How to grow gladiolus? Controlling the amount of water is key

Gladiolus has slender dark green leaves, like a soft floating ribbon, with large, thin petals in vivid colors, and when a breeze passes it brings waves of fragrance. Gladiolus is delicate yet beautiful, and when growing it you must pay special attention to the amount of water.

How to grow gladiolus

1. Soil selection

Its requirements for soil are not very high; generally it grows well in deep, loose, fertile, slightly acidic sandy loam. It is best to ensure the soil has good drainage and does not easily become compacted, otherwise gladiolus can easily fail to absorb the nutrients necessary for growth because of this, affecting the flowering effect in the later flowering period.

2. Sufficient light

Gladiolus is a typical long-day plant and likes plenty of sunlight. Therefore, the growth of gladiolus needs to ensure sufficient light; it is best to give it more than 14 hours of light every day, as only then can the flower buds differentiate. Lack of light will cause individual florets to wither and lose vitality, the flowers will be sparse, and it can also easily lead to disease.

3. Temperature requirements

It is not cold-tolerant, so special attention is needed in winter; it should be placed indoors in a warm place for cultivation, and the temperature should be adjusted to a suitable level in time to avoid frost damage. The usual growth temperature should be controlled between 20~35°C, and the maximum temperature must not exceed 35°C, otherwise it will cause scorching to the leaves and flowers.

4. Control the amount of water

It is very strict about water requirements, and the amount of water must be well controlled when watering. If the amount of water is too large or the pot remains moist for a long time, it will cause root rot, but if the amount of water is too small it will also cause water shortage, making the leaf tips turn yellow and wilt, listless. In summer, when the weather is dry, pay attention to spraying water on it often, and if there is standing water, drain it promptly. And when it is flowering, watering should be stopped, as this can prolong the flowering period.

5. Pest and disease control

The main pest of gladiolus is the two-lined slug, which can be killed by spraying limewater from a bottle or by scattering lime powder around the potted plant to stop it from entering. If pest damage has already appeared, the rotten and damaged parts should be removed in time, and the potting soil should be cleaned up at the same time to prevent secondary infection.

When gladiolus blooms, the flowers open one after another, as if none wants to be outdone, racing to show their beauty, afraid that others will not notice them, so when it blooms it is usually very lively, with a thousand shapes and forms, extremely beautiful. Keeping it at home is also a beautiful scenery; if you are tempted, hurry up and grow it.