Methods for Keeping Stock (Matthiola incana) in Water as a Cut Flower and Care Precautions

Today I am sharing a common flowering plant, the stock (Matthiola incana), which some flower stall owners also call purple catalpa or blue flower vine. It belongs to the genus Matthiola in the family Violaceae, and its flowers come in a rich range of colors, including purple, blue, pink, white, and champagne. Its flower meaning is eternal love and endless love.

Generally speaking, stock cut flowers are very common in winter and spring, with a flowering period of about 10 days. How should they be cared for? When you receive the flowers, if you find any that have changed color or have slightly soft stem ends, they need to be cut at a 45-degree slant. After cutting, rinse the stems under running water, and also use a clean vase. Then, add water to one-third of the vase. If possible, add nutrient solution. When handling the flowers, try not to touch the flower heads, because they are quite delicate. Change the water about every two days. Finally, because stock itself has a sweet fragrance, it is not very suitable to place in the bedroom. It is recommended to place it in an open area, such as the living room or entryway. In daily care, do not let it be exposed to the sun; place it in a cool, ventilated spot.

Stock flowers are elegant in form, and many flower lovers especially adore the veining on their petals, which can give a fresh and refined feeling. Therefore, if you want to keep it for a longer viewing period, you should choose potted or hydroponic planting. How should you care for it at home in daily life? First, stock likes a cool and humid environment, so try to choose a spot by a window or in a sheltered place for it, avoiding direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves may be scorched. Second, its growing temperature is 15 to 22 degrees Celsius; when the environment is below 10 degrees Celsius, it needs protection from the cold to prevent cold damage.
Then, regarding watering for potted plants, keep the soil slightly moist. Never water from above the top, as that can easily cause a bald center; instead, try to water from the edge of the pot, with the water going directly onto the flowers and leaves. As for hydroponics, always maintain the water level at about one-third or one-quarter height, making sure the water does not cover the bottom of the bulb. After that, just change the water about every 3 to 5 days.

Finally, during the growing period, stock needs a dilute liquid fertilizer once a month. In winter, the frequency of fertilizing can be reduced. If during routine care you find withered yellow leaves and flowers, be sure to prune them promptly to avoid nutrients being drawn away, and this also helps promote the growth of new branches.