Chrysanthemum Fertilization Methods and Solutions for Over-Fertilization

The chrysanthemum is a relatively common ornamental flower with a great many varieties and a wide range of colors. The chrysanthemum is one of the Four Gentlemen of China, symbolizing good fortune and longevity, and it is now grown in all regions. Chrysanthemums can be grown in open ground or in pots, and their requirements for the growing environment are not very high. To help chrysanthemums grow smoothly and bloom on schedule, additional fertilization is generally needed. Below let us take a look at how to fertilize chrysanthemums and what to do about over-fertilization.

I. How to fertilize chrysanthemums?

1. Chrysanthemums are mainly fertilized with potassium and phosphorus fertilizers as the primary nutrients. The fertilization method differs by growth stage and season, and fertilization should not be done too early. Generally before flowering, that is, in autumn, sufficient fertilizer and water must be ensured, the number of fertilizer applications increased, and the concentration can be increased at the same time. When the high-temperature period of summer arrives, fertilization needs to be reduced to help chrysanthemums safely get through the summer.

2. When repotting, add base fertilizer to the bottom of the pot. According to the size of the chrysanthemum plant, repotting is needed; do not switch to a very large pot all at once, but gradually, according to size, change to a suitably sized flower pot bit by bit. If repotting is not done, the soil nutrients will be used up, which is not conducive to growth and flowering, so timely repotting is needed. When repotting, add an appropriate amount of fertilizer to the soil to ensure the chrysanthemum grows more healthily.

3. During the seedling stage of the chrysanthemum, fertilize less or not at all; at this time the plant is relatively fragile. Fertilize once every 7-10 days, and be careful to apply diluted light liquid fertilizer.

4. During the growth period of the chrysanthemum, this is the rapid growth stage, and the plant has a high demand for nutrients, so the number of fertilizer applications needs to be increased, about once every 5-7 days.

II. What to do about over-fertilization of chrysanthemums?

1. Wash the roots and repot

Immediately take the affected flower out of its pot, wash the roots clean and cut off the damaged part of the root system, and cut off the severely wilted branches and leaves. Then replace the growing medium, repot, water thoroughly, and place it in a cool place, do not let direct sunlight hit it, and spray water 3-5 times a day to ensure a balance of moisture above and below the plant, until the flower and plant return to normal growth.

2. Rinsing

Place the flower pot under running clean water and rinse for 1-2 hours, with the water level 2-3 cm above the pot rim, so as to quickly reduce the fertilizer content of the potting soil.

3. Water thoroughly

For some precious flowers and trees or those with delicate root systems, it is not advisable to wash the roots and replace the soil; instead, immediately water the affected flower and plant thoroughly 2-3 times in a row, so as to flush out the high-concentration fertilizer.

Note that fertilization should be “seven parts water, three parts fertilizer”; especially when using compound fertilizer, the concentration should be 0.1%-0.3%, then spray it onto the potting soil with a spray bottle, not spraying too much, with the solution flowing out from the drainage hole as the suitable amount. Solid fertilizer should be used in an appropriate amount according to the size of the plant and the size of the flower pot. For stick-shaped special fertilizer, generally bury 1-2 pieces for a flower pot with a diameter of about 10 cm, and bury 3-4 pieces for a flower pot with a diameter greater than 12 cm.