Cultivation and Management Methods for Potted Flowers at Different Growth Stages

Flowers of the same species have different water requirements. For example, succulent flowers such as cacti and cactus balls are relatively drought-tolerant and do not need much watering; while flowers such as umbrella grass and crab claw orchid (Schlumbergera) prefer a moist environment and need more watering. The same flower has different water requirements at different growth stages. During the vigorous growth period, the water demand is relatively large, so water appropriately more to promote growth; during the flower bud differentiation period, water appropriately less to promote flower bud differentiation. Selection of water quality for watering flowers. Natural water is divided into hard water and soft water. Hard water has a high content of mineral salts, and long-term irrigation will have an adverse effect on flower growth. Soft water has a low content of mineral salts and is ideal irrigation water for flowers. Rainwater, river water and lake water have low hardness and can be used directly for irrigation, but spring water, well water and other groundwater have very high hardness and cannot be used directly to irrigate flowers. Tap water, because it contains chlorine and other disinfecting substances, is also not suitable for direct use. It is best to store it in open containers such as vats or pools for 3 to 5 days, and use it after the harmful substances in the water have volatilized and settled. Watering the settling-in water properly. The first watering after planting is called the settling-in water. The settling-in water must be given abundantly and thoroughly. Because the newly planted soil has not completely settled, there are many gaps in the soil, and only after the water is watered thoroughly can the soil and roots fully combine. Generally, after planting, water continuously twice. After the first watering has drained and water is seen flowing out from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, water again. Only in this way can it be ensured that the soil absorbs fully and closely contacts the roots. When watering, most flowers use the spray watering method. It can both increase air humidity and wash dust off the leaf surface. However, for flowers with fuzzy leaves or those currently blooming, water should not be sprayed. Instead, the flower pot should be set in a basin of water, using the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot to seep water and keep the potting soil moist. In summer, potted flowers have vigorous respiration and require good air permeability in the potting soil. Therefore, when the potting soil is not dry, generally do not water, so as to avoid excessive water affecting air permeability, but once it is dry, water immediately and water thoroughly. In summer, the potting soil often cracks due to excessive dryness, so watering cannot be done all at once; otherwise, the water will leak straight down through the cracks to the bottom of the pot, while most of the potting soil remains very dry. After the first watering, wait a moment, and after the soil cracks close, water again. If you forget to water for many days and the plant becomes dry and wilted, do not rush to pour a large amount of water. First move the potted flower to a cool, ventilated place, spray the leaves with a watering can 2 to 3 times, and after the leaves recover, water a small amount, and after the root system regains its water-absorbing function, water thoroughly. Flowers of the same species have different water requirements. For example, succulent flowers such as cacti and cactus balls are relatively drought-tolerant and do not need much watering; while flowers such as umbrella grass and crab claw orchid (Schlumbergera) prefer a moist environment and need more watering. The same flower has different water requirements at different growth stages. During the vigorous growth period, the water demand is relatively large, so water appropriately more to promote growth; during the flower bud differentiation period, water appropriately less to promote flower bud differentiation. Selection of water quality for watering flowers. Natural water is divided into hard water and soft water. Hard water has a high content of mineral salts, and long-term irrigation will have an adverse effect on flower growth. Soft water has a low content of mineral salts and is ideal irrigation water for flowers. Rainwater, river water and lake water have low hardness and can be used directly for irrigation, but spring water, well water and other groundwater have very high hardness and cannot be used directly to irrigate flowers. Tap water, because it contains chlorine and other disinfecting substances, is also not suitable for direct use. It is best to store it in open containers such as vats or pools for 3 to 5 days, and use it after the harmful substances in the water have volatilized and settled.

Watering the settling-in water properly. The first watering after planting is called the settling-in water. The settling-in water must be given abundantly and thoroughly. Because the newly planted soil has not completely settled, there are many gaps in the soil, and only after the water is watered thoroughly can the soil and roots fully combine. Generally, after planting, water continuously twice. After the first watering has drained and water is seen flowing out from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, water again. Only in this way can it be ensured that the soil absorbs fully and closely contacts the roots. When watering, most flowers use the spray watering method. It can both increase air humidity and wash dust off the leaf surface. However, for flowers with fuzzy leaves or those currently blooming, water should not be sprayed. Instead, the flower pot should be set in a basin of water, using the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot to seep water and keep the potting soil moist.