How to grasp the best time for flower irrigation, and the fertilization techniques for edible fungi

Flowers not only have ornamental value, but also benefit physical and mental health. Many people think that most flowers come from greenhouses and are very delicate, so they do not know how to irrigate flowers, and are even more troubled about when to irrigate. The editor of Irrigation Network offers special tips on how to grasp the best time for flower irrigation.

First, understand the water requirements of flowers. We classify flowers according to water requirements into xerophytic flowers, hygrophytic flowers, and mesophytic flowers.

Xerophytic flowers, such as the succulent plants of the Cactaceae and Crassulaceae families, need little water. During the vigorous growth period, watering should be done only when the potting soil is completely dry after the first watering before watering a second time. It is better to keep them dry than wet, and in winter they require complete dryness. Hygrophytic flowers, such as leaf-ornamental begonias, Fittonia, ferns, Bromeliaceae plants, Araceae plants, etc., generally need more water. They should be watered when the surface soil is slightly dry. It is better to keep them wet than dry, and the potting soil should be kept moist all year round. Mesophytic flowers, to which most potted flowers belong, have water requirements between the above two types. They should be watered fairly frequently, starting when the surface soil is slightly dry, alternating between dry and wet. When the winter temperature is below 10°C, the frequency of watering should be reduced.

In addition, classified from the perspective of growth habits, annual and biennial flowers have relatively shallow root systems and high water requirements, so the watering interval should be short and watering should be frequent. Perennial and bulbous flowers, especially bulbous flowers, may suffer rot of underground organs if watered too much, so the watering interval should be somewhat longer. Woody flowers have root systems that reach deeper soil layers and have a strong ability to absorb deep groundwater, so the watering interval is relatively long.

Second, understand the water requirements of flowers in response to seasonal changes and changes in the growth cycle.

Flower watering is closely related to season and growth and development. Usually, in the early growth stage in spring, the amount of growth is relatively small and water consumption is low, so watering once every one or two days is sufficient. After summer begins, growth enters the vigorous period, the temperature also starts to rise, sunshine is prolonged, transpiration is vigorous, and water consumption is relatively high, requiring more irrigation. It is advisable to water once each in the morning and shortly after noon. In winter, when the temperature is relatively lower, flowers whose plants grow slowly or enter the dormant stage should be watered less or not at all. If watering is needed, generally water once every three or four days or at longer intervals depending on the situation.

Flower watering should also follow the principle of "dry and wet alternating," that is, water thoroughly when watering. Potted flowers are often watered when the surface soil turns white, and watering continues until water seeps out from the bottom of the pot. In addition, there are many varieties and types of flowers, and different varieties have very different water requirements. Watering should also be done at the right time and in the right amount according to variety, life habits, and growth and development characteristics.

Finally, it should be emphasized that some flowers and plants are particularly sensitive to water. Careless watering can affect growth and flowering, and may even lead to death. For example, the leaves of Gloxinia, Calceolaria, and begonias often rot after being splashed with water; the leaf buds at the top of Cyclamen tubers and the flower buds of Gerbera also rot and wither after being splashed with water; after division of Orchidaceae flowers and peonies, excessive irrigation before new roots grow can also cause rot.

In short, by becoming familiar with the water requirements of flowers and grasping the irrigation time for flowers, irrigation becomes simple, and life naturally becomes colorful.