High summer temperatures and high humidity have an adverse effect on plant growth and development. And as a tropical plant, the growth status of nasturtium in high temperatures is particularly crucial. To ensure your nasturtium gets the best growth and development during summer, we provide this article introducing how to properly care for nasturtium to get through a safe and healthy summer.
I. Suitable Environment for Nasturtium
Nasturtium is a plant that likes warm, humid, and well-lit conditions. Its growth condition is even more important in summer. Therefore, we need to provide it with a suitable environment. In summer, due to higher temperatures, outdoor lighting conditions are a good choice. But note that during the hot season, do not expose nasturtium directly to sunlight to avoid excessive sunburn.
II. Watering Amount and Time
Summer temperatures are high, so nasturtium needs more water than usual. However, do not water blindly; overwatering can also lead to root rot. Therefore, when watering, you should control the amount of water according to the needs of nasturtium, keeping the soil moisture moderate. Also, note that the best time to water is in the morning or evening, avoiding watering under strong sunlight to prevent damage to nasturtium.
III. Pest and Disease Control
In summer, various pests and diseases often invade. For example, red spiders, whiteflies, etc., will harm nasturtium. To prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases, we should pay attention to cleanliness daily, maintain ventilation, and spray insecticides promptly.
IV. Regular Fertilization
As a tropical plant, nasturtium has a high demand for nutrients. In summer, due to factors like high temperature and heavy rain, nutrients in the soil easily leach out, so we need to fertilize nasturtium regularly. However, do not over-fertilize to avoid damaging the roots of nasturtium.
V. Repotting
Summer is the fastest growing season for nasturtium, so it needs more space for growth. If you find that the roots of nasturtium have filled the potting soil, you can consider repotting. When repotting, be careful not to transplant excessively to avoid affecting the growth of nasturtium.
VI. Pay Attention to Ventilation
Under high summer temperatures, nasturtium needs sufficient air circulation to maintain normal respiration. When placing nasturtium, pay attention to ventilation and keep indoor air circulating.
VII. Shading
In summer, the sunlight is intense and can easily harm nasturtium. You can consider setting up shading measures in the growth area of nasturtium to avoid excessive sun exposure. However, do not over-shade to avoid affecting the photosynthesis of nasturtium.
VIII. Reduce Movement
High summer temperatures have a great impact on plant growth. Moreover, frequent large-scale movement and adjustment are often required in this season. However, frequent moving will greatly affect the growth of nasturtium. Try to minimize the movement of nasturtium in summer.
IX. Pruning
Summer is the fastest growing season for nasturtium, but it is also prone to overgrowth and excessive lushness. You can consider appropriate pruning to reduce unnecessary branches and leaves, maintaining the healthy growth of nasturtium.
X. Maintain Humidity
Under high summer temperatures, nasturtium is prone to drought. You need to place some moist items around nasturtium, such as wet towels, damp soil, etc., to maintain humidity.
XI. Choose Appropriate Fertilizer
Due to high summer temperatures, nutrients in the soil are lost along with the loss of water. You need to choose fertilizer suitable for nasturtium. For example, choose fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium elements, which can maintain the growth and health of nasturtium.
XII. Prevent Soil Compaction
In summer, due to higher soil temperature, potting soil is prone to compaction. This will have a significant impact on the growth of nasturtium. You need to loosen the soil frequently to keep its looseness.
XIII. Note the Watering Method
In summer, to avoid harming the roots of nasturtium, you need to pay attention to the watering method. You can choose to water by spraying, which can maintain soil moisture and will not harm the roots of nasturtium.
XIV. Shorten Light Exposure Time in Summer
Since the sunshine duration in summer is long, it can easily have a negative impact on nasturtium. You can protect nasturtium by shortening the light exposure time. For example, cover nasturtium at dusk to reduce the light exposure time.
XV. Regular Pruning in Summer
Summer is the fastest growing season for nasturtium, but it is also prone to overgrowth and excessive lushness. You can consider regular pruning to reduce unnecessary branches and leaves, maintaining the healthy growth of nasturtium.
During summer, the growth and development of nasturtium require our extra attention. Through the introduction in this article, we can learn how to properly care for nasturtium in summer, avoid pest and disease invasions, and ensure that nasturtium grows safely and healthily in high temperatures.