round, and the flower color is pure white.
(2) "Perfect". It is not tolerant of low-temperature weather, the flowers are relatively large, crystal white, and suitable for making corsages and dried flowers.
(3) "Diamond". The plant is relatively short, grows vigorously and easily, blooms in autumn, and the flower color is pure white.
(4) "Flamingo", with slender stems and branches, blooms in spring, and the flower color is light red.
(5) "RedSea". The stems are thick, it can bloom from spring to autumn, and the flower color is peach-red. Among the above varieties in the international market, "Fairy" has the largest sales volume, accounting for about 70%-80% of the total sales of Gypsophila.

Distribution Regions and Producing Areas of Gypsophila Flowers
Produced in the **Altai Mountains and Tashkurgan. It grows in river beaches, grasslands, fixed sand dunes, rocky slopes, and farmland at altitudes of 1100-1500 m. It is also found in Kazakhstan, Russia (Siberia), Mongolia (western), Europe (western, central, and eastern), and North America. The type specimen was collected from Siberia, Russia. Gypsophila has a gregarious characteristic. Wild Gypsophila can often be seen in groups beside fields, gardens, or ditches. Especially when midsummer arrives, they send out long stems one after another, adorned like small white petals. Gypsophila is not a native plant, but comes from South America, and only came to China after World War II. Gypsophila paniculata is also called Gypsophila, baby's breath, and tall baby's breath. It is an annual or biennial herb in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Asia Minor to the Caucasus region, and prefers a cool climate.

Medicinal Dietary or Medicinal Value of Gypsophila Flowers
The medical information and health dietary information on Huhuawang are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel, and for the treatment of any disease, please follow medical advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting task: to love yourself, start from reality and strictly follow medical advice. For illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope, face it bravely, use love to warm the silent world, and use your heart to care for the flower field within.
The medical content on Huhuawang is for reference only and cannot be regarded as professional advice. For any health problem, consult professional medical personnel. Medicinal value
Hydrocotyle
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Xingzi Cao
[Name] Latin scientific name: Herba Hydrocotylis
[English name] Lawn Pennywort Herb
[Chinese scientific name] Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis.
[Chinese aliases] Po Tong Qian, Luo De Da, Xingzi Cao.
[Collection and processing] Harvest in summer and autumn when flowers and leaves are lush, wash clean, dry in the shade, or use fresh.
[Chemical components] Contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins, etc.
[Nature and flavor] Neutral in nature, bitter in taste.
[Usage and dosage] 15-25 grams; for external use, an appropriate amount, crush fresh product and apply to the affected area.
[Notes] (1) This product has the effect of dispelling wind and clearing heat. For wind-fire red eyes, it can be used together with mulberry leaves, Androsace umbellata, and other medicines; for sore throat, it can be used together with Achyranthes bidentata, Ajuga decumbens, and the like; to treat snake-like sores, fresh whole plant can be crushed, soaked in alcohol for half a day, and then a cotton ball can be dipped to apply to the affected area.
[Excerpt] "National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicines"
Medicinal Uses
Medicinal plant -- Hydrocotyle
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis
[Name]
Latin scientific name: Herba Hydrocotylis
English name: Lawn Pennywort Herb
Chinese scientific name: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis
Chinese aliases: Gypsophila, Po Tong Qian, Luo De Da
[Plant morphology] Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is a perennial dwarf herb with an odor. The stems are slender and creeping, spreading flat on the ground to form patches. Leaves alternate, round or kidney-shaped; the simple umbel is opposite the leaves and grows on the nodes; the umbel stalk is 0.5-3 cm long; involucral bracts 4-10, oblanceolate, about 2 mm long; each umbel has 10-15 flowers, flowers sessile or with short stalks; no calyx teeth, petals ovate, greenish-white. The schizocarp is slightly heart-shaped, flattened on the sides, smooth or spotted, with the central ridge slightly sharp. Flowering period is May.
It grows in moist roadsides, grasslands, hillsides, wall bases, riverbanks, and streamsides. Distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hubei, Shaanxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan.
[Collection and processing] Harvest in summer and autumn when flowers and leaves are lush, wash clean, dry in the shade, or use fresh.
[Chemical components] Contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins.
[Nature and flavor] Neutral in nature, pungent in taste.
[Functions and indications] Clear heat and promote diuresis, resolve phlegm and relieve cough. Used for acute icteric hepatitis, acute nephritis, whooping cough, urinary tract stones, athlete's foot, herpes zoster, conjunctivitis, and erysipelas.

