Requirements of Lily of the Valley for Soil
As an elegant dancer in the courtyard, the Lily of the Valley is deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts for its pure white and fragrant flowers. To ensure healthy growth and continuous blooming, it is essential to scientifically allocate the planting soil and accurately grasp the elements of maintenance. This article will systematically analyze the core points of cultivating Lily of the Valley from substrate mixing to daily management.
Scientific Allocation of Lily of the Valley Planting Soil
Characteristics of Substrate Required
The ideal soil for cultivating Lily of the Valley should meet three major characteristics: a porosity of over 40% to ensure root respiration; a pH value of 5.5-6.5 to promote nutrient absorption; and an organic matter content of at least 15% to maintain sustained fertility. Experimental data show that using improved soil can increase the number of flowers by more than 30%.
Classic Soil Mixing Scheme
Recommended three-in-one golden ratio: humus soil (40%) + coarse river sand (30%) + pine needle soil (30%), with 5 kg of decomposed sheep manure added as a base fertilizer per cubic meter. This formula achieved a survival rate of 98.7% in comparative tests at Nanjing Botanical Garden.
Full Cycle Maintenance Management of Lily of the Valley
Water Control Techniques
Using the immersion pot watering method can prevent water accumulation in the leaf heart. Maintain soil moisture at 60% in spring (hand-held into a ball without dripping water), and spray the leaf surface with water in the morning and evening in summer to maintain air humidity above 70%. A key point to note: during the winter dormancy period, strictly control water to a soil moisture level of ≤30%.
Nutrient Supply Strategies
In the growing season (March to June), apply phosphorus-potassium liquid fertilizer (N-P-K=5-10-10) every 15 days, and apply bone meal (200g/m²) after flowering to supplement calcium. From September onwards, switch to humic acid water-soluble fertilizer to promote root development.
Environmental Control Points
Temperature management follows a three-stage regulation: maintain 18-22°C during the growing season, reduce temperature to 15-18°C during flowering to extend the viewing period, and maintain 5-10°C for vernalization during the overwintering period. For lighting, use double-layer shading nets to create a 60% shade, and receive 2-3 hours of gentle sunlight in the morning.
Through precise soil improvement and systematic maintenance management, the Lily of the Valley can not only display the best ornamental state but also achieve continuous blooming for many years. It is recommended to update the substrate every 2 years in conjunction with division, and regularly check the EC value (maintaining 1.2-1.8mS/cm) to create a stunning Lily of the Valley garden.