How to care for and manage flowers after they enter dormancy

[Common questions]

[Expert answers]

Flower dormancy is a continuation of the plant's life activities and a special form of adaptation to unfavorable environments. After flowers enter dormancy, all physiological activities slow down or even temporarily stop. There are two types of flower dormancy: one is a temporary halt in growth caused by adverse external factors (such as low temperature, short-day conditions, drought, etc.), known as imposed dormancy. The other is a stagnation or halt in growth shown at a certain period caused by the plant's own physiological characteristics, known as natural dormancy.

How to care for dormant flowers: When flowers are in a dormant state, there is no need to worry; it is merely a necessary part of their growth process. But do not think that the plants no longer need nutrients at this time; you should still apply fertilizer when fertilizer is needed and water when watering is needed.

1. Reduce light: Strengthen ventilation. After summer arrives, dormant flowers should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated spot, avoiding direct sunlight. If conditions permit, a shade canopy can be set up, and water should also be sprayed frequently around the potted plants to lower the temperature and increase humidity.

2. Water at the right time: Control the amount of water. Summer-dormant flowers do not have high water requirements, so the amount of watering must be strictly controlled. When flowers are in a dormant or semi-dormant state, their root activity is weak. If watered too much and the potting soil is too wet, root rot can easily occur; if watered too little, the plant's roots can easily shrivel. Therefore, it is best to keep the potting soil slightly moist.

3. Avoid rain: Prevent water accumulation. Because there is a lot of rain in summer, dormant flowers exposed to rain can accumulate water in the pot, easily causing root or bulb rot, leading to leaf drop in evergreen dormant flowers. Therefore, potted flowers should be placed in a wind-sheltered, rain-protected location, so that they can both receive ventilation and light and be protected from wind and rain.