The Relationship Between Flowers of the Four Seasons and Meteorological Conditions, and Methods for the Prevention and Control of Edible Fungus Diseases and Pests

Spring flowers need different climatic conditions

Spring Flowers and Meteorological Conditions

In early spring the climate is dry and there are many windy and dusty days. Before flowers are brought outdoors, ventilation and light indoors should be increased, the indoor temperature lowered, and wind resistance strengthened; only in mid-April may they be moved outdoors. If late frost or dry, windy and dusty weather occurs, the flowers should also be moved back indoors. In spring it is warm at first and then turns cool; potted flowers have relatively poor root absorption capacity, and excessive watering easily causes root rot, so as the temperature gradually rises, the frequency and amount of watering should be gradually increased.

Summer Flowers and Meteorological Conditions

In summer, high temperatures and high humidity favor the growth of flowers that like high temperatures and high humidity. Chinese rose, jasmine, chrysanthemum, Aglaia odorata, dahlia, poinsettia, crape myrtle and the like can grow and develop normally only when placed in sunlight, with red flowers and green leaves; rhododendron, Michelia figo, camellia, Michelia alba and the like should be shaded from about 50% of sunlight, avoiding exposure and excessive sunlight, in order to grow well. In summer, temperatures are high, flowers grow vigorously, transpiration is strong, and water demand is great; whether potted or field-grown flowers, they must not be deprived of water, and on sunny days they should be watered twice a day. Never water the pots when, under the scorching sun, the flower leaves become scorched and shrunken because the roots cannot absorb enough water; at such times you can only spray water on the leaves or sprinkle water on the ground to increase air humidity and lower the temperature.

Autumn Flowers and Meteorological Conditions

In autumn the sunshine is long and the weather is cool. As the temperature drops, the water requirements of flowers decrease relatively. In autumn, water should be controlled: do not water if the soil is not dry, and keep it moist. Before strong cold air arrives, move the flowers indoors.

Winter Flowers and Meteorological Conditions

When growing flowers indoors in winter, the temperature should be kept above the minimum temperature required by the flowers. Although the temperature on clear winter days is relatively high, the flower pots should not be moved outdoors to bask in the sun, to prevent damage from a sudden temperature change. In winter, watering should be done so that the soil in the pot is moist; the water used should have been exposed to the sun, and the water temperature should be close to the soil temperature in the pot. If the indoor air is dry or the temperature is too high, it easily causes dry tips on the plants or the dropping of buds and flowers, so water should often be sprayed on the leaves and the ground to increase indoor air humidity.

Different flowers also have different light requirements. Satisfying the light conditions for flower growth is conducive to bud differentiation, vigorous growth, and large, brightly colored flowers. Otherwise, only vegetative growth occurs and the plant cannot bloom.

Water is the main source for flowers to transport nutrients and carry out photosynthesis. The vast majority of flowers require moist soil, neither too dry nor too wet. The principles for watering flowers: water when dry, do not water when not dry, water thoroughly when completely dry, and water when dry and withhold when wet; water herbaceous plants more and woody plants less; water moisture-loving flowers more and drought-loving flowers less; water those with large, soft leaves more and those with small, waxy leaves less; water more during the vigorous growth period and less during the dormant period.