Garden Uses of Gypsophila Flowers
Gypsophila is densely branched and full of three-dimensionality. It is used as a filler flower in floral art and has good application prospects. In addition to being used as pot surface decoration, Gypsophila can also be grown alone in pots as an ornamental plant to beautify balconies and rooms. It can also be used as a groundcover plant, planted on lawns or in open ground.

Comparison of the Uses and Functions of Gypsophila Flowers
According to aesthetic principles, red and green are strongly contrasting colors, especially red, which is an exciting tone, while white is a transitional color and belongs to the coordinating tones. Using Gypsophila as a companion material in flower arrangements can handle the relationships of lightness and heaviness, sparseness and density, strength and subtlety, hiding and revealing, bending and lifting, height, and distance in the arrangement, making the work more layered and deeper and fully displaying a sense of three-dimensionality, haziness, and fluffiness. For example, simply arranging a few rose branches can certainly express their beauty, but if a bunch of Gypsophila is added, it can create an even stronger enhancing effect, making the theme and the accompaniment appear very integrated and harmonious, with a completely blended spirit. This is just as the folk saying goes, "However good the peony is, it ultimately needs the support of green leaves." It can be seen that the fondness of people with artistic accomplishment for Gypsophila is not accidental. Pairing Gypsophila with roses into a bouquet to give to a lover expresses that a beautiful love story can be created, with the sky full of stars as witness!
According to the widely recognized flower language in the United States: pairing red roses with Gypsophila expresses "single-minded devotion"; pairing carnations with Gypsophila expresses "kindness and warmth"; pairing gladiolus with Gypsophila expresses "wishing you great prospects"; pairing forget-me-nots with Gypsophila expresses "friendship forever"... These conventions are not necessarily all suitable for Chinese customs; they are only for reference. Harvesting fresh flowers: the flowers can be harvested when 40%-60% of the small flowers on the flower branches have opened. Use pruning shears to harvest mature flower branches, with branch length 60-80 cm. After harvesting, place them in clean water to absorb water and keep fresh. After returning to the packing room, it is best to insert the base into a preservative solution for 8-12 hours. In order to obtain high-quality fresh flowers, they can also be treated with light and flower-forcing solution for 12-24 hours.
Uses
In early summer, Gypsophila produces continuous small white flowers. The flowers are lush, delicate, and evenly distributed. Like a sky full of stars, hazy and charming, and also like snow covering a whole tree, clear and lovely. It is suitable for planting in flower beds, roadsides, and flower hedges, and is also very suitable for potted ornamental display and bonsai making. Gypsophila is also an indispensable filler material in flower arrangements. Inserting a few stems of Gypsophila into a bouquet immediately adds a bit of charming beauty. Gypsophila is a flower loved by people of refined taste, and it has always implied the meaning of "purity, aspiration, romance, and love." Hundreds of exquisite, delicate, pure white small flowers, when a breeze passes, send forth a light fragrance, appearing even more warm.
Selection Method
Material characteristics: The snow-white fluffy Gypsophila flowers are extremely small and light, and are often used as a supporting role in floral art, paired with roses, lisianthus, and others as a typical bouquet of love. In fact, simply appreciating Gypsophila is also highly distinctive. Tie it into a bunch and use it as the main flower in a vase, and one can immediately feel a relaxed and lively atmosphere. After natural air-drying, it can also be made into dried flowers. The whole plant can be dyed and pressed, allowing for more variations in use.
Key points for purchasing: choose plants with snow-white flower color, buds that are not dry or yellow-brown, and flower stems that are emerald green and firm.

Overview of Other Information on Gypsophila Flowers
Gypsophila, originally named double-petaled Gypsophila, is a small white double-petaled flower. It is often used in bouquet decoration. It is also sometimes planted in schools.
Describes the dizzy feeling of seeing stars. Yuan dynasty, Zhu Kai, "Haotian Tower," Act IV: "First I'll throw you into a sky full of stars; do not blame me, a monk, for lacking this compassionate nature." "Chuke Pai'an Jingqi," Volume 13: "Duke Yan rushed over and grabbed him tightly and would not let go. He turned around and gave Duke Yan only one punch on the face, making him see a sky full of stars, and he fell unconscious." Let this book be more readable!
