What are the precautions for fertilizing potted flowers?

① Fertilize according to different flowers and trees and different growth stages. For example, during the process of flower bud formation, chrysanthemums should gradually have the amount and concentration of fertilizer increased. For acid-loving flowers and trees such as gardenia, rhododendron, camellia, and jasmine, alkaline fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and ammonia water must not be applied. Bulbous flowers and trees that require heavy pruning every year should be given more phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Before frost and winter, overwintering fertilizer should be applied to improve the plant's cold resistance. Before spring growth begins, sprouting fertilizer should be applied to make the buds plump and sprout quickly. When the spring shoots are about to mature, bud-promoting fertilizer should be applied to promote flower bud differentiation and plump buds. After flowering, a dilute nutrient fertilizer should be applied to restore the tree's vigor and encourage another round of flowering or fruit bearing. During full bloom and the early fruit-setting stage, fertilizer and water must be controlled, otherwise flowers and fruit are likely to drop. During the seedling stage, growth is rapid, so more nitrogen and potassium fertilizer should be applied. Before flowering and at bud appearance, more phosphorus fertilizer should be applied.

② Before fertilizing, loosen the soil, and also be careful not to let fertilizer water fall on leaves or buds. Acidic fertilizers such as human manure and urine, superphosphate, and ammonium carbonate must not be mixed with alkaline fertilizers such as plant ash and ammonia water. Never use a single type only. Applying nitrogen fertilizer together with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can improve fertilizer efficiency. Applying inorganic fertilizer together with organic fertilizer can prolong fertilizer efficiency, and can also prevent the potting soil from becoming compacted and improve aeration, water permeability, water retention, and fertilizer retention.