How to care for and manage potted flowers during a business trip?

The problem often encountered on business trips is keeping plants moist. Some people block the drainage hole at the bottom of the flowerpot before a trip, then water thoroughly, thinking that in this way the plant will not lack water in the short term. In fact, this practice instead inhibits the roots' respiration and suffocates the plant.

You can take the following measures:

1. After watering thoroughly, place the flowerpot in a shady, windless spot to reduce water evaporation. If conditions permit, spread a layer of wet moss or cover with a layer of plastic film on the surface of the potting soil, so that moisture can be retained for a relatively longer time.

2. If the trip is relatively long, place the potted flowers in a large porcelain tray, fill the tray with fine sand, and according to the time of return, water the fine sand appropriately.

3. Place a basin of water beside the flowerpot, use a thick cloth strip, soak one end in the water basin and press the other end under the drainage hole at the bottom of the flowerpot. Due to the capillary action of the thick cloth, the water in the basin can slowly rise and soak the bottom of the pot, moistening the potting soil. Adjusting the width of the thick cloth strip can lengthen the moisture-retention time.

4. Acid and alkali treatment method: apply any one of acetic acid, dilute hydrochloric acid, boric acid, salt, etc. to the cut end.

5. Nutrient-enrichment method: sugar, vitamins, growth hormones, medical painkillers, etc. can be added to the water in the flower-arranging container; all can extend the fresh-keeping time of the flowers and also prolong the flowering period, but the amount must be appropriate.