A type of fireworks. "Dream of the Red Chamber," Chapter 54: "While they were talking, outside they set off one color after another again and again. There were also many small scattered firecrackers such as 'Nine Dragons Enter the Clouds,' 'A Thunderclap on Flat Ground,' and 'Flying to the Sky Ten Echoes.'"
Describes something dense or spread everywhere irregularly. Liu Qing, "History of Entrepreneurship," Part One, Chapter 20: "Like that 'sky full of stars' seedling field, there is simply no place to set foot."
Chemical Components
Contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins, etc. Flavonoid compounds include: diosmetin, luteolin, quercetin, luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucoside, acacetin 5-hydroxy-3',4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone, acacetin, hesperidin, acaciin, and acacetin 7-O-beta-D-galactoside.
Scientific Name
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis.
Gypsophila oldhamianaMiq
Classification
Caryophyllales, Caryophyllaceae, Gypsophila
Gypsophila, whose scientific name is double-petaled Gypsophila, belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family as a perennial herbaceous plant. It is native to the Mediterranean coast. In early summer, Gypsophila blooms with continuous small white flower clusters. The flowers are lush, delicate, and evenly distributed, like a sky full of stars, hazy and charming, clear and lovely, and also like morning mist or evening haze, so it is also called "Xiaca."
Gypsophila, Po Tong Qian, Luo De Da, Gypsophila, perennial herb.
In early summer, Gypsophila blooms with small white flowers in continuous clusters. The flowers are lush, delicate, and evenly distributed, like a sky full of stars, hazy and charming, clear and lovely, and also like morning mist or evening haze, so it is also called "Xiaca." Gypsophila is petite and exquisite, with a simple snow-white color, and its unique texture is light, comfortable, and delicate.
Also known as
Dianthus deltoides, Gypsophila muralis, Gypsophila paniculata, G. paniculata L.
Baby's breath
Family and Genus
Caryophyllaceae, Gypsophila.
Distribution and habits: native to the Mediterranean coast. It likes warm and humid climatic conditions, likes light, and fears waterlogging. Propagation and cultivation method: mainly by sowing. Chemical components: contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins. [5] Functions and indications: clear heat and promote diuresis, resolve phlegm and relieve cough. Used for acute icteric hepatitis, acute nephritis, whooping cough, urinary tract stones, athlete's foot, herpes zoster, conjunctivitis, and erysipelas.
?Stem: stems creep on the ground, root at the nodes, smooth and hairless.
?Leaves: leaves round-heart-shaped, shallowly lobed, alternate, with long petioles, bluntly serrate.
?Flowers: single umbel, axillary, with pedicels; flowers white-green or with pink.
?Fruit: fruit oblate, tea-brown; seeds flat, semicircular.
?Characteristics: perennial herb, stems creeping on the ground, rooting at the nodes, smooth and hairless. Leaves round-heart-shaped, shallowly lobed, alternate, with long petioles, bluntly serrate. Single umbel, axillary, with pedicels; flowers white-green or with pink; fruit oblate, tea-brown; seeds flat, semicircular. Its reproductive ability probably has few rivals, so it is also called "ground brocade."
Generally speaking, Gypsophila has particularly strong vitality, roots quickly, tolerates long-distance transport and transplanting, and has a survival rate of more than 95%. Propagation generally uses cuttings. In spring, cut about 10 cm of new branches from the plant, use 3-4 as a cluster, insert them into a sand bed, spray water to keep moist, and they root in about 15 days. After another 20-plus days of cultivation, they are transplanted into soil and grown into large seedlings for sale.
Morphological characteristics: perennial herbaceous plant, up to 90 cm tall, the whole plant hairless, slightly covered with white powder, vigorous, much branched, spreading in all directions, leaves opposite, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate.

Plant Attributes
1. Ornamental flowers
In China, there are mainly two herbaceous plants that bear many small flowers, namely the annual Gypsophila elegans and the perennial Gypsophila paniculata. [Habits] It likes a warm, humid, and sunny environment, is relatively shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, and grows best in well-drained, fertile, and loose loam. The cultivation soil is best if it is slightly alkaline calcareous loam; the roots are prone to rotting. It likes warmth and avoids high temperature and excessive humidity. The suitable growth temperature is 11-25°C.
2. Medicinal plants Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Xingzi Cao [Name] Latin scientific name: Herba Hydrocotylis English name: Lawn Pennywort Herb Chinese scientific name: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis Chinese aliases: Gypsophila, Po Tong Qian, Luo De Da, Xingzi Cao!
[Collection and processing] Harvest in summer and autumn when flowers and leaves are lush, wash clean, dry in the shade, or use fresh. [Chemical components] Contains flavonoid glycosides, phenols, amino acids, volatile oils, coumarins. [Nature and flavor] Neutral in nature, pungent in taste.
Plant Information
Gypsophila oldhamiana Miq. Alias: Xiaca. Distributed in Gansu, Shanxi, Henan, and other provinces, mostly self-produced and self-sold. Root cylindrical or conical, 10-15 cm long, 2-5 cm in diameter. Marketed products mostly have the brown outer bark removed, but residual material remains in the sunken longitudinal wrinkles, forming brown-white alternating textures. Texture hard, not easy to break; cross-section shows anomalous vascular bundles in 2-3 rings; has a strong bitter and astringent taste. It is often used as a substitute for Stellaria dichotoma in medicine.
Gypsophila paniculata, Chinese scientific name: Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides var. batrachium, Hydrocotyle nepalensis, Chinese aliases: Gypsophila, Po Tong Qian, Luo De Da, Gypsophila, perennial Xiaca. Family and genus: Caryophyllaceae, Gypsophila.
Morphological characteristics: perennial herbaceous plant, up to 90 cm tall, the whole plant hairless, slightly covered with white powder, vigorous, much branched, spreading in all directions, leaves opposite, lanceolate to linear.
Background
Gypsophila, a plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, Gypsophila genus. Wild Gypsophila flowers are single-petaled and reproduce through seeds. It is a typical long-day plant. Autumn sowing with spring flowering is a typical characteristic of long-day Gypsophila plants. The progeny are uniform and stable, completely retaining the excellent traits of the parent generation. Through the efforts of breeders at home and abroad, several varieties that are insensitive or slightly sensitive to day length have been improved, laying a good foundation for year-round cultivation and supply of Gypsophila cut flowers. Today, the mainstream varieties of cut-flower Gypsophila in Kunming -- early-maturing large-flowered (insensitive to day length) and Snow White (slightly sensitive to day length) -- are two bud sport lines selected from the old variety Perfect by Mr. Liu Jiaxun of Yunnan Keyi Flower Company, and they have been mass-propagated by tissue culture for production.
Situation Overview
English name -- Gypsophila. Gypsophila is also called Po Tong Qian.
In China, there are mainly two herbaceous plants that bear many small flowers, namely the annual Gypsophila elegans (G. elegans, namely Gypsophila) and the perennial Gypsophila paniculata (G. paniculata, namely Gypsophila paniculata).
Native to the Eurasian continent. Gypsophila elegans grows up to 50 cm (20 in); much branched; leaves narrow, blue-green; widely cultivated, but with thick rhizomes, flowers white to light pink; a common variety is 'Compacta'.

Cultural Background and Flower Language of Gypsophila Flowers
Because Gypsophila looks ordinary and does not attract attention, it has long been in a state of blooming and falling unnoticed. Only the girls of Tunisia, which is rich in olive trees, had a special fondness for it. By the early 19th century, many upper-class people in Europe started a craze for flower arranging and floral art, which made more and more flower lovers fall in love with this "lady in the inner chamber." Today, Gypsophila has jumped to become one of the world's top ten fresh flowers, standing on equal footing with roses, tulips, carnations, and others.
Flower color: white
Flowering period: early summer
Paired Flower Language
Pairing red roses with Gypsophila expresses "single-minded devotion";
Pair carnations with baby's breath to express "kindness and warmth";
Pair gladiolus with baby's breath to express "wishing you great prospects";
Pair forget-me-nots with baby's breath to express "friendship forever."
Baby's breath flower meaning: pure, caring, longing, supporting role, true love, pure heart, truly like, caring, pure.
The flower meaning of baby's breath is longing, purity, dreams, truly liking. It is a favorite of elegant people, carrying the meaning of "purity, far-reaching aspiration, romance." A cluster of exquisite, delicate, pure white little flowers, loosely gathered together, like countless stars in the boundless night sky, hazy as mist, full of a graceful and elegant beauty, and as tender and moving as a lover's breath. When a breeze passes, a light fragrance drifts in all directions, making it seem even more warm and romantic.
Symbolic meaning
Baby's breath is a flower loved by elegant people, always carrying the meaning of "purity, far-reaching aspiration, romance." Its simple and elegant beauty is also as sweet and moving as a lover's breath. When a breeze blows past, a light fragrance drifts in all directions, making it seem even more warm.
[Representative zodiac sign] Capricorn
[Lucky zodiac sign] Virgo
[Selection] It is best to choose flowers that are pure white and full, with few blind branches, and stems that are fresh green and elastic.
[Cut flower lifespan] 7-12 days
[Flower meaning] Caring, purity, joy, truly liking.
Gift recipients
1. As a companion material for roses given to a lover, it can create a beautiful love story;
2. Paired with gladiolus and given to classmates about to graduate, it means "great prospects."
Type: Caryophyllaceae
Origin: Europe, Asia, northern Africa
Flower color: white
Flowering period: early summer
Its scientific name is double-flowered Gypsophila. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family as a perennial herbaceous plant. It originated along the Mediterranean coast. With powdery green leaves, baby's breath blooms in early summer with continuous white flower clusters. The flowers are abundant and delicate, evenly distributed, like stars all over the sky, hazy and enchanting, clear and lovely, like morning mist or evening haze, hence it is also called "xia cao" (haze grass). The white and charming baby's breath is like twinkling stars all over the sky. Between the twinkling, it seems to reveal a light, alluring smile. Baby's breath is an annual herbaceous plant with many-branched stems, lanceolate leaves, and flowers blooming at the tip of each fine branch, numerous like scattered stars, with a very soft and beautiful flower shape. In Western flower arranging, baby's breath is often regarded as an "all-purpose match" because it can be paired freely with various different types of flowers, without stealing their brilliance, while also showing its own elegance and loveliness at the right time and not losing its own style. This trait is certainly not something other flowers can surpass!
Baby's breath is petite and exquisite, with a simple, snow-white color. Its unique texture is light, refreshing, and delicate, like a baby's breath, carrying a trace of joy within its tranquility, so in the West, baby's breath has a very lovely name and is called "Baby's breath"!!
The flower meaning of baby's breath is longing, purity, dreams, truly liking. It is a favorite of elegant people, carrying the meaning of purity, far-reaching aspiration, and romance. A cluster of exquisite, delicate, pure white little flowers, when a breeze passes, a light fragrance drifts in all directions, making it seem even more warm and romantic.
I give you an elegant bouquet paired with baby's breath, and beneath the starry sky, I softly tell of my endless love for you. Let the starlight bear witness to our love, may we stay together in this life, loving each other for a long, long time, until forever...
Because baby's breath has an ordinary appearance and does not attract attention, it long remained in a state of blooming and fading unnoticed. Only the girls of Tunisia, a country rich in olives, had a special fondness for it. By the early 19th century, many upper-class people in Europe started a craze for flower arranging, which made more and more flower lovers fall in love with this "lady in the inner chamber." To this day, baby's breath has risen to become one of the world's top ten cut flowers, standing on equal footing with roses, tulips, carnations, and other famous flowers.
When creating floral art, baby's breath is generally used as a companion material for the main flower and is often called the "bridesmaid flower." With its support, the main flower becomes even more brilliant. Just like a supporting role in a movie, only with the support of the supporting role does the protagonist become more vivid and full. The protagonist and supporting role depend on each other and bring out the best in each other, so that the theme can be expressed most fully and vividly. Using baby's breath as a foil can handle relationships in flower arrangements such as weight, density, depth of color, concealment and exposure, rise and fall, height, and distance, making the work more profound and the theme more prominent.
Watching over love, longing, purity, dreams, truly liking, supporting role, yet indispensable, the love willing to be a supporting role. Pure, far-reaching aspiration, romantic, warm.
[Symbolic blood type] Type A baby's breath bonsai
[Representative zodiac sign] Capricorn
[Lucky zodiac sign] Virgo
[Selection] It is best to choose flowers that are pure white and full, with few blind branches, and stems that are fresh green and elastic.
[Cut flower lifespan] 8-12 days
[Gift recipients]
As a companion material for roses given to a lover, it can create a beautiful love story.
Paired with gladiolus and given to classmates about to graduate, it means "great prospects."

The flower meaning of baby's breath, the legend of the flower meaning, legend one
In Greece, there were two very close sisters.
They lived happily together every day, with no secrets between them.
One day, a young man came to this small mountain village and fell by the roadside, seriously injured.
The younger of the two sisters saved the young man.
In his coma, the young man remembered a pair of gentle eyes watching over him, hoping he could survive.
The younger sister asked the older sister to take care of the young man, while she went to call a doctor.
During this time, the young man woke up and mistakenly thought that her older sister had saved him.
That night, the older sister said to the younger sister: "I have fallen in love with that young man."
The younger sister watched the two of them become a couple and live happily together every day.
Seeing her older sister's happiness, the younger sister hid her love for the young man again and again.
Until one day, Ares tracked down the young man and came to this small mountain village.
He threatened the lives of the whole village to force the young man to appear.
Her older sister became afraid and begged the young man to leave the mountain village.
Just as the young man agreed to her older sister, the younger sister drugged him unconscious and then disguised herself as the young man.
She was killed by Ares.
Blood dyed the entire mountain village red, and the girl's soul remained suspended in the night sky.
With her last strength, she erased the young man's memory and begged her older sister to give the young man happiness.
When the flower goddess learned of this, she merged her drifting soul into the grassland where the young man had collapsed after being drugged.
And so, that grassland became covered with mottled white petals, which were baby's breath.
The flower meaning of baby's breath is: purity, caring, love, supporting role, true love, pure heart.
Most of today's famous flowers that people chase after play the "leading role" in displays. But baby's breath, renowned worldwide for many years, is a rare and precious "supporting role." In the 1980s, when flower arranging reached the pinnacle of art, baby's breath rose to become one of the world's top ten cut flowers, standing on equal footing with famous flowers such as roses, tulips, and carnations, so many flower lovers abroad regarded it as a fair move. Baby's breath has straight and upright flowers, spreading branches, lanceolate leaves, sessile and opposite, with bright powdery green leaves and dense flower buds. When the flowers bloom, each branch produces countless white flowers as small as beans, each with 5 petals, forming clusters of cymes and giving off a slight fragrance, like scattered stars hanging all over the sky. If you look into the distance, it is also like morning mist or evening haze, swirling in the air, all hazy, hence it is also called "haze grass." According to these characteristics, baby's breath looks like a nun in white clothes, plain and unadorned. This ordinary and unremarkable appearance makes it hard for people to say at first where its beauty lies. It is said that in Tunisia, rich in olives, girls always have deep attachment to it and often pick it from the wild to bring home and arrange. When someone asked them why they liked this little flower, they answered: "I love its purity and simplicity, without any pretense." After the 19th century, this flower gradually spread to countries around the world, and more and more people appreciated it. Especially in 1935, American horticultural experts bred a new variety called "double-flowered Gypsophila" from the original single-petaled variety. Its appearance is very much like round white pearls, like stars twinkling in the sky. In addition, the craze for artistic flower arranging flourished again in both the East and the West, and only then did people truly recognize the extraordinary elegance revealed by baby's breath.
Legend two
To be precise, baby's breath is not a kind of flower, but a kind of grass, a grass that can bloom with small white flowers in spring. Legend says baby's breath was a young shepherd. Every day he drove his flock to graze on the grassland, living a carefree life. One day, a father and daughter moved onto the grassland and made a living by herding horses. Before long, the young man and the young woman were together herding sheep and horses by the only small river on the grassland. The water and grass by the river were abundant, and both the flocks and herds liked to stay there. The young man and the young woman also liked to stay there, soaking their feet in the water and looking at the white clouds and blue sky above. But one day, a local tyrant came to the grassland, took a fancy to the young woman, and planned to seize her and take her back as a concubine. The betrothal gifts were forcibly piled up at the young woman's home. The next day she was to be taken away. The young woman vowed never to submit, and the young man prepared to set out with her overnight to escape from this place. At night, they ran toward the small river, where a small boat was moored that could carry them across. But the local tyrant heard the news and came after them with his servants. The young man and the young woman finally reached the small river. The young man let the young woman get on the boat first, and just as he was about to board, he was struck in the heart by an arrow from the wicked servant. The young man fell in a pool of blood. The young woman wanted to get off the boat to save him, but the pursuers had already caught up. The young man urged the boatman to set off. The boatman sighed and pushed off with his pole. Seeing the boat leave safely, the young man smiled and closed his eyes. His soul slowly drifted into the sky and unexpectedly turned into stars all over the sky, illuminating that boat sailing at night. The next day, the young man's corpse strangely disappeared. Only the river water suddenly grew many fine little grasses, covered with many white flowers. From then on, people called this plant baby's breath.

Baby's breath flower pictures