Key flower care tips before Qingming Festival, determining next year's blooming results

As we approach the Qingming rainy season, temperatures rise accordingly. Although cold air still reaches the north, it is already quite weak. This is the time to do some work on potted flowers.

1. Repotting

Warmth-loving flowers such as Aglaia odorata, jasmine, epiphyllum, spider plant, Monstera deliciosa, Strelitzia reginae, cycads, and Calathea species can be repotted and given fresh soil, with dead branches and leaves pruned, and soil loosened and weeds removed or fertilizer applied. For some cold-hardy flowers, fertilizer can be applied alongside repotting, soil replacement, pruning, and soil loosening. For example, roses are currently growing branches and leaves and developing buds, so a fertilizer combining nitrogen and phosphorus can be applied every 10-15 days, while also thinning buds appropriately.

2. Propagation

This month is an important period for flower propagation. Flowers such as Canna indica, gladiolus, dahlia, and Caladium bicolor can be propagated by division of roots; plants such as Cyperus alternifolius, Rhapis excelsa, Bambusa multiplex, spider plant, Hosta plantaginea, and Clivia miniata can be propagated by division of offsets. When dividing dahlia roots, each division should carry 1-2 sturdy buds. For Caladium bicolor, the tubers can be taken out and the bulbs separated for planting; plant 1 large piece per pot, or 2-3 small tubers per pot. Alternatively, when the tubers begin to sprout and grow leaves, a sharp knife can be used to cut the large tubers apart for separate planting, with the cut surfaces coated in plant ash to prevent rot. Division propagation is generally carried out together with repotting. When dividing, make sure the offset retains part of the root system to aid future growth.

3. Fertilizing

For flowers that bloom in winter and spring, such as camellia, Schlumbergera truncata, and Daphne odora, since blooming consumes a large amount of nutrients, a nitrogen-based fertilizer should be applied when growth resumes in warm spring to promote their growth. For flowers currently in bloom, such as Clivia miniata, Hippeastrum, and Michelia figo, fertilizing should be stopped to prolong the flowering period.

4. Watering

In April, many succulents enter a period of vigorous growth. Watering can be adjusted according to the variety: fast-growing varieties can be watered more, while slow-growing varieties should be watered less. In short, it is necessary both to meet the plants' water needs for growth and to avoid waterlogging. Therefore, for succulents in active growth, follow the rule of not watering until dry, and watering thoroughly when you do.

5. Succulent growth

In April the weather turns warm, and succulents enter the golden season of growth for the year. Plants that have not been repotted can be repotted, given fresh soil, and propagated by division. Indoor plants can gradually be moved outdoors to receive sunlight and the spring breeze. If there is continuous rainy weather, take care to prevent them from being exposed to rain for long periods, so that low temperatures and dampness do not cause the plants to rot.