How to grow nasturtium? Full analysis of cultivation methods and precautions
Nasturtium belongs to the Tropaeolaceae family. Its flowers are bright and delicate, and its flowering period is very long. With proper care, it can bloom all year round, making it the preferred flower for many gardening friends' home potted plants. However, many gardening friends are relatively unfamiliar with how to cultivate potted nasturtium. So how can you grow nasturtium well? Actually, nasturtium cultivation is nothing more than the light and temperature environment and water and fertilizer management. Below, the editor will explain it to you.
1. Light
Nasturtium likes a warm environment, so during care it naturally needs to be provided with sufficient light. In spring and autumn, it needs to be placed in a sunny place for cultivation, but in summer when the sun is blazing and the temperature is too high, we need to take shading measures for it; in winter when the temperature is lower, it is usually placed indoors for care, and it should be allowed to enjoy light as much as possible. At the same time, the pot should be turned frequently so that the light is more even and sufficient.
2. Temperature
The most suitable temperature environment for nasturtium growth is between 22°C-24°C. In winter, the temperature cannot be lower than 10°C, and insulation measures should be taken well so that it can overwinter safely. During overwintering, the ideal temperature should be kept between 12-16°C. In order to keep the plant growing and developing, in addition to insulation in winter, water and fertilizer should also be controlled.
3. Watering
Everyone knows that watering is routine work in care and management. In addition to being determined by the weather, the frequency and amount of watering should also be based on the plant's current growth condition. Summer is the plant's growing season, so naturally more watering is needed, once a day, and it is also recommended to spray the leaves once in the evening to maintain humidity; in spring and autumn, water usually every other day, and water less in winter. During the bud stage, the watering frequency should be reduced, and the potting soil should be allowed to dry and wet alternately; after flowering, reduce watering, otherwise it is easy to cause leggy branches and affect the quality of the next flowering.
4. Fertilizing
Under normal growth conditions, nasturtium can be given a small amount of dilute nitrogen fertilizer. During the growing season, usually apply dilute decomposed cake fertilizer water once a month. During the flowering period, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and switch to superphosphate, applying it once every two weeks. After the flowers fade, apply decomposed cake fertilizer water once more. When summer temperatures are high, stop fertilizing. To improve its own cold resistance, apply a compound fertilizer once before overwintering. After each fertilization, it is recommended to loosen the soil to increase soil aeration and promote root growth.
Precautions:
1. To overwinter safely, after Frost's Descent the plant should be placed indoors in a place that can receive sunlight for care and management.
2. Take good insulation measures in winter. It is recommended to keep the temperature at 15°C-25°C, and it must never be lower than 10°C.
3. In winter, in order for the plant to receive even light, it is recommended to turn the flowerpot frequently.
4. Watering should be timely and appropriate, otherwise it is easy to cause yellow leaves, and excessive watering can also easily lead to root rot.