How to water potted flowers
An article about the common topics of flower cultivation, how to water potted flowers, let's learn about it together.
Water is an essential material for the life activities of all organisms. In the process of photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration, plants need sufficient water. For flower cultivation, watering is the most frequent and primary management task. Whether flowers grow strong or bloom prosperously largely depends on whether the watering is reasonable. If the soil is too dry, the flowers will wither or even die; if the soil is too wet, the roots will rot and die. Special attention should be paid to watering potted flowers. How should we water potted flowers?
Pay attention to water quality
Water quality should be clean, fresh water without salt or alkali. Generally, rainwater is the best for watering potted flowers; tap water should be stored for a while to allow the chlorine to volatilize before use; well water usually contains various impurities and is not suitable for use. Rice washing water and wastewater from goldfish tanks can also be used to water potted flowers, but water containing soap or detergent and greasy dishwashing water should not be used. For flowers that require acidic soil, such as camellias, azaleas, orchids, and kaffir lilies, special attention should be paid to water quality, otherwise the soil may become alkaline, leading to poor plant growth.
Pay attention to water temperature
Watering is not allowed when there is a significant difference between soil temperature and water temperature (or room temperature and water temperature). You can choose appropriate times in the morning or evening, or adjust the water temperature (usually stored in advance in a缸 under the hot sun). If cold water is poured, the plant will immediately suffer from "physiological drought," and the leaves will quickly wither.
Pay attention to the amount of water
People have summarized the experience of "nine more and nine less" in potting practice.
① Water more for herbs and less for woody plants;
② Water more for moisture-loving flowers and less for drought-resistant flowers;
③ Water more for large, soft leaves and less for small, waxy leaves;
④ Water more during the vigorous growth period and less during the dormancy period;
⑤ Water more for large plants in small pots and less for small plants in large pots;
⑥ Water more for plants on the balcony and less for those in the courtyard;
⑦ Water more in hot weather and less in cold weather;
⑧ Water more in dry weather and less in cloudy weather;
⑨ Water more during the bud stage and less when flowering.
The concept of "more or less" is a comparison under the same conditions. If there is drought and dehydration, with withered branches and leaves, first move the plant to a shaded area, add a little water to the pot, and spray a small amount of water on the leaves. When the stems and leaves become firm, water thoroughly. If a large amount of water is poured directly, it will damage the roots and leaves. If it rains continuously for a long time, it's best to move the pot to a sheltered area; if the pot has been waterlogged for a long time, the plant must be moved out with the soil and placed in a shaded, well-ventilated area to quickly aerate and dissipate moisture. After 3-5 days of recovery, it can be repotted. If it suddenly becomes sunny after a long rain, woody plants should be placed in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 1-2 days before being exposed to sunlight. Otherwise, due to the reduced water absorption capacity of the roots during this period, even though the soil is wet, the branches and leaves will still lose water and become dry (referred to as "waterlogging"), and even die. If this phenomenon occurs, immediately move the pot to a shaded, well-ventilated area, cut off some withered branches, stop watering, and allow it to recover slowly.
Pay attention to the time of watering
Watering should be done during the plant's growth activities but avoid direct sunlight. Therefore, watering in winter should be done after 9-10 a.m., and in summer, it should be done before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m. For plants exposed to direct sunlight, the amount of water in the morning should be large, otherwise, they will wither before the afternoon.
Master the principle of watering
Most problems with potted flowers come from improper watering. No matter what kind of potted flower and in any season, one principle must be followed: "Water when dry, don't water when not dry, water thoroughly when dry." Keeping the soil slightly moist is safer and more reliable than too much water, that is, "better dry than wet."
Also, be careful not to just wet the surface with "waist-high water," as the soil on top is wet and on the bottom dry. Over time, the plant roots will wither due to lack of water, and the potted flower will not grow well.
How to determine if a potted flower needs watering?
① Tap the flower pot with your finger (or a small stick). If there is a "shell" sound, it indicates that the top of the pot is very dry, and watering can be done. If the sound is more闷, it means there is still some water in the upper and lower layers of the pot, and there is no need to water immediately.
② If the soil is gray and loose, it means the potting soil is dry and can be watered; if the soil is not loose and a small stick inserted into the soil feels moist, it means the soil is wet and can wait to be watered.
③ Squeeze the soil with your hand. If the soil is in pieces or clumps, it means the potting soil is moist; if it crumbles, it means the potting soil is dry and needs to be watered.
If no one is available to take care of the flowers at home for a short period, you can place small pots in a large pot or wooden box filled with wet sand, allowing the moisture from the wet sand to slowly seep into the small pots to meet the water needs of the flowers. You can also place a large pot of water next to the flower pot, prepare a thick towel, immerse one end of the towel in the water, and place the other end directly under the bottom of the flower pot. This way, the moisture will constantly滋润 the potted flowers from the bottom, preventing them from drying out.
The above is a complete introduction on how to water potted flowers, hoping it can help you. Don't forget to check out more flower cultivation experience and common sense!