How to best care for flowers during their dormant period
Flower dormancy is a continuation of the plant's life activities and a special form of adaptation to unfavorable environments. Once a flower enters dormancy, all physiological activities slow down or even temporarily stop. There are two types of flower dormancy: one is the temporary cessation of growth caused by adverse external factors (such as low temperatures, short daylight, drought, etc.), known as enforced dormancy. The other is the stagnation or cessation of growth shown at a certain period due to the plant's own physiological characteristics, known as natural dormancy.
When flowers are in a dormant state, there is no need to worry; it is merely a necessary part of the growth process. But do not assume that the plants do not 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 begins, dormant flowers should be placed in a cool, well-ventilated spot, avoiding direct sunlight. If conditions allow, a shade canopy can be set up, and water should often be sprayed 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 waterlogging. Because there is a lot of rain in summer, dormant flowers that are exposed to rain may accumulate water in the pot, which can easily cause the roots or bulbs to rot and lead to leaf drop in evergreen dormant flowers. Therefore, potted flowers should be placed in a wind-sheltered, rain-protected spot, so that they can get both ventilation and light while being protected from wind and rain.