Chrysanthemum Care Guide, allowing your balcony to blossom with vibrant greenery all year round.

Choose a suitable planting environmentSoil selection and cultivationWatering and fertilizingPruning and shapingPest and disease controlPropagation methods

Chrysanthemum, also known as Chuilan, is a common ornamental plant, loved by people for its lush green leaves and fresh aroma. Mastering the correct method is crucial when caring for chrysanthemums at home. This article will introduce you to the methods of growing chrysanthemums in detail, helping to keep your balcony or courtyard green all year round.

Choose a suitable planting environment

Chrysanthemums prefer a sunny environment but can also tolerate semi-shade. When caring for chrysanthemums, choose a location with plenty of sunlight and good ventilation, and avoid placing them in dark and damp places to prevent leaf yellowing and poor growth.

Soil selection and cultivation

Chrysanthemums thrive in well-drained and fertile soil. You can choose a soil mixture of decomposed leaf mold, garden soil, and sand. Before planting, you can apply a base fertilizer such as decomposed chicken or cow manure to provide ample nutrients.

Watering and fertilizing

Chrysanthemums are not tolerant of waterlogging. Watering should follow the "dry-wet" principle. During the peak growing season, water 2-3 times per week to keep the soil moist. In winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent root rot.

As for fertilizing, chrysanthemums enjoy fertilizer but not in excess. During the growing period, apply a compound or organic fertilizer once a month to promote plant growth. Before flowering, apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to promote blooming.

Pruning and shaping

Chrysanthemums grow rapidly and require regular pruning to maintain good shape. During growth, timely remove sick and weak branches and withered leaves to facilitate ventilation and light penetration. When pruning, you can slightly cut the main branches to promote the growth of lateral branches, forming a full plant shape.

Pest and disease control

Common pests and diseases of chrysanthemums include leaf spot and aphids. During maintenance, pay attention to the plant's growth condition. Once pests or diseases are found, take timely measures. Leaf spot can be controlled by spraying 50% carbendazim wettable powder 800 times liquid; aphids can be killed by spraying 40% dimethoate emulsion 1000 times liquid.

Propagation methods

Chrysanthemums can be propagated by sowing, dividing, and cutting. Sowing propagation is suitable for spring, scattering seeds on the soil surface and keeping the soil moist. They will germinate in about two weeks. Division propagation is suitable for spring or autumn, dividing the plant into several parts and replanting them. Cutting propagation is suitable during the vigorous growing period, selecting strong branches for cutting and transplanting after they take root.

Chrysanthemums are easy to care for as ornamental plants. With the above methods, you can easily grow beautiful chrysanthemums at home. During maintenance, pay attention to the plant's growth condition and adjust maintenance measures in a timely manner.相信您的翠菊一定能茁壮成长，为您的家园增添一抹翠绿。

References:

1. "Flower Cultivation Techniques," China Agricultural Publishing House, 2018.

2. "Home Flower Care Guide," Shanghai Science and Technology Publishing House, 2